News

IRDC Zoominar – ISU Extension Past, Present and Future

ISU Extension and Outreach Vice President John Lawrence is preparing to retire early next year, but took an hour to talk about his last 30+ years at Iowa State, its preeminence as a land-grant institution, and the impact Extension is making across the state. John’s power point is HERE The... Read More →

IRDC Zoominar – Philanthropy and Rural Iowa

On a drive through rural Iowa, you may see a new mural, a restored historical building, or a lively festival or farmer’s market. What isn’t visible to the eye is the philanthropic dollars used to support many of the things that make Iowa communities great places to live, work, raise... Read More →

August IRDC Zoominar Focuses on Rural Healthcare Workforce

More than 50 members joined in for the August IRDC Zoominar with Kady Reese of the Iowa Medical Society.  Kady talked about the expansive effort to address healthcare workforce shortages and the strategic plan being implemented. Here is the recording of the Zoominar.   And here is Kady’s IRDC HCW... Read More →

July Zoominar Tells NewBoCo Story

NewBoCo Executive Director Aaron Horn was our guest last month for the IRDC Zoominar, sharing the history and rural-focused efforts of this Cedar Rapids-based tech incubator. Here is a link to the Zoom recording of his presentation. Aaron’s slide deck is attached. IRDC – NewBoCo and Community Partnership Pilots.pptx (1)

May’s IRDC Zoominar Dives into Rural Child Care

Thanks to Angie Duncan of First Children’s Finance for a spellbinding 60-minute “Zoominar” on the steps, partners and pieces necessary for development of child care operations and facilities in a rural place. Some 50+ IRDC partners were on hand for the session.  The recording of (most) of Angie’s Zoom presentation... Read More →

Lt Governor Gregg Speaks at Rural Summit, Discusses Rural EMS

Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg spent hours with Iowa Rural Summit attendees this week, sharing successes of the Empower Rural Iowa program he co-chairs with the IRDC’s Sandy Ehrig and discussing an intriguing new opportunity for rural emergency medical services. During remarks on Day 2 of the Summit, Lt Gov... Read More →

Final Agenda Set for 2022 Iowa Rural Summit

Rural Summit 2022 Agenda    Monday April 11 Pre-Conference Opportunities (choose one)   12:00-5:00          Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Workshop, Garden Room, Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd, Ames, IA 50011.  Lunch included.  Register for this event at https://go.iastate.edu/HBGUGL   2:30-4:30pm:    Tour Iowa State University’s Digital Manufacturing Lab, powered by Alliant... Read More →

Rural Summit Registration Open!

Iowa Rural Summit Registration Open Registration is open for the 6th annual Iowa Rural Summit, to be held April 12-13 in Ames. The Summit brings together rural leaders from across Iowa who share successes and best practices in the areas of housing, broadband, entrepreneurship and community development.  The two-day event... Read More →

Mount Ayr Downtown Project Wins ‘Power of Connection’ Grant

            February 2, 2022 For Immediate Release   Mount Ayr Redevelopment Project Awarded Power of Connection Grant Historic building renovation gains $5,000 Support from Rural Initiative   MOUNT AYR, IA – A local effort to refurbish and redevelop an historic downtown building and a downtown... Read More →

IRDC Partners Gather to Celebrate

The Iowa Rural Development Council brought together supporters and sustaining members to celebrate the work of 2021 and what’s to come in 2022.  A reception at the Surety Hotel in Des Moines on January 4 was a chance to ring in the new! Thanks to all who attended, including Lieutenant... Read More →