Iowa Economic Development Authority

04/01/2025

The IEDA team's bus tour of Kalona highlighted the community's growth and commitment to creating a place to live, work and play. They connected with locals, observed the Mid-Prairie Community School District improvements, development of the South Town Recreation Area and workforce housing improvements with Kalona student-built housing projects! The tour also showcased ongoing downtown commercial growth.

📸 Washington Economic Development Group and City of Kalona, Iowa Government

04/01/2025

IEDA Director Durham recently visited Washington, Iowa to explore and engage with the community. The team connected with locals across key industries, showcasing the region's progress in areas like community development and manufacturing. Highlights included renovations at the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, new recreational amenities at the YMCA of Washington County, and upcoming expansion at Brava Roof Tile. It's inspiring to see the vibrant community spirit lead continued growth in the area!

📸 Washington Economic Development Group

03/31/2025

Did you know that Iowa accounts for an impressive 27% of the U.S.’s ethanol production and 23% of biodiesel production?

This month, IEDA had representatives at the Advanced Biofuels Leadership Conference (ABLC) in Washington, DC to showcase Iowa’s bioscience industry advantages and favorable business climate, and to explore game-changing innovations and growth opportunities for Iowa. 🌱🚀

Learn why Iowa has earned a reputation as a bioscience epicenter: https://bit.ly/443Z0m2

03/20/2025

Grant Opportunities The Iowa Arts Council has opened its next grant cycle for projects taking place between July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026. Eligible Iowa artists, organizations, schools and communities may apply for funding for projects that create opportunities for Iowans to access and engage with hi

03/20/2025

Iowa remains deeply committed to fostering our agricultural growth at every level. By harnessing our strengths, we have emerged as a leader in agricultural exports and production, delivering sustainable ingredients that meet the evolving needs of global markets! Check out our rankings below ⬇️

03/19/2025

From Iowa's farms to the world's table, our state is a national leader in the production of corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs - feeding the world while setting the standard for agricultural innovation. 🌽📈

03/19/2025

Director Durham presented at the Iowa Biotechnology Association Showcase & Conference earlier this month on Iowa's biotech industry and innovations that are spurring future economic growth.

Iowa has earned a reputation as a bioscience epicenter with our innovative and collaborative bioscience and biotech initiatives. To learn more about why Iowa is outpacing the nation, visit iowaeda.com/bioscience/.

03/18/2025

In Iowa, agriculture has always been in our DNA. Today, we celebrate the dedicated farmers, industry leaders and the pioneering innovations that flourish each day in every corner of our state! 🌾🚜

Did you know:
🐷 Iowa leads in corn, pork, egg, and red meat production
3️⃣ Iowa ranks 3rd in the U.S. for agricultural GDP
🌽 Iowa produces 8% of the nation's food supply
🏢 One in every five jobs in Iowa supports ag and ag-related industries

03/18/2025

The IEDA team were in Story City last week to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a historic building’s transformation and its potential to further cement their downtown as an economic driver! There is great work being done in our rural Iowa towns to redevelop underused buildings as a way to stimulate economic growth and reinvestment in communities! Congratulations!

Iowa Downtown Resource Center

03/17/2025

In Iowa, our love for basketball goes far beyond the court. 🏀
In Jefferson, a small team of Iowa manufacturers trade jerseys for safety gear, quietly crafting over 1,500 products for two globally trusted brands: Spalding, the largest basketball equipment supplier, and American Athletic, Inc. (AAI), official supplier and partner to multiple sporting associations across the world.

Discover how fewer than 100 skilled individuals in Greene County make it all happen ➡️ https://bit.ly/41VkcYP

03/14/2025

The Tourism Office at IEDA announced Iowa's new travel campaign during the 2025 Iowa Tourism Conference!

Life doesn't slow down, but you can. Give it Time.

