Smart Solutions Group is a Midwest consulting firm specializing in branding/ positioning and marketing locations and strategic and organizational planning.  The Group has worked with over 90 communities, counties, regions and states throughout the U.S.  They have a thorough understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by local and state economic development organizations.  Through their work, they’ve identified “best practices” and innovative strategies that are helping their clients organize, focus and implement to achieve greater success.  Organizations utilizing their services gain a competitive edge from their wealth of knowledge and extensive business development and business management experience.

Irv Jensen has 30 years of marketing and communications experience.  He is the former president of CMF&Z Advertising and Public Relations in Des Moines, Iowa.  Irv’s expertise includes research, direct marketing, advertising, public relations and Internet strategies.  Over his career, he has worked with hundreds of businesses and organizations to provide assistance with branding, marketing planning and implementation, communications program development and general business consultation. Recent clients include:  Mid-Iowa Economic Development Corporation; 20-20 Business Connection Regional Partnership; North Central Iowa Growth Partnership; Clay County, Missouri; and several other economic development organizations in Iowa and Missouri.

Bob Henningsen served for over 13 years as the marketing and business development director for the State of Iowa Department of Economic Development.  He managed the state’s business development nationally recognized marketing, financial assistance, entrepreneurial services and prospect/project management programs.  His extensive network of professional contacts within state and local economic development organizations, businesses, state and local governments, and university and community colleges is helpful in assuring rapid and authoritative analysis and information collection.  Recent clients include:  the states of Washington and Indiana (in partnership with Development Counsellors International); Iowa Workforce Development; Quad City Development Group; Webster County, Iowa; New Hampton, Iowa; Wright County, Iowa; Elkhorn Valley, Nebraska; and several other economic development organizations in Iowa and Nebraska.

Shelia Langdon is the former manager of the business development marketing and communications program for the State of Iowa Department of Economic Development.  For over 13 years, she was responsible for the development and implementation of long-term marketing and communications strategies to brand and position the State of Iowa as the Smart State for Business.  The program received numerous national awards including the “Gold Award” for Economic Development Promotion from the Council for Urban Economic Development.  Recent clients include:  The Principal Financial Group; Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation; Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Technology Corridor; State of Indiana (in partnership with Development Counsellors International); Webster City, Iowa; and several other economic development organizations in Iowa and Nebraska.

For more information, complete our Information Request Form  or contact your Economic Development Team Representative.