IRDC Zoominar on DOE Onsite Energy Program Recording Available
The recording of the October 31st IRDC Zoominar on the Onsite Energy Program run in the Midwest by the University of Illinois-Chicago is available by clicking here. https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/Hcws2z8tOJIjYj_t_EYUV0mriJ8QfUAF0ZVmbIYp8JM0GR2Igye3fdBYwBE5QrCw.Uk8xB3t7Oxnf66B4 Passcode: 7*rj8srP Graeme Miller’s slidedeck is HERE. Join us in November for a look at AARP’s Age Friendly Communities!
Rural Business Initiative Application Webinar Recording Available
The Zoom recording of the October 16th webinar on the application process for the 2025 round of Rural Business Initiative grant funding is available. Chatbox notes and pilot project best practices are also included. The RBI 2.0 application window closes on November 7th. Four or five applicants will be selected... Read More →
IRDC Zoominar on Hometown Pride Available for Re-Viewing
The September IRDC Zoominar highlighting the successes of Keep Iowa Beautiful’s “Hometown Pride” program is available to view. KIB’s Lorin Ditzler as well as Hometown Pride coaches Sara Jones and Tricia Wagner shared information and insights into the program and suggestions on engaging volunteers in rural communities. See the recording... Read More →
Rural Business Initiative Grant Program Application Window Opens
For Immediate Release September 29,2025 Wells Fargo Foundation Grant to Support Rural Small Business Development Des Moines, Iowa – Building on the success of a pilot program focused on supporting small businesses in rural communities, the Wells Fargo Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to the Iowa Rural Development... Read More →
Homes for Iowa Zoominar Recording Available
The Newton-based Homes for Iowa program took the spotlight during the IRDC’s June, 2025 monthly Zoominar. The recording of the session can be found at: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/xJjaWa7R3NKGnSFsvT9lPtoWB0BXjqnMr9T5u-lSGq5XII9H0PKsJLcDprf9hyxK.plu2PMlaRmSidaE_ Passcode: h9+Q2dKB The presentation slide deck is HERE.
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 →
