Greater Dubuque Development Earns Two International Awards for Talent Attraction and Retention Efforts from IEDC

Dubuque, IA – Greater Dubuque Development Corporation has earned two 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), recognizing initiatives designed to attract new residents to the Greater Dubuque region and help newcomers build the connections that encourage them to stay.

Greater Dubuque Development received a Silver Award for the YOU can be great here Relocation Guide in the Print Promotion category and a Bronze Award for the Distinctively Dubuque Newcomer Program in the Talent Development & Retention category. Both were recognized in the population category of 25,000 to 200,000.

Together, the awards recognize two complementary pieces of Greater Dubuque Development’s long-term population-growth strategy: helping prospective residents envision a future in the region and helping those who relocate here become connected to the community.

"Population growth doesn't happen because of one program or one organization," said Jason White, President and CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. "It happens when people can see themselves here, choose our region, and then find the relationships that make them want to stay. Every new resident brings a household, often a family, and becomes part of the workforce our employers are counting on. These awards recognize two programs that work at different points along that journey — and the employers and community partners who make both of them work."

The YOU can be great here Relocation Guide, launched in October 2024, is a talent attraction and population-growth resource designed to help prospective residents envision and navigate a move to the Greater Dubuque region. Since its launch, more than 1,700 guides have been distributed, including 460 requested through targeted digital recruitment campaigns and another 532 distributed through hospitals, realtors, school systems, and other community partners supporting recruitment and relocation.

Distinctively Dubuque addresses the other side of population growth by helping newcomers and returning residents build the personal, professional, and civic connections that encourage them to remain in the region. More than 1,600 people have participated since the program launched in 2010, and recent evaluations show 100% of participants feel welcomed in the community, 93% believe Dubuque offers the quality of life they are seeking, and 91% say they are likely to stay in the Greater Dubuque region.

“Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is leading the field of excellence in economic development with its projects and programs. These awards shine a spotlight on Greater Dubuque Development’s commitment to its community and showcase the significant impact of economic development,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC President and CEO. “IEDC is honored to present these awards to Greater Dubuque Development Corporation to celebrate 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.

This year’s awards hold additional significance as IEDC celebrates its 100th anniversary. Greater Dubuque Development will be recognized alongside award recipients from around the world during the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 25–28.

About Greater Dubuque Development Corporation: Greater Dubuque Development Corporation works collaboratively to advance the economic well-being of the Greater Dubuque region guided by four strategic goals of business support and attraction, population growth, regional collaboration, and organizational excellence. For more information on Greater Dubuque Development, visit www.greaterdubuque.org.

About the International Economic Development Council (IEDC): Based in Washington, D.C., IEDC is the world’s largest association for economic developers. Originating a century ago, IEDC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization representing the entire economic development profession. Members include practitioners in economic development through local, state, provincial, and federal governments, nonprofits, public-private partnerships, entrepreneurial support organizations, chambers of commerce, utilities, universities, and other organizations.

IEDC is the leading voice in driving the future of the field, providing professional development through courses and certifications, networking, conferences, research, policy advocacy, partnerships, and other offerings to economic development professionals across the globe. For more information, please visit www.IEDC.org.