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 →
Rural Iowa’s lack of affordable housing creates barrier for new business
From the Cedar Rapids Gazette: Rural Iowa’s lack of affordable housing creates barrier for new business
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
News Coverage From Iowa Rural Summit
Iowa’s rural areas look to stronger economies as businesses shift during pandemic
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 →
Business Record: Delta Dental Grants to Support Dentists and Non-Profits
From the DSM Business Record: Delta Dental of Iowa and the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation today announced two relief programs to offer Iowa dentists and nonprofits financial assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Delta Dental of Iowa, whose network includes 94% of Iowa’s dentists, has allocated more than $10 million... 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 →