Leadership Development

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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. Early bird registration is open until September 13. Click HERE to register!
2024 Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant Application
The Iowa Leadership Bootcamp Grant program provides training, mentorship, and funding to communities and regions initiating leadership programs. Grantees are required to participate in a half-day bootcamp (October 30 in Perry) resulting in a work plan and a one-year mentorship. The program is administered by the Iowa Rural Development Council in partnership with the Center for Rural Revitalization, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Leadership Iowa. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until October 1, 2024. More information is available on the application. Contact Liesl Seabert at liesl.seabert@uni.edu with any questions.

Resources and Partners

The effort to help develop leaders (current and future) is being led on multiple fronts.   There are business and industry-focused programs, educational efforts, leadership efforts aimed at young people, farmers and elected officials.  Schools,non-profits, associations, economic development groups and others are all working to “build the bench.”

Case Studies and News Items

Sometimes the best solutions are just down the road.  Many rural Iowa communities are implementing innovative solutions to address their leadership needs.  Those case studies and best practices can be a roadmap for other communities – if they know where to look!

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 →

Press Celebrates Clayton County Champion

[Note Iowa Rural Development Council/Power of Connection reference] http://www.claytoncountyregister.com/articles/2021/02/23/going-places-here-home-jenna-pollock Going Places. Here at Home: Jenna Pollock This is one in a series of articles highlighting the latest generation of innovators making a difference in our communities. Conservation director has passion for Clayton County, nature and being positive By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register It’s... Read More →

IRDC Launches New Website

The Iowa Rural Development Council is pleased to unveil its new website,  which was created by the talented team at Big Imprint, a West Liberty-based websites and marketing firm. “We are thrilled to have Ethan Anderson and the Big Imprint designers on our team,” said IRDC Chair Sandy Ehrig.  “We... Read More →

Governor Signs ‘Empower Rural Iowa’ Bill

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds used the backdrop of the Wilton Candy Kitchen to sign legislation that provides state funds for rural housing and broadband. An article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette provides more information. Members of the ‘Empower Rural Iowa’ task force and the Iowa Rural Development Council joined Governor... Read More →