Save the Date...
Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 1:00 — 5:00 pm, Reception Following
PDI Spring Event — held in conjunction with the SMART Conference
DMACC Center for Career & Professional Development at Southridge Mall
1111 South Army Post Road, Des Moines, Iowa
Theme: Keeping Communities Viable — Strategies for Growth & Vitality
General Sessions: Strategies for Growth — Successful Business Models
Welcoming & Integrating a New Workforce
Professional Development Skills — Telling Your Community's Story
Reception following: Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion
[Registration opens mid-February 2016 — PDI Members will be able to register for both events on one form]
PDI does not have a conference hotel. Consider using the hotel for the SMART Conference or go to http://www.catchdesmoines.com/hotels/ for options.
DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
• PDI Economic Development Organizations Encouraged to Submit Awards Application
for Business Retention and Expansion Efforts
The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) will honor economic development organizations from across Iowa during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on April 28.
The PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies.
"Supporting Iowa's existing industry is a key priority for PDI's membership," stated Wayne Pantini, PDI President. "The BRE Awards are intended to increase the focus on fostering Iowa business growth by economic development organizations and spotlight BRE programs and projects that have made a significant impact on Iowa communities."
Learn more about the BRE Awards >>
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
• PDI Develops Talking Points for the 2016 Legislative Agenda
Dear PDI Members:
For 35 years, our organization has successfully represented the collective economic development interests of both the private and public sectors by providing leadership in defining and promoting statewide economic development initiatives to state lawmakers. To support your local advocacy efforts and to advance the 2016 PDI Legislative Agenda, the Legislative Committee has prepared this
PDI 2016 Legislative Agenda Talking Points document.
This year’s legislative agenda covers topics ranging from the Renewable Chemical Tax Credit to tax increment financing, workforce development funding and economic development resources. For each agenda item, there are at least two and as many as four talking points that you can put to work in your conversations with lawmakers from your local area. They are not intended to be read aloud or submitted in written form. Instead, integrate your own local statistics and anecdotes into the talking points and use them as a springboard for conversation.
The Legislative Co-Chairs emphasize that this is a living document. Any and all suggestions for additions or improvements are welcome and should be directed to Lynn Harkin at director@pdiowa.com.
Thank you for your participation in the Professional Developers of Iowa and for advocating on behalf of an improved economy across our great state.
Sincerely,
PDI Legislative Committee
• PDI 2016 Legislative Agenda Unveiled
The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) is a statewide non-profit organization of more than 330 practicing economic development professionals dedicated to expanding the economy of the State of Iowa. For decades, PDI has successfully represented the collective economic development interests of both the private and public sectors by providing leadership in defining and promoting statewide economic development initiatives. In order to compete with other states and countries, Iowa must create a business climate that enhances our strengths, expands the state's tax base, creates and retains high-paying jobs, and builds the industries of the future.
- Tax Increment Financing
- Workforce
- State Economic Development Resources
- Brownfield/Grayfield Tax Credit Program
- Income Tax Reform
- Housing
- Small Business & Entrepreneurship Support
- Renewable Chemical Tax Credit
- Broadband
See Full Agenda >>
• PDI 2016 Grow Iowa Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Iowa State Capitol Rotunda, Des Moines, IA
Join us for the 2016 Grow Iowa Day at the Iowa State Capitol on February 10, 2016. Grow Iowa Day is PDI's best opportunity to demonstrate to legislators the strength and breadth of our membership organization. Legislators respond to their constituents which is why it is so important that our members attend in mass and dialogue with them. Grow Iowa Day has demonstrated a tremendous return on investment with our legislators.
Exhibit spaces are available and the application form is online at http://www.pdiowa.com/wcm/Members/EventDetail?EventKey=GID16.
If you want more information, contact PDI Headquarters at director@pdiowa.com.
For More Information Contact:
Tod Faris, Legislative Committee Co-Chair - 641/856-3388; aedcdirector@iowatelecom.net
Kiley Miller, Legislative Committee Co-Chair – 712/264-3474; kmiller@lakescorridor.com
Brian Crowe, Legislative Committee Co-Chair- 319/730-1425 bcrowe@cedarrapids.org
Amy Campbell, Lobbyist – 515/554-5838; Amy@IALobby.com
Craig Patterson, Lobbyist – 515/554-7920; Craig@IALobby.com
• Iowa's Open Records Law - Who, What, When, and Why?
By Matthew McKinney, BrownWinick Attorneys at Law
Iowa's Open Records laws permit Iowans and Iowa businesses to obtain numerous types of records and communications from government bodies and officials. Frequently, Iowans and Iowa businesses use these laws to obtain general information about government activities as well as information about how competitors may be communicating with the government. Access to such records is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 22.
Read More >>
STATEWIDE PRIDE
• Panel: Immigration Reform About People, Not Politics
By Alma Gaul, Quad-City Times, January 28, 2016
Imagine that someone you know confides that they are an undocumented worker, that they have been living in the United States for a long time and they want to become a citizen.
Then they ask for your help. What do you tell them?
