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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The City of Ottumwa hopes to be hiring shortly.

The city has been looking to fill the executive director position of the Ottumwa Economic Development Cooperation.City Administrator Joe Helfenberger said the city was flooded with lots of good applications both from near and far. Now, the field has been narrowed down to four candidates who will be interviewed starting Monday. 

Helfenberger said they are excited to fill the position and have another member working for the betterment of the community.

“Yes we are. We’ve got a number of projects out there that we’re waiting to get a new person on board to be able to take the ball and run with it. We’re looking for leadership; we’re looking for someone who will be a cheerleader for business and industry.”

Helfenberger said the final four candidates are more localized candidates. If they do not select one of those four they will look at deeper and further away candidate.

"We're looking for someone who will have the personal skills to manage development and present and market the community within the region."

The director meets with the city once a week to discuss different issues and share contact information.

Helfenberger said the want the new executive director to be able to attract some “anchor companies,” for example suppliers that would make a good fit for our community.

The position has been filled with an interim director since June.