Agenda
Thursday, May 6, 2010
| 7:00 a.m. | Registration Opens |
| 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast Open |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Welcome
IDED Director
IUA Chairman |
| 8:45 a.m. |
Morning Keynote Speaker — “Becoming a Pro-Business State”
Brent Pollina
Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. Park Ridge, Illinois *Brent Pollina the author of the Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro Business states will offer an in-depth look at how Iowa compares in both strengths and weaknesses to the region, and other states. As the economy starts to recover, what does Iowa have to do to pull ahead of the pack. |
| 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 10:00 a.m. |
Workshops — Block 1
#1. Workforce Development - “Workforce Upskilling”
Elisabeth Buck, Iowa Workforce Development *Iowa Workforce Development will offer a workshop addressing data and information on the need for the Iowa workforce to develop new and upgraded skill levels.
#2. “Local Government Financing Options”
Bob Josten * Bob will explain what cities and counties are authorized to do under state and federal law to assist private economic development, including “case study” examples showing financial tools such as general obligation debt, utility revenue debt, special assessment debt, tax increment financing (including TIF rebate agreements and Tax Increment Revenue Bonds) and property tax abatement. He will also review the recent session of the Iowa General Assembly and report on actions taken (and not taken) that will impact economic development, as well as actions that are likely to be taken in future legislative sessions.
#3. “Location Branding”
Jim Walton *What’s the difference between your community and others? What do they have that you don’t have? Why do they get a closer look while you are virtually ignored? Maybe they have a Powerful Brand! In this presentation, Jim Walton reveals the answers to these and many other nagging questions. Jim helps audiences take a look at where they are now and offers simple strategies for helping communities get noticed. In his optimistic and empowering presentation, he helps communities develop solid strategies and explores tactics that will help them move forward successfully.
#4. “Virtual Spec Buildings”
Dirk Westercamp, Woodruff Construction & Woodruff Design and *With the recent push for “shovel ready” sites and the decreased desire to have speculative buildings constructed, the virtual building is gaining popularity. This workshop will demonstrate the benefits of a virtual building, such as how it can help mitigate our risk — while marketing a project.
#5. “Food and Industrial Bio Processing Project”
Mr. Frank Rydzewski, University of Iowa and *The potential for a Food & Industrial Bioprocessing Center. |
| 11:00 a.m. | Exhibits/Networking |
| 11:30 a.m. |
25th Conference Anniversary Luncheon
|
| 1:15 p.m. |
Workshops — Block 2
#1. Workforce Development - “Shared Work Programs”
Joe Walsh, Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Workforce Development will offer a workshop outlining successful shared work programs.
#2. “Local Government Financing Options”
Bob Josten * Bob will explain what cities and counties are authorized to do under state and federal law to assist private economic development, including “case study” examples showing financial tools such as general obligation debt, utility revenue debt, special assessment debt, tax increment financing (including TIF rebate agreements and Tax Increment Revenue Bonds) and property tax abatement. He will also review the recent session of the Iowa General Assembly and report on actions taken (and not taken) that will impact economic development, as well as actions that are likely to be taken in future legislative sessions.
#3. “Location Branding”
Jim Walton *What’s the difference between your community and others? What do they have that you don’t have? Why do they get a closer look while you are virtually ignored? Maybe they have a Powerful Brand! In this presentation, Jim Walton reveals the answers to these and many other nagging questions. Jim helps audiences take a look at where they are now and offers simple strategies for helping communities get noticed. In his optimistic and empowering presentation, he helps communities develop solid strategies and explores tactics that will help them move forward successfully.
#4. “Virtual Spec Buildings”
Dirk Westercamp, Woodruff Construction & Woodruff Design and *With the recent push for “shovel ready” sites and the decreased desire to have speculative buildings constructed, the virtual building is gaining popularity. This workshop will demonstrate the benefits of a virtual building, such as how it can help mitigate our risk — while marketing a project.
#5. “The Thrill and Threat of Social Media”
Drew McClellan |
| 2:15 p.m. | Break (Ice Cream) |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Workshops — Block 3
#1. Workforce Development - “Rapid Response Case Studies”
Leslie Schmalzried, Iowa Workforce Development *Iowa Workforce Development will offer a workshop featuring a review of the actions of those cities, in cooperation with the state, that have had to implement rapid plans in response to plant closings and layoffs.
#2. “The Thrill and Threat of Social Media”
Drew McClellan
#3. “Building a Rockstar Network for Budding Businesses”
Liz Nead *Rockstar networks are not about collecting business cards, links or friends. Effective relationship building is about honing your game, preparing for your dreams and building a team that integrates you completely. This presentation will highlight the need for entrepreneurs to start building their networks.
#4. “Tourism Success Story”
Mike Wilson, City of Storm Lake, Iowa |
| 3:30 p.m. | Adjourn |