#2 - Jim Kersten | 2025 GFDGA Catalyst Award Winner

Jim Kersten is the Vice President of External Relations and Government Affairs at Iowa Central Community College. Jim is also the winner of the 2025 Catalyst Award from the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. Astra and Katy sit down with Jim to discuss his community involvement, his interactions with all levels of government, Jim's dedication to service, and much more!

🛑 Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
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This podcast is presented by The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and is produced by Spin Markket + Digital (https://www.spinmarkket.com).

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:10 Community Announcements
03:35 Jim Kersten - 2025 GFDGA Catalyst Award Winner
04:54 Jim's History in Politics
06:12 Jim's First Election as a Senator
07:06 Jim's Favorite Projects He Worked On
09:19 Iowa Central Community College BioFuels Lab
12:56 Buena Vista University Ad
14:01 The Highway 20 Project
16:19 Jim's Favorite Memories in Politics
18:01 What Drives Jim's Passion for Service?
19:52 Jim's Work with Iowa Central and Beyond
21:55 Jim's Legacy in Our Region
22:37 Where Is Jim Keeping the Catalyst Award?
23:14 Final Thoughts
23:48 Jim's Wife's Reaction to Jim Winning the Catalyst Award
25:38 Episode Recap
26:49 Outro
27:19 Spin Markket + Digital Ad

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