News

IRDC Zoominar on Public Participation Available

The May 2025 IRDC Zoominar featuring Dan Pfeiffer of the Midwest Chapter of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) drew more than 70 attendees, and the virtual session is now available for viewing. Dan discussed public participation as an essential tool for empowering communities and building trust, especially in... Read More →

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!