Iowa Downtown Forums Coming in June

A thriving downtown is the beating heart of a community, and local businesses are the arteries keeping that beat loud and strong.  Even if a business isn’t on the city square or Main Street, it benefits from the increased traffic and commerce the draw of a vibrant downtown can provide – everyone wins.                                                                                  

Communities benefit when members meet to share knowledge and new ideas for downtown growth, and this June there are several opportunities to do just that.  As a business owner and community leader, you are invited to attend any of four downtown forums that will be held across Iowa in June.  The forums, presented by the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center (IDRC), will give community members an opportunity to network about downtown ideas, successes and challenges – and even steal and idea or two!

IDRC staff will facilitate and give brief presentations related to downtown development, focusing on downtown design issues such as building rehabilitation, incentives, maintenance programs and streetscape projects.  Participants are encouraged to come ready to share examples from their communities, including project photos, marketing pieces or other visual examples of successes.   Visit Downtown Forums for more information including dates and locations, or contact Jim Engle at 515-725-3058 or [email protected].  Registration is free, just bring your ideas and enthusiasm!

Jim Engle, Director, Iowa Downtown Resource Center“