Sam M. McCord, President McCord Consulting Group

Sam McCord, President and CEO, began operations in 1992. He and a partner started Midwest Technology Transfer, Inc. in 1991 to provide economic development and industrial recruitment for small, rural communities and later added site selection to their business. MCG was formed out of increased demands to provide market and business development, executive search and later business acquisition search. Most recently added was the Computer-Scored Personal Style Assessment Reports using the DISC Model of Behavior system for helping clients and candidates during the hiring and promotion process.

McCord is a graduate of Hawkeye Community College (formerly Hawkeye Institute of Technology) with an A.A.S. in Civil Engineering Technology with additional courses from University of Northern Iowa in Communications, Industrial Psychology and Marketing. McCord has worked with a wide range of companies ranging from start up to Fortune 500 with the majority involved with plastics manufacturing all across the nation. Some of the companies represented are Trane American Standard, Waterloo Industries, CertainTeed, Rubbermaid/Newell, Exide Technologies, EcoWater Systems Company and Eagle Window & Door.

He has been a member of the International Society of Plastics Engineers since 1984 and has been on the Iowa Board since 1985, and currently an International Vice President (2004-2007) on the Executive Committee which oversees the business operations of the whole organization. He is also a member of the Downtowners Watts of Talk Toastmasters, CTM 2003, ATM Bronze 2006 and an active member of the Cedar Rapids Noon Lions International in the Cedar Rapids Noon Lions Club. Sam volunteers his time working with Industrial Technology students at ISU in developing their communications and interviewing skills for career advancement and a board member on the Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering External Advisory Council. He is on the Business Advisory Board and writes articles for Business Facilities Site Selection magazine. Chair for the Biomass Working Group, which is part of the Iowa Business Council charged with developing products made from natural fibers like switch grass, kenaf, corn, soybeans.