You tell them that "there's no way," Amy Rowell, director of the World Relief office in Moline, said at a panel discussion Wednesday night. "Really, unfortunately, right now there is no way, and the longer they are here illegally, the harder it is. That's why our immigration system is broken."
Read More >>
EDUCATION
• 2016 Iowa Downtown Conference: Call for Presenters
The Iowa Economic Development Authority's Iowa Downtown Resource Center will present the annual Iowa Downtown Conference August 3-4, 2016, in Mason City. The state's premier event for professionals and volunteers involved in downtown and historic commercial district revitalization in Iowa will feature general sessions, concurrent breakout sessions and hands-on educational training throughout the conference, as well as informational tours, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall.
Read More >>
WHO'S WHO - MEMBER NEWS
• Getting To Know Your Members — Spotlight Article
The PDI PR/Communications Committee invites you to share information about your organization in our monthly spotlights. You can use this information to connect with other PDI members who have the same issues you might be facing or can contact them regarding something new they are doing. We want to hear from YOU too! It should include information on: Name; Geography (area served; location in state); Funding make-up; Budget size; Staffing (how many & their titles); Board make-up; Priority Areas; Metrics (ie: Jobs Created and Retained; Capital Investment; Businesses started; Capital raised; Housing starts etc.); News & Accomplishments; PDI Contact & Email/phone. Send photos too! Here’s our first one!
Name: Humboldt County Development Association
Geography: Humboldt County
Funding: Public-Private
Budget: Approximately $130,000 annually
Staffing: 1 FT -- Director
Board: 15 members: utility partners, bank presidents, industry representatives, city and county representation, agriculture representative and school superintendent.
Priority Areas: Business Retention and Expansion; Workforce, Education and Housing; Business Attraction; Community Development
Metrics: Jobs Created and Retained; Capital Investment; Taxable Valuation
Recent News: Developing a community daycare center, recruiting essential service companies, marketing commercial speculative building, creating leadership program and expanding high school internship program.
PDI Contact: Alissa O’Connor: alissa@humboldtcountyiowa.com — 515.332.2557
HumboldtCountyIowa.com
• New Members
Tom Banta, Iowa City Area Development Group, Iowa City
Ellen Kabat Lensch, Eastern Iowa Community College, Davenport
Nanci Young, Marion Economic Development Corp, Marion
Mariah Pierschbacher, Lucas County Development Corporation, Chariton
John Hall Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames
Mark Imerman, Regional Strategic, Ltd., Des Moines
Matt Washburn, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative, Le Mars
• Scholarship Recipient
Beth Waddle, Adams Community Economic Development Heartland, ED Course
Billie Jo Joyce, City of Emmetsburg, Heartland ED Course
John Hall, Ames Chamber and Economic Development, Heartland ED Course
• Job Postings:
Executive Director, Visit Mason City Iowa, Mason City
More Information >>
• Become a PDI Sponsor or Advertiser!
Consider becoming a PDI Sponsor or Advertiser! There are many opportunities to help sponsor PDI and our events for 2016. Participate in it all! PDI's Grow Iowa Day, Spring Event, Educational Events and the Fall Conference — join as a member — advertise in the newsletter and/or website — this kit covers everything. See the benefits of being a partner with PDI.
•2016 PDI Marketing Kit
Annual & Conference Sponsors
Annual Sponsors are promoted on the PDI printed materials and are automatically part of the PDI's Grow Iowa Day, Spring Event, Educational Events and the Fall Conference signage/materials. Among other benefits, Annual Sponsors receive a complementary registration to each conference.
A variety of sponsorship levels are available for both PDI's Spring Event and Fall Conferences. For your convenience, these levels and the associated benefits are outlined on the sponsorship form below. All conference sponsors are included in event promotional materials. So, be sure to turn in your sponsorship early in order to receive the most recognition for your organization.
•2016 PDI Conference Sponsor Form
•2016 PDI Rate Sheet for Website/Newsletter Advertising
For more information, please contact Sponsorship Chair, Shelly Turner, Turner Marketing Consulting, (319) 360-6976 or shelly@turnermktng.com Advertise in the Newsletter, or on the PDI Website.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Mark Your Calendars for Future Events/Conferences:
PDI 2016 Grow Iowa Day at the Capitol
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Iowa State Capitol Rotunda
Des Moines, Iowa
(Registration information will be available early December)
Heartland Economic Development Course, Inc.
April 24-28, 2016
Adam's Pointe Conference Center
Blue Springs, MO
More Information & Registration >>
PDI 2016 Spring Event
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
DMACC Southridge Conference Center
Des Moines, Iowa
2016 Iowa SMART Economic Development Conference
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center
Embassy Suites on the River — Sleeping Rooms
Des Moines, IA
PDI 2016 Fall Conference
September 28-30, 2016
Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites
Fort Dodge, Iowa
PDI 2016 Spring Conference
September 27-29, 2017
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cedar Rapids Convention Complex
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
For more information, contact Lynn Harkin, PDI Headquarters at (515) 243-4585 or Email director@pdiowa.com.
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