Why Council Bluffs, IA, Is the Place to Build Your Career 

©Journal Communications/Colin Conces

Council Bluffs, IA, boasts a close-knit community, plenty of job opportunities and a fabulous quality of life that many love. This combination makes it an excellent location for those looking to start or grow their careers. 

With a solid economic foundation driven by several major companies and a rich history of innovation, this region has become a place where those from various industries can thrive. Council Bluffs boasts a diverse economy with major employers like Google, food industry giants Tyson Foods, ConAgra, Jack Link’s and Bunge, and prominent casinos such as Harrah’s, Ameristar and Horseshoe. The region is also home to major health care providers, including CHI Health Mercy and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital. 

Positive Energy 

Health care is a rapidly growing sector in Council Bluffs. 

David Burd, president and CEO of Methodist Jennie Edmundson, relocated to Council Bluffs from Hebron, NE, in May 2020. 

Burd’s career in health care began with an internship at Lincoln General Hospital in Nebraska, and today, he credits his growth to the supportive and dynamic environment at Jennie Edmundson. 

“The great thing about Jennie Edmundson is its special culture,” Burd says. “We truly care here. Whether you’re an employee, a patient or a family member, you feel the difference.” 

Under Burd’s leadership, the hospital has not only remained a critical health care provider, but it has also contributed to job growth and community development. 

Jennie Edmundson is partnering with Acadia Healthcare to build a new behavioral health hospital in Council Bluffs, adding much-needed resources to the community. 

“It’s a great time to work and live in Council Bluffs,” Burd says. “There’s a lot of positive energy to grow and improve the community, and the city is becoming stronger every day thanks to its leadership.” 

Tory Kooyman

Community Feel 

The sense of community that Burd describes resonates across the region, as individuals are often drawn to its small-town feel and big-city amenities. 

For example, Robin Reber, the hotel operations manager for Harrah’s and Horseshoe Council Bluffs, is a native of the area and has spent her entire career in hospitality here. After attending design school in Chicago, she returned to Council Bluffs and started working in the service industry at Harrah’s. 

She thought it would be a temporary job. Little did she know it would launch a successful 18-year career in the casino and hospitality industry. 

“I never thought I’d stay in the hospitality industry, but here I am, and I love it,” Reber says. 

Her story reflects the opportunities Council Bluffs offers for growth and leadership, particularly in sectors such as hospitality and entertainment. Reber has risen through the ranks at Caesars Entertainment, which owns Harrah’s and Horseshoe, taking on roles that allowed her to gain exposure to different departments, develop management skills and earn a business degree through tuition reimbursement provided by her employer. 

“I love that Caesars invests in leadership development and supports our career growth,” she says. “It’s a company that really values its employees and their families.” 

A+ Amenities 

There is much to love about Council Bluffs, which is why people choose to grow their lives and careers here. Its proximity to Omaha makes it an attractive place to live for those who want to experience the charm of a smaller community while still having easy access to a metropolitan area. The region offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from biking and running trails to a range of shopping and dining options. 

“Council Bluffs is a big, small city,” says Reber, an advocate for the local lifestyle. “It’s not overwhelming, and people are genuine here. It’s a great place to build a career while also enjoying a high quality of life.” 

Whether it’s the health care initiatives led by Jennie Edmundson, the hospitality experience at Harrah’s, or the broader economic opportunities available, Council Bluffs is positioned for continued growth, with abundant room for personal and professional success. 

“There’s a bright future ahead for Council Bluffs, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” Burd says.