Prior to taking the lead at CRDC, Mr. Ames served as Project Manager with the Quad City Development Group in Rock Island, Illinois. Over the course of his career in economic development, he has worked closely with federal, state, county and municipal governments, downtown development groups, community colleges and universities, local realtors, banks and utility companies in developing marketing programs geared toward businesses considering the area as a possible site for investment. Mr. Ames educational accomplishments include a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Ambrose University and Masters Degrees from the University of Iowa in Economics, and Urban and Regional Planning.

Karen Mooney, Marketing/Research Specialist

As Marketing/Research Specialist, Ms. Mooney utilizes client technology solutions to support both the marketing of the Greater Clinton Region and the retention/expansion efforts of existing businesses. She maintains databases of contact information and vital statistics about the region to enable on-demand reporting to our stakeholders. Ms. Mooney received her AA from Eastern Iowa Community College and is nearing completion of her B.A. in Organizational Management from Ashford University.

Edward O'Neill, Resource Development Specialist

Mr. O'Neill's focus is seeking out funding, such as grants and low interest or forgivable loans, from llocal, state, or federal sources for business retention or new business development endeavors. As a former Clinton City Councilman, Mr. O'Neill is quite familiar with the needs of our local partners. He received his B.A. from Western Illinois University, majoring in Business Administration. Prior to joining CRDC in March 2007, he held the position of Director of Infrastructure Development for the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mary B. Paul, Receptionist/Administrative Assitant

Ms. Paul is probably the first contact you will have with CRDC.  She performs a variety of administrative duties in addition to assisting professional staff in performing daily tasks.  Ms. Paul has approximately 50 college credit hours, has over 20 years experience in the office administration/executive secretary field, and continues to increase her education by attending computer classes and workshops.  Ms. Paul is also a part-time artist.

In Memory of Hugh "Jerry" LaMont

(April 17, 1945 - December 3, 2007)

Clinton Regional Development Corporation is mourning the passing of our colleague and close friend, Hugh LaMont. Hugh died Monday, December 3rd at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn., following an extended battle with pancreatic cancer.

As president of then, CADC, LaMont served as a primary contact with state and local officials, working to bring new jobs and successful corporations to the community. Hugh was a graduate of the University of Iowa where he obtained his B.A. in Business Administration. Throughout his career he served as both City Councilman and Mayor for the City of Mechanicsville. He served as President of the Iowa League of Cities and was an active member of the Mid-American Economic Development Council and the Professional Developers of Iowa, to which he was recently awarded a lifetime membership.

Hugh laid the foundation for so many of the initiatives in which CRDC is now involved. He built valuable relationships and made friends wherever he went - Hugh will be sorely missed. As we   look back on and attempt to honor the legacy Hugh has left the staff of CRDC, we should keep  in mind his signature phrase, “Straight Ahead!”