On February 2-3 almost 100 individuals from Southeast Iowa participated in the annual trip to Des Moines to speak with state leaders regarding SE Iowa legislative priorities. The group represented Des Moines, Lee, Louisa, and Henry Counties.
The primary message delivered to state legislators focused on workforce and transportation. As strong relationships between school districts, higher education, and employers are vital to Southeast Iowa’s quality of life, and are critical attractor of business to our communities, the delegation included business, k-12 and higher education, and economic development professionals. Emphasis was placed on the need for attracting people to Southeast Iowa. Attendees spoke with Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director Debi Durham about pursuing policies that will aid in growing the population and attracting the talent needed to fill open jobs in Southeast Iowa. Additionally, infrastructure continues to be a hot topic, with the delegation expressing support for broadband, roads, bridges, rail, rivers, waterway, and sewer in Southeast Iowa. The completion of Highway 61 Corridor into a four-lane highway remains a top priority for the region.
Governor Kim Reynolds, Director of Iowa Department of Transportation Scott Marler, Economic Development Director Debi Durham and Director of Iowa Workforce Development Beth Townsend spoke to the SE Iowa delegation.
“SE Iowa Days was an opportunity for the four-county SE Iowa region to speak as one voice to the state officials in Des Moines.” Stated Greater Burlington Partnership Dell Schmidt. “It sends a real message to the Governor and legislators when we show up with 100 people, unified around the needs of SE Iowa. The State has an important role to play in workforce development, particularly when it comes to growing the state’s population.”
“SE IA Days was another great success. I always like to attend for two reasons. First, the networking with the local and regional business people and government officials helps strengthen old relationships and build new ones. Second, the opportunity to meet elected legislative officials representing SE IA as well as elected officials from elsewhere in the state is always important to get our issues in front of a broader audience than we might ordinarily ever see at a local event. Of course, it is always great to hear from our Governor and department heads in state government. It is certainly worth my time to attend.” Said Bryan Bross, Klingner & Associates, PC.
“Having the opportunity to network with leaders from SE Iowa is a rewarding experience. We share so many common goals to grow and promote the area. The time spent visiting with our state legislators about SE Iowa helps them better understand the work we do back home to not only grow our region but the State as a whole. Thank you to the Greater Burlington Partnership for creating opportunities for growth.” Said Chad Bird, City of Burlington.
The SE Iowa Days event included the traditional M Power U student presentations. High school juniors from 13 area schools are selected to take part in the SCC M Power U Youth Leadership program.
Student speakers Parker Lau, Kade Benjamin Problems presented a case for eliminating the Standard Based Grading System. Students Abigail Bence, Ava Parkins, Timothy Cam promoted the enhancement of availability of Work Based Learning in high schools, and student speakers Logan Kamrath, Aidan Koehler, Noah Rich made a pitch for supporting current grants for rural internet development with added auditing and specifications to the process.
SE Iowa days was organized by the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Burlington Partnership, Keokuk Area Chamber of Commerce, Lee County Development Group, Louisa Development Group and the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce.
