Community Economic Development Information

Local News

ServSafe Certification Training -- Spirit Lake, March 8th
(Posted on 2/1/2012)
Did you know that there are estimated 76 million food borne illnesses each year and 225 to 300 million cases of acute gastroenteritis? That figures out to be once a year for each of us. How do you know the food you are being served has been handled and prepared with safety in mind? ServSafe is arguably the most recognized and renowned certification a food service manager can acquire to verify a complete knowledge of food safety practices. Research shows that training employees in safe food handling practices significantly improves food safety. Sign-up for a class today!

What's For Supper? Tips to Spend Smart. Eat Smart. - March 27th
(Posted on 1/30/2012)
Ever wonder how to provide nutritious meals for your family without spending more at the grocery store? Come join ISU Nutrition & Health Program Specialist, Holly VanHeel, for an evening of fun and exploration. Learn ways to stretch your food dollar and provide a more balanced, healthy meal.

Living High Tech And What It Means for Our Kids
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
Click on this Iowa Future Video to see the drastic changes occuring in Iowa and the world. For example, "Did you know... more people today have a mobile phone than have access to a clean toilet. 92% of American children have an online presence by the time they are 2 years old." Read on to find out more.

FREE Farmer's Tax Guide | For Use in Preparing 2011 Tax Returns
(Posted on 1/13/2012)
This publication explains how the federal tax laws apply to farming. Use this publication as a guide to figure your taxes and complete your farm tax return. Available at the Dickinson County Extension & Outreach Office or at the ISU Extension online store.

Iowan's Thank ISU Extension & Outreach
(Posted on 1/6/2012)
Watch this video to see how Iowa State University Extension & Outreach has helped Iowan's across the state.

Find Us On Facebook
(Posted on 1/5/2012)
Come "Like Us" on Facebook to get alerts on latest programs and happenings with Extension.

Consider Gift of Grain to 4-H
(Posted on 10/25/2011)
Give a gift of grain this year to benefit youth in Dickinson County while helping you save on your taxes. A donation of grain is an easy way for Iowa farm families to show their support for the 4-H program and make sure 4-H continues for future generations.

Dickinson County Agriculture Adds Value
(Posted on 1/1/2011)
Agriculture is important to the economic fabric of Dickinson County and Iowa. We have 566 farms that cover 88 percent of the land surface in the county. Agriculture generates income, employment and economic activity.

2010 Farm & Rural Life Poll Results
(Posted on 1/1/2011)
More than 1,300 farmers participated in the 2010 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll. Results show that despite the recession and difficult weather-related events, Iowa farmers feel like they and their families maintained their quality of life and are optimistic about the future.

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.

Events

Communities

03/08/2012 ServSafe Certification Training

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