Greater Dubuque Development Receives Recognition from Regional Economic Development Council

On Thursday, May 13, 2021,  Greater Dubuque Development received two awards from the Mid-America Economic Development Council as part of their virtual Best Practices Conference. We were selected as winners in two categories: Workforce Development and Economic Impact Deal of the Year. 

The Workforce Development award is in recognition of our College Recruitment Strategy. Starting in 2019, we developed resources and a year-long schedule of events to connect area employers with college students. This includes the Student Employer Connection Guide, Summer Career Services Visit, Talent Dubuque program, and the AccessDubuqueJobs.com College Career and Professional Development Fair. 

The Economic Impact Deal of the Year recognized the coordinated effort between local partners to bring two new employers to the Greater Dubuque area. Business Retention and Expansion is based on building relationships with existing employers, developers, and public sector partners in order to be ready when the time is right. Because of our long-standing relationship with HODGE, we were ready to assist when Duluth Trading Company and Crown Cork & Seal approached our community to start new operations. The ability of our partners and community to collaborate and respond quickly when an opportunity arises gives the Greater Dubuque area a competitive edge in the national landscape. 

The Mid-America Economic Development Council is a twelve-state association of dedicated economic development professionals that shares best practices and adds value in their organizations and communities. The annual awards ceremony is typically held in December but due to the pandemic was delayed and held virtually.