Community Economic Development Information

Local News

Iowa State Fair Corndog Checkoff
(Posted on 1/25/2012)
From 4H exhibits, funnel cakes, Ferris wheels, food on a stick and free entertainment, to premier livestock events, expansive art displays and the country's largest state fair food department, the Iowa State Fair has something to offer every member of the family. Through the Corndog Tax Checkoff, Iowans can express their love for the Fair and help renovate its historic grounds.

2012 Come to the Table Summit
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
The 2012 Come to the Table Summit is scheduled for February 10, 2012 in Iowa City. Organizers hope to increase the amount of local food bought and sold in Iowa by bringing together state and national food buyers with local food producers.

2011 Annual Report - People Advancing People
(Posted on 1/11/2012)
Here in Iowa, people care about each other and their communities. That's why they have invested in Iowa State University - and Extension and Outreach.

New Phone Application will Help Stranded Winter Motorists
(Posted on 12/2/2011)
A new smartphone application from the North Dakota State University Extension Service will help motorists stuck in winter weather.

Managing Tough Times
(Posted on 2/18/2011)
ISU Extension's Managing Tough Times website is your one-stop shop for the help you need during tough times.

Program Builder
(Posted on 10/13/2010)
Welcome to the Community and Economic Development Program Builder. It is a web based marketplace where community leaders can review and make selections from a variety of technical assistance, consulting and educational programs that will improve the quality of life in your community.

News from Iowa State University Extension

Towns Selected for 2012 Community Visioning Program
(Posted on 1/12/2012)
Twelve Iowa communities have been selected to participate in the Iowa's Living Roadways Community Visioning Program in 2012: Calmar, Center Point, Chariton, Colo, Dyersville, Manning, Paullina, Perry, Rock Valley, Schaller, Tripoli and Villisca.

Farmland Value Reaches Historic $6,708 Statewide Average
(Posted on 12/14/2011)
Average Iowa farmland value is estimated to be $6,708 per acre, an increase of 32.5 percent from 2010, according to results of the Iowa Land Value Survey conducted in November. This is the highest percentage increase ever recorded by the Iowa State University annual survey.

ISU Extension and Outreach Works with Citizens to Chart a Course for Maquoketa's Future
(Posted on 12/5/2011)
The Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce and Office of Economic Development has partnered with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Community and Economic Development (CED) unit for a two-year project to develop a vision for Maquoketa’s future.

Registration Open for Rural Entrepreneurs Summit
(Posted on 11/2/2011)
Registration is open for Rural YES (Young Entrepreneur Summit) Nov. 9 in Ames. Summit sponsors include the Community Vitality Center, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, the U.S. Small Business Administration and USDA Rural Development.

Symposium to Feature Fruit and Vegetable Production, Marketing Strategies
(Posted on 10/14/2011)
Fruit and vegetable growers are invited to attend the Tri-State Fruit and Vegetable Growers Symposium Friday, Dec. 2, 12–5:15 p.m. at Stoney Creek Inn, 300 Third Street, Sioux City, Iowa.

Community Visioning Program Application Deadline Extended
(Posted on 10/7/2011)
The application deadline for the 2012 Iowa’s Living Roadways Community Visioning Program has been extended to Friday, Dec. 1. Eligible communities are those with populations of fewer than 10,000, existing transportation-related issues, and a committee of volunteers willing to dedicate their time and talent to the visioning process.

Summit at Iowa State Says “YES” to Rural Entrepreneurs
(Posted on 10/7/2011)
The Community Vitality Center (CVC) and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community and Economic Development are partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration, USDA Rural Development and other sponsors to host a Rural YES (Young Entrepreneur Summit) on Nov. 9.

City Clerks and Finance Officers Can Now Register for Budget Workshops
(Posted on 10/4/2011)
In an ongoing effort to help Iowa’s city clerks and finance officers prepare for the fiscal year budget, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office of State and Local Government Programs (OSLGP) and the Iowa League of Cities are holding budget workshops throughout the state in November and December.

Work Begins on Iowa’s New Local Food and Farm Initiative
(Posted on 8/11/2011)
Craig Chase, ISU Extension farm management specialist and interim marketing program leader at the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, will coordinate the Local Food and Farm Initiative, a new statewide program that aims to boost production, processing, distribution, marketing and consumption of Iowa-grown food.

Wanted: Photos for ISU State Fair Exhibit
(Posted on 8/3/2011)
Iowa State University (ISU) is giving Iowans the chance to display photos at the Iowa State Fair. As part of the university's exhibit in the northeast corner of the Varied Industries Building during the fair, Iowa residents are encouraged to submit photos to illustrate how Iowa State and ISU Extension and Outreach are making a difference in their communities.

Staff

Amber Bisinger - External Relations Specialist for Southeast Iowa
Phone: 319-377-9839
Fax: 319-377-0475
Email: Bisinger@extension.iastate.edu

Karen K. Lathrop - Community Development Field Specialist
Phone: 319-325-5465
Fax: 319-627-4923
Email: klathrop@iastate.edu

Linda Fischer - Regional Extension Education Director
Phone: (319) 377-9839
Fax: (319) 377-0475
Email: lefisch@iastate.edu