Annual Report

Nicholas J. Schrup III
2008-2009 Chairperson
Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation

Twenty-five years ago, a wise group of local leaders realized that to build the strongest possible economy and to share with the world what makes this area a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, a new vision and model for community development was necessary. This vision became focused more broadly on the development of the larger Dubuque area - not just the City of Dubuque - to attract and create new businesses and to develop local communities to support these businesses. This bold, new vision led to a unique organizational mission, and in 1984, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation was formed. Greater Dubuque began with an industrial focus that brought steady returns and, over time, assumed an expanded role to harness the strength of the region.

Greater Dubuque Development Corporation has succeeded because both public and private sectors have collaborated to form strong partnerships. The City of Dubuque and Dubuque County are major supporters. The State of Iowa is essential in the ultimate success of many major projects. And, of course, without the broad support of the area business community there would be no Greater Dubuque Development. To all investors, thank you! Enjoy your success. You have great reason to be proud of your Greater Dubuque Development Corporation.

Seeking new partnerships in workforce training, recreation, and historic preservation has enabled Dubuque to define what it truly means to live here - to enjoy life, to provide the very best for our families, and to embrace our heritage as much as our future. Together we revitalized our downtown, built a world-class riverfront, and nurtured a proud, renewed sense of community. The 1984 vision for Dubuque has become a reality, and Dubuque is truly a destination for opportunity.

Greater Dubuque, in 2009, has succeeded beyond the wildest imagination of those founding leaders. As we reflect on the past, we see scrolls of success stories directly linked to the efforts of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation: industrial development, business development, workforce development, and community development. Greater Dubuque Development Corporation has placed an indelible mark on our community's achievements.

The next 25 years will see even greater success. The foundation of the past will move our greater community to levels never imagined in 1984. Just as the original investors and board members worked to redefine our future, the current board members, partners, and staff are working with dramatic vision to plan for accomplishments in the decades to come.

As your chair for the past year, I can truly state my pride in Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. The ability of this outstanding group of hard-working and dedicated professionals to network beyond the walls of Greater Dubuque to affect success is remarkable. On behalf of the entire Greater Dubuque Development Board, I extend my appreciation to each of the Greater Dubuque Development staff.

Thanks to the Board for the opportunity to lead this talented group. I want to especially thank the Executive Committee for its time and effort to a variety of matters. We are fortunate to have dedicated and brilliant leadership.

Thanks for a great 25 years!

Nicholas J. Schrup, III
Chairperson, Greater Dubuque Development

Annual Reports

• 2008 - 2009 Annual Report
• 2007 - 2008 Annual Report
• 2006 - 2007 Annual Report
• 2005 - 2006 Annual Report