PDI Board Retreat Brings Statewide Economic Development Leaders to Dubuque

The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI), the statewide association representing economic development practitioners, held its annual two-day board retreat in Dubuque from November 12-13, 2025. Discussions focused on strategic planning, legislative priorities, and strengthening Iowa’s economic development capacity. This year’s retreat marked the first under the leadership of Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at Greater Dubuque Development, who was elected PDI’s Board President in September 2025.

PDI plays a central role in advancing the professionalism, collaboration, and effectiveness of economic development efforts across Iowa. The organization’s priorities for the coming year align closely with the mission of Greater Dubuque Development: championing thoughtful public policy, cultivating strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, and ensuring Iowa’s communities have the tools they need to grow.

Under Hockenberry’s leadership, the board is exploring ways to deepen the professional development opportunities available to practitioners statewide, with an emphasis on strategies that strengthen economic, workforce, and community development outcomes. This work reflects Greater Dubuque Development’s longstanding commitment to data driven practice and continuous improvement.

Greater Dubuque Development has a long history of leadership within PDI. Vice President of Business Services, Jason White, a past president of the organization, helped shape many of the initiatives that define PDI today. Hockenberry’s service continues that trajectory, ensuring that Greater Dubuque’s voice remains central in statewide conversations about best practices, talent strategies, and community vitality.

The retreat in Dubuque provided an opportunity to highlight the region’s collaborative approach to growth, as well as the innovative workforce programs that have become a model for communities across Iowa. As PDI sets its course for the year ahead, Greater Dubuque Development will continue to help guide the evolution of the profession while advancing the goals that strengthen the region’s economic future.

For more information on PDI, contact Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at nicolash@greaterdubuque.org or 563-557-9049.