Greater Dubuque Development Celebrates Solid Foundations and Looks to a Greater Future

Over 230 investors, partners, board members, and community leaders gathered Tuesday, July 14, 2026, for Greater Dubuque Development Corporation’s 2025-2026 Annual Meeting at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville.

Held at the new This is Iowa Ballpark – Event Center, the gathering marked Greater Dubuque Development’s first annual meeting outside the city of Dubuque and the first non-baseball event held at the new event center. The historic setting provided a fitting backdrop for an evening centered on the theme Solid Foundations. Greater Future.

President & CEO Jason White opened the program by recognizing General Manager Tyler Daugherty, Dyersville Events, and the contractors whose work made it possible to welcome one of Greater Dubuque Development’s largest annual meeting crowds to the new Event Center. Jacque Rahe, a member of the Dyersville Economic Development and Greater Dubuque Development boards, also shared the story of the Field of Dreams and the continued development taking place at the site.

Outgoing Board Chair Zach Keeling reflected on a year defined by both transition and optimism, including the retirement of longtime President & CEO Rick Dickinson and the national search that brought White home to Greater Dubuque.

“It’s hard to overstate Rick’s impact on Greater Dubuque Development,” Keeling said. “For decades, he helped shape not only this organization, but really the culture of economic development in our region.”

Keeling noted that the transition allowed the board to consider what the region will need over the next five years, where Greater Dubuque Development must evolve, and which organizational strengths should remain constant.

“The best leadership transitions don’t simply preserve the past—they create clarity about the future,” Keeling said. “I think that’s exactly what happened here.”

Conducting the Organization’s Official Business

Following his year-in-review remarks, Keeling called the official business meeting to order. Greater Dubuque Development investors approved the minutes of the 2025 Annual Meeting, and Keeling recognized the members of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors, officers, and Future Leadership Team, including those completing their terms of service.

Keeling then presented the Nominating Committee’s report and brought forward nominations for the 2026–2027 Board of Directors. Following the investors’ election of the new board, board members elected the organization’s 2026–2027 officers and Executive Committee. Members of the 2026–2027 Future Leadership Team were also elected. Our 2026-2027 Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and Future Leadership Team can be viewed online.

Celebrating Results and Setting Ambitious Goals

White also shared highlights from Greater Dubuque Development’s 2025–2026 year. The organization surpassed its five-year goal of $1 billion in new construction two years early and by nearly 20%. Median household income has grown beyond the campaign goal of $76,000 to more than $80,000, while Dubuque County continues to grow at a time when many Iowa counties are losing population.

Through Greater Dubuque Development’s InfoAction program, the team conducted 252 business visits and responded to 537 requests for assistance during the year, helping existing employers address challenges and pursue opportunities for continued success.

Looking ahead, White outlined priorities that include:

• Growing the region’s population beyond 100,000 
• Building a comprehensive population-attraction strategy 
• Expanding the inventory of business-ready land 
• Strengthening the amenities and connectivity that help attract people and investment 
• Deepening collaboration across the tri-state region 

White emphasized that achieving those goals will require continued partnership and investment as Greater Dubuque Development builds momentum toward its next capital campaign.

“Economic development doesn’t happen to a community,” White said. “It’s something a community chooses through its willingness to work together.”

White recognized Keeling for guiding the organization through its first leadership transition in 30 years and leading a comprehensive national search with steadiness, integrity, and a clear focus on what was best for the region.

New Leadership for the Year Ahead

Jordan Fullan of HODGE was elected Chair of the Greater Dubuque Development Board of Directors for 2026–2027. In accepting the role, Fullan connected the evening’s theme to the organization’s generational impact and the responsibility to build upon the work of those who came before.

“What we build is generational,” Fullan said. “We inherit it, we take care of it, and we hand it on a little stronger than we found it.”

Download the 2025–2026 Annual Report
Watch the 2026 Annual Meeting recording on Facebook