NEWS

The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious 2024 PDI Life Member Award. This honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to advancing economic development in Iowa and have made significant contributions to the organization and the communities they serve. This year's Life Member Award recipients are: Dennis Fraise, CEcD Dennis Fraise, CEcD has made a profound impact on Iowa’s economic development landscape throughout his distinguished career. Known for his professionalism and willingness to share best practices and mine knowledge across organizations, industries, and professions has elevated the bar of economic development. Dennis’ out of the box thinking, expansive network, and focus on achieving results have made a positive difference across many organizations. Volunteering as a member of the Heartland Economic Development Course faculty paved the way for a new approach to teaching the fundamentals of introductory workforce development within EDOs. Dennis’ workforce related efforts were recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2017 when LCEDG received a Gold Award for the Lee County workforce development program, Grow Lee. Dennis has been a dedicated advocate for the growth and prosperity of Iowa’s communities. Steve Shupp Throughout his career at Alliant Energy, Steve Shupp was a steadfast presence at Iowa Economic Development Authority board meetings, advocating for local projects and ensuring their success by garnering crucial support from the state. His ability to forge strategic relationships was instrumental in fostering prospects and catalyzing tangible growth and job creation across various communities in Iowa, which have not only advanced economic development efforts but also fostered collaboration across public and private sectors. Steve’s commitment to excellence and community engagement has set a high standard within the field. Maureen Elbert With an unwavering dedication and approach to business retention and expansion, attraction, project and organizational management solidifies her role and mark as partner, champion, and friend. She challenges each of us to elevate our own game and to walk alongside her in achieving the potential she sees in her community, counties, and state. Maureen’s record of service is extensive and includes: PDI member, board member and past president, board member and past president of Mid Iowa Growth Partnership; Iowa SBDC advisory board and past state chair; Iowa Lake’s Community College SBDC advisory board; North Iowa Pappajohn Business Accelerator board of directors; University of Iowa Leadership for Public Health; Kossuth/Palo Alto County Revolving Loan and Enterprise Zone Commissions; Northeast IA Community Foundation board of directors, and many community and school district boards and commissions. Maureen has been instrumental in driving key initiatives that have helped to guarantee a future workforce in North Iowa by encouraging young adults to settle and bring new business to the area that will have an impact on hundreds of lives and area businesses. Her leadership and passion for economic development continue to inspire the next generation of professionals. About the Life Member Award The PDI Life Member Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Professional Developers of Iowa. It celebrates individuals whose careers have been marked by exceptional service, leadership, and an enduring commitment to advancing the economic development profession. Recipients are nominated and selected based on their significant contributions to the field, the organization, and their communities. About Professional Developers of Iowa The Professional Developers of Iowa is dedicated to enhancing the economic vitality of Iowa’s communities through advocacy, professional development, and networking opportunities. Founded in 1973, PDI serves as the premier organization for economic development professionals in Iowa, fostering a collaborative environment where members can share knowledge, resources, and best practices. For more information about the award recipients and the PDI Life Member Award, please visit www.PDIowa.com or email director@pdiowa.com . ###

Professional Developers of Iowa is the state association of economic development professionals united to strengthen communities and drive long-term growth for Iowa. PDI’s more than 300 members come from disciplines including community, county and regional economic developers, utilities, legal and financial firms, universities, community colleges, engineering and construction firms, and rail transportation companies. PDI’s 2025 legislative priorities represent the collective interests of economic development leaders across Iowa’s 99 counties. 2025 State Legislative Priorities Investing in Iowa’s Future The best environment for economic growth empowers Iowa communities and businesses to collaborate and thrive. PDI supports tax credits and financial tools competitively aligned with Iowa’s target industries, startups, and the development community. PDI encourages the legislature to fully fund these programs and scale them as necessary. Iowa’s Workforce Housing program continues to lag behind private sector demand. PDI supports the development of new tools that support emerging industries and position Iowa as a national leader in economic growth. PDI applauds recent income tax reforms and stands ready to inform continued work in modernizing Iowa’s tax policy into a more predictive, user-friendly, and competitive system. Through all reforms, PDI is a strong supporter of local government and protecting local control in our communities. We remain strong advocates for protecting Local Option Sales Tax, defending Tax Increment Financing, and developing other tools that empower local and county governments. Infrastructure Investing in Iowa’s Infrastructure means leveraging unique assets to compete in a global economy. PDI supports bold proposals such as the establishment of an “infrastructure bank” to reinvest earnings from state reserves into a low-interest loan program for community and county infrastructure projects. We stand behind continued investments in water quality and water infrastructure projects. PDI encourages the legislature to invest in outdoor recreation and natural resources that enhance access to Iowa’s unique landscape. PDI asks the legislature to consider new sustainable, innovative, and diverse funding mechanisms for Iowa’s transportation infrastructure to keep up with ever-changing consumer and traffic demands. PDI also seeks additional resources for continued investments in Iowa’s roads, bridges, levees, and flood mitigation systems. Workforce Retention & Attraction PDI supports sustainable solutions and incentives that propel businesses and employees to overcome barriers to employment. PDI encourages the legislature to accelerate its focus on sustainable funding for job training. These include the highly successful 260E and 260F programs. PDI is rooted in partnerships and advocates for Iowa’s high schools, and community colleges, and growth in apprenticeship programs for high-demand careers. Iowa must regain its status as an educational leader by breaking down barriers between local school boards, considering the expansion of preschool, and increasing funding for community colleges. PDI also supports new tools to grow Iowa’s population. Examples may include tax credits for individuals burdened by student loans, childcare, and housing costs. Iowa must be viewed as a welcoming state to all individuals. We are supporters of federal legislation that improves national immigration policy and legally grows our workforce. Housing, Child Care & Quality of Life Iowa has made large strides toward addressing the state’s greatest housing needs. Communities impacted by natural disasters face a high risk of losing population as housing stock is diminished. PDI supports a new $50 million cap to the Workforce Housing Tax Credits with a new focus on owner-occupied housing and reinvestments into the state’s aging stock. Given the progress in addressing Child Care over the past several legislative sessions, the affordability of care must continue to be addressed. PDI also asks state leaders to boldly invest in sustainable quality-of-place initiatives through ongoing permanent funding to Destination Iowa. Read more about these and other important public policy topics at www.PDIowa.com . Click here to download a pdf of the legislative priorities. For More Information Contact: Legislative Committee Co-Chairs Nick Glew, Community Savings Bank 319-743-4724, Nick.Glew@csbiowa.com Nicolas Hockenberry, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation 563-557-9049, nicolash@greaterdubuque.org Dave Miller, City of Rock Valley 712-470‐5110, dave@cityofrockvalley.com Craig Patterson, Lobbyist 515-554‐7920, Craig@ialobby.com Lane Till, Executive Director 515-750-2310 (8), Director@pdiowa.com About Professional Developers of Iowa The Professional Developers of Iowa is a statewide organization of nearly 300 professional economic developers. PDI's purpose is to further the development of the economic base of the state of Iowa by fostering cooperation among economic development professionals in the state and affording professional economic developers a vehicle for assembly and collective expression. PDI also provides timely educational opportunities to enhance professional knowledge, growth, and effectiveness, and advocates for economic development on the local, state, and national levels. ###