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Regional Economic Development through Entrepreneurship: A Symposium for Elected Officials provided an opportunity for elected officials and community leaders to discuss the critical need to develop and implement effective strategies to promote economic growth for the future of North Iowa.  North Iowa Area Community College hosted this event on Friday, June 19.

“We were happy to bring together so many leaders in North Iowa to work to move our region forward for the future, and a key factor in doing so will be promoting economic growth through entrepreneurship,” Dr. Debra Derr, NIACC president, said. 

The program included speakers James F. Krile on Eight Dimensions of a Healthy Community and Dr. Stuart Rosenfeld on Crafting a New Rural Development Strategy.  A North Iowa community also shared their real life story of collaboration on how to attract business, industry and people into their town.  Attendees then had the opportunity to discuss the ideas of the day with one another.

“These Elected Officials Symposiums are critically important, and I’ve come to every one NIACC has put on.  I always walk away with something I remember.  Today, the creative economy piece where the importance of looking for a niche especially for smaller communities was discussed,” Northwood Mayor Bob Perry, who attended the event, said.

The Regional Economic Development through Entrepreneurship: A Symposium for Elected Officials steering committee included Elizabeth Barker, Dr. Deb Derr, Jim Erb, Pat Galasso, Gregg Gillman, Dennis May, Joe Myrhe, Mark Olchefske, Terry Schumaker, Jay Urdahl and Jamie T. Zanios.  Event sponsors included Alliant Energy, Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors, Corbin Consulting, Iowa Department of Economic Development, NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, U. S. Small Business Administration, Winn-Worth Betco and the Worth County Board of Supervisors.

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