Author Archives for irdceditor

Employee Ownership Focus of IRDC Zoominar

April 30, 2025 3:44 am Published by Comments Off on Employee Ownership Focus of IRDC Zoominar

The University of Northern Iowa-led Iowa Center for Employee Ownership (IA-CEO) took center stage at the April 2025 IRDC Zoominar, with Senior Project Manager Stacy Mullinex leading an hour-l0ng conversation. Find the link to the Zoom recording here Use Passcode: TVBQ4xF! See Stacy’s slide deck here And find an overview... Read More →


Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awardees Announced

April 24, 2025 6:57 am Published by Comments Off on Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Awardees Announced

Individuals, Organizations Honored at 2025 Iowa Rural Summit   For Immediate Release April 20, 2025 Contact:  Bill Menner (director@iowardc.org)   AMES, IA – The 9th annual Iowa Rural Summit this month included a special recognition of five rural leaders, individual and organizational, ranging from an Eastern Iowa Main Street program... Read More →


IRDC Zoominar: Volunteerism and Targeting Young, Rural Iowans!

March 1, 2025 1:59 am Published by Comments Off on IRDC Zoominar: Volunteerism and Targeting Young, Rural Iowans!

Sacha Wise of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Camryn Ryan of Volunteer Iowa took the IRDC Zoominar stage on February 28th to talk about state efforts to engage volunteers – including the use of the AmeriCorps program. Their compelling discussion of the opportunities that exist for rural communities can... Read More →


Registration Underway for 9th Iowa Rural Summit

February 19, 2025 7:12 am Published by Comments Off on Registration Underway for 9th Iowa Rural Summit

Registration Underway for 9th Iowa Rural Summit Hundreds Expected at April 10-11 Ames Event AMES, IOWA – Rural leaders from across Iowa will convene at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center in Ames this spring for the annual Iowa Rural Summit, hosted by the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC).  “Rural... Read More →


iJAG Zoominar Recording, Slide Deck and Video Link Available

January 30, 2025 10:57 am Published by Comments Off on iJAG Zoominar Recording, Slide Deck and Video Link Available

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) President and CEO Wendy Mihn-Herold and her team of partners celebrated the 25 years of work they have been doing to enhance school-to-work opportunities for Iowa students.  More than 80 IRDC members participated in the January IRDC Zoominar, which was recorded for later viewing. The... Read More →


“Our Postville’ Zoominar Talks Community Development

November 21, 2024 11:01 am Published by Comments Off on “Our Postville’ Zoominar Talks Community Development

A recording of the November 21st IRDC Zoominar featuring the “Our Postville” Heart & Soul initiative is available for viewing. Click HERE and use the passcode: ^5Ai?wep Click LearningFromPostville for the slide deck Thanks to Crystal Duffy and Jason Neises for the insights and the amazing case study.


Washington State Tells Its Rural Investment Strategy

October 27, 2024 6:59 am Published by Comments Off on Washington State Tells Its Rural Investment Strategy

The October 2024 IRDC Zoominar featured two rural leaders from the state of Washington. USDA Rural Development State Director Helen Price Johnson and Washington Rural Partners Executive Director Jody Opheim talked about the Pacific Northwest initiative that includes rural partners in the state of Oregon. See the Zoom event recording... Read More →


Registration Open for Leadership Exchange and Bootcamp

September 17, 2024 12:12 pm Published by Comments Off on Registration Open for Leadership Exchange and Bootcamp

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN: 2024 Iowa Leadership Exchange Join us in Perry on October 29-30, 2024 for the 5th Annual Leadership Exchange event! The Annual Iowa Leadership Exchange is an educational event held to bolster existing leadership programs, support a statewide network of leaders, and empower communities to grow local leaders.... Read More →


IRDC Zoominar with Apprenticeship America Link Available

August 30, 2024 11:00 am Published by Comments Off on IRDC Zoominar with Apprenticeship America Link Available

Apprenticeship America CEO Christian Gray had the IRDC Zoominar microphone on August 30 to talk about workforce, apprenticeships and young workers. Here is the link to watch the Zoom recording, Here is the Passcode: *38dC+=T The slide deck can be found HERE!!


5th Annual Leadership Exchange: Registration Opens Soon

August 21, 2024 2:51 pm Published by Comments Off on 5th Annual Leadership Exchange: Registration Opens Soon

Building and sustaining small towns and rural areas seems like a straightforward endeavor.  It can be complicated by remote location, sparse populations, limited access to equity, broadband or health care or other factors. In fact, the biggest barrier to rural development and small-town viability is a lack of local leadership.... Read More →