Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Receives 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council

IEDC’s annual Excellence Awards honor the economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that demonstrate consistent, exemplary performance in the profession.

Dubuque, IA – Greater Dubuque Development Corporation received a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Gold Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award was bestowed for the organization’s work in the Innovative Economic Development category that impacted 25,000-200,000 residents. Greater Dubuque Development will be acknowledged and honored at the IEDC 2025 Annual Conference in Detroit, Michigan, September 14-17, 2025.

"Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its Dubuque Broadband Acceleration Initiative project/program. This award shines a spotlight on Greater Dubuque Development Corporation’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present this award to Greater Dubuque Development Corporation to celebrate both their leadership and innovation in the field."  

Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance the practice of economic development.

“Greater Dubuque Development is honored to receive this recognition and accept this award on behalf of all of the partners whose leadership and collaboration made the Dubuque Broadband Acceleration Initiative possible,” said Rick Dickinson, President & CEO of Greater Dubuque Development. “By working alongside the City of Dubuque, ImOn Communications, and other key stakeholders, we have demonstrated how public–private partnerships can deliver innovative infrastructure solutions that strengthen our economy and improve our quality of life. This initiative reflects our steadfast commitment to ensuring that YOU can be great here.”

About Greater Dubuque Development Corporation

Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is a private, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of the Greater Dubuque region through business retention and expansion, workforce solutions, and strategic initiatives. Since our founding in 1984, our mission is to ensure that Greater Dubuque region continues to be a place where businesses and families thrive.

About the International Economic Development Council 

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With thousands of members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in a full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at https://www.iedconline.org/.