News

IRDC Announces Leadership, Executive Committee Changes

As a key leader looks to retirement, the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) executive committee has set a succession plan that will build on the momentum created through four Iowa Rural Summits and a growing membership base. IRDC, a statewide non-profit focused on rural vitality, has been led since 2016... Read More →

The Hill: A strong rural America starts with connectivity

Over the last several months, COVID-19 has changed our lives in a multitude of ways. Our routines were digitized almost overnight as business meetings transitioned to conference calls, classrooms became virtual meetings, and time spent with loved ones and friends became a luxury. While we all depend on broadband connectivity... Read More →

NE Iowa Telecommunications Company Profiles IRDC Exec Dir

You would be hard-pressed to find a stronger voice for rural development in Iowa than Bill Menner. For more than 30 years, Bill has been a fierce advocate and go-to expert for helping rural Iowa communities thrive… Bill Menner Shares His Perspective On Telehealth and Broadband Connectivity in Iowa

July 30, 2020 For Immediate Release   Rural Summit to Feature COVID-19 Small Business Innovation Session Panel to Describe Efforts in Bancroft, Manning and Spirit Lake   Grinnell, Iowa – The 4th Iowa Rural Summit, to be held virtually August 20-21, will include a wide-ranging discussion of small business efforts... Read More →

Complete Summit Agenda Released

Thursday, August 20 12:45pm            ZOOM Meeting Link Goes Live   1:00pm              Sparks of Inspiration of Summits Past:  Benji Nichols, Decorah   1:15pm              Visualize or Fossilize Your Community: Opening Keynote, Steve Siemens. Sponsored by ITC Midwest   1:55pm              Transition to Break-out Sessions   2:00pm              Break-out #1: Facilities and Projects Track  Small... Read More →

Summit Registration Open for Community Teams

Teams of up to five people can now register for the 2020 VIRTUAL Iowa Rural Summit, to be held online August 20-21. While individuals will pay $50 apiece to register, rural communities can have a team of up to five people register for only $150 for the two half-day event, which begins... Read More →

Iowa to Launch Small Business Grant Program

DSM Register: Iowa offering small businesses up to $25,000 in state grants to stay afloat during coronavirus pandemic Small businesses can apply for up to $25,000 in state grants to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced at a news conference. The money comes from about... Read More →