Did you know that tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing over 70,000 people statewide! Discover all you'll get in return when you spend time in Iowa: https://bit.ly/41xdpEJ

03/14/2025

Today marks the 65th anniversary of Iowa’s first partner state, Yamanashi, Japan, declaring Iowa to be its formal partner on March 14, 1960. This was the first state-level partnership between the United States of America and Japan! In the past 65 years, the people of Iowa and Yamanashi have enjoyed numerous engagements to further our governmental, economic, and cultural connections. We thank everyone who has taken part in this historic partnership!


Iowa International Center

03/11/2025

IEDA is making connections to advance AI in IA at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit and Future Food Tech March 11-14 in San Francisco! For some, AI may just be a buzzword, but for Iowa it means opportunity. Join our team for an informative roundtable that will explore the latest innovations in precision and digital agriculture.

Check out our booth to learn more about why it’s a great time to grow in Iowa, or visit iowaeda.com.


America's Cultivation Corridor
BioConnect Iowa
Greater Des Moines Partnership
Iowa State University Research Park

03/10/2025

When the Centennial Block building in Jefferson was tragically damaged, a group of local women led the task to restore not only the structure but to uplift their community's spirit. Together, they formed the Why Not Us Investment Group, dedicated to revitalizing the historic landmark. 🏛️🌟

Their efforts are a shining spotlight of the passion and commitment Iowan's bring to our beloved communities! Read the full story below: https://bit.ly/41A5w14

03/10/2025

There's so much opportunity and innovation happening in Ames! Thank you to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance for having IEDA Director Durham as their first guest on the new AREA Podcast. From welcoming national brands like the upcoming Daisy Brand facility in Boone to supporting expansion projects, tune in to hear about the ongoing drivers to grow our economy and elevate our residents and communities!

Episode #001 of the AREA Podcast is now live, featuring Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

From attracting national brands to the region to supporting expansion projects, we talked to Iowa’s biggest advocate about the importance of economic development across the state.

Be sure to listen and subscribe where you listen to podcasts:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/area-podcast/id1798994001

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2q4GzbHL8xLFMVDqg2Amia

Amazon / Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a03cb16f-f132-450c-81f7-6620043058d8

iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/269169301

Podbean: https://areapodcast.podbean.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

03/09/2025

Every day in Iowa brings new opportunities to explore and thrive! ☀️❄️🍂🌻 With spring just around the corner, enjoy longer, warmer days while experiencing the vibrant lifestyle and strong sense of community that make Iowa special.

🖼️ Admire public murals in big-hearted communities like Dubuque, Council Bluffs, Charles City, Des Moines and Le Mars.

🌷Embrace Spring flowers at Reiman Gardens in Ames or Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens in Waterloo.

🐮 Find farm fun at Hansen's Farm Fresh Dairy in Hudson or Rusty Stars Alpacas in Winterset.

🍗 Embark on a food tour at iconic restaurants like Ramen Belly in Iowa City or Rube's Meat Market in Montour.

Explore Iowa's four seasons: https://bit.ly/3DlT6lw

03/08/2025

Today, we're celebrating by highlighting Iowa's leadership in the nation's bioeconomy! As the top producer of ethanol and biodiesel, Iowa accounts for an impressive 27% of the U.S.’s ethanol production and 23% of biodiesel production. We leverage our natural resources, not just to feed and fuel the world, but to provide the feedstocks for the next generation of renewable chemicals!

We are proud to be a national leader in the biorenewables space to drive innovation and sustainability forward! 🌽⚡

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Iowa Renewable Fuels Association
The Center for Biorenewables and Chemicals (CBiRC) at Iowa State University
Bioeconomy Institute at Iowa State University

Discover Iowa's advantage:

Iowa is the leading producer of corn, pork, eggs and soybeans. These commodities have spawned innovation and industries outside of their agricultural roots.

03/07/2025

Our Main Street Iowa communities continue to show incredible progress! 📈🌟
Congratulations to these seven Main Streets for their commitment and collaboration in preserving and enhancing their unique character so that Iowa continues to be the best place for residence and visitors alike!