Three Days of Ideas and Connections
Over 300 individuals and some 70 communities come together for two days of targeted training, networking and capacity-building. This meeting encourages small towns and rural places to learn from each other the tools to effective rural development.
For more information on the 2020 Iowa Rural Summit or to see how your community can participate, contact us at director@iowardc.org.
Summit Highlights from 2019
- Housing Development in Rural Iowa – “Raising Rooftops”
- Speaker Session: How Broadband Effects the Local Economy Presented by John Smith, Mayor of Townsville
- Empower Rural Iowa – What We’ve Learned and What Comes Next
- Speaker Session: Growing Our Rural Communities Presented by Governor Reynolds
- Key Issues Confronting Rural Communities: Iowa Case Studies
- Working Session: Steps to Effective Strategic Planning
Summit Speakers
Steve Siemens
The People Builder
Steve Siemens, The People Builder, located in Des Moines, Iowa has “built” people in every state in the United States plus 22 different countries. He is a highly sought after speaker as well as a very creative author of three books. His unique wit, wisdom, and common sense gives each audience tools, skills, and the encouragement to go to the next level.
David Williamson
Artist and Author
David Williamson is a professional artist and poet. At 17, he was one of the founding members of THE BUSHMEN, a local rock band from Jefferson, IA. In 2018, he and his band-mates were inducted into The Iowa Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame after 50+ years of songwriting and performing.
Kelly Bay
Owner, Rural Kind Co
Kelly Bay is a writer, speaker and small business owner. She started her company, Five Spa + Store, nearly 10 years ago as a solo massage therapist and built it into a seven member team. Most recently, she and her two business partners launched Rural Kind Co, a small business with a big mission to bring the best personal and professional development opportunities to rural America.
Benji Nichols
Owner, Inspired Media
Benji Nichols is an Iowa boomerang who set out to tour the world in the concert industry and found his way back over a decade later. He and his wife, Aryn,have been publishing Inspire(d) Magazine since 2007, focusing on the positive people, places, and businesses of the Driftless Region. He has a strong background in communications and a passion for community and civic work,LOCATION | Hotel Kirkwood
7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
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You’ll find our AAA Four Diamond hotel in Cedar Rapids, just a few minutes from The Eastern Iowa Airport; over 100 pieces of local and artisan art are dotted throughout our accommodations and public spaces, lending a sense of uniqueness and modern charm.
ADDITIONAL ROOM BLOCKS
$114/night for a king or two queens
Fairfield Inn & Suites Cedar Rapids 605 32nd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404│ (319) 247-1000
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$124/night for a king studio
Residence Inn Cedar Rapids South 730 33rd Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404│ (319) 450-7649
