Annual Report

Jim Collins
2010-2011 Chairperson
Greater Dubuque
Development Corporation

Dear Valued Fellow Investors,

As I look back on the work of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and its corresponding impact on our community's success, a few consistent and reoccurring themes are worth highlighting:

• It is hard to imagine any accomplishment achieved or national recognition received that did not include steadfast involvement of Greater Dubuque Development;
• It is difficult to find a community anywhere in the country that has a leadership team as capably assembled as that of Greater Dubuque Development;
• It is rare to have assembled a board of directors so singularly committed, to and strategically focused, on community well-being while being so diversely serving from across industry lines - government, not-forprofit, labor, for-profit, small workforce, large workforce, and elected officials.

Given these reoccurring themes and many more, it is no wonder that the 2010-2011 fiscal year again achieved some pinnacle success worth celebrating:

• Named the Best Small City to Raise a Family
  (Forbes Magazine - 2010)
• Ranked #1 in U.S. for Projected Job Growth
  (Forbes Magazine - 2010)
• Ranked #3 in U.S. for Actual Job Growth
  (MSN/CareerBuilder.com - 2010)
• Ranked in the U.S. Top 20 for Job Growth
  (Moody's/Economy.com - 2011)
• Ranked #1 among Iowa Metros for Job Growth for 2010

These reoccurring themes and successes of the past year would not be possible if it weren't for the deep care, trust, commitment, sacrifice and investment that you have all made to this thriving organization and community.

On behalf of the Greater Dubuque Development staff and Board of Directors, I offer my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your important contribution. Clearly, you have made a difference!

As I conclude my privileged year of having served as your Chair, I wish to commend and thank our outstanding team. I especially wish to acknowledge Mike Blouin's five years of leadership and service as he retires from Greater Dubuque Development in December 2011. Mike not only contributed much, but he served as an important ambassador for all that we did. I welcome Vice President of National Marketing, Mark Seckman, to this talented organization and look forward to the many ways that his experiences will afford new opportunities and maintain our momentum.

Dan McDonald, Sarah Harris, Karen Adams, Shannon Gaherty, Mary Konrardy and Bill Baum are dedicated and extraordinary professionals who serve us well (day in and day out), but perhaps without the public fanfare they readily deserve. As Chair, I worked most directly with and received the greatest amount of support from Executive Director, Rick Dickinson and Vice President of Operations, Karen Kluesner. Karen is a tireless and capable representative for our organization. Rick is first-class in all the ways he advocates for us and stewards our collective investment.

With the support of this great staff and the prudent counsel from our Board of Directors, my role was largely relegated to holding a title. Specifically, I commend the Board of Directors and our Executive Committee for the sacrifice of their time, thoughtful wisdom and prudent advice. Treasurer Doug Hortsman offered strong financial oversight and accountability. Immediate Past Chairs Sr. Joanne Burrows, Nick Schrup, Tom Yunt and David Becker were extremely helpful in ensuring continuity and emphasizing lessons learned. Vice Chair Chad Chandlee served as a wise advisor and I have full confidence in and high respect for him as he begins his new role as your Chair.

Thank you for all the ways you contribute to the success of our organization and region. I urge your continued participation and investment in the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to serve and I look forward to Greater Dubuque Development leading us to even greater success.

Cordially,

James E. Collins
Chairperson, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation