IADG (Iowa Area Development Group) recently hosted a partners forum in West Des Moines. Nearly 90 people attended this informative session that covered marketing, client proposals, regionalism, community success stories, university and governmental development tools, and the Iowa Values Fund.

Keynote speaker Mark Drabenstott of the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City started off the forum with an insightful presentation on the importance of regionalism. Drabenstott's regional economic approach illustrated sustainable growth over traditional local engines and how cooperation among communities can have a real impact on market opportunities. Jack Schultz, CEO of Agracel in Effingham, IL, wrapped up the forum with the "7 1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns." He shared his research on small town success stories across the country.

The two-day event was well attended by IADG member systems and their community development allies.

Ventures & Viewpoints, Iowa Area Development Group
4th Quarter 2003