Community leaders, business owners and residents across northwest Iowa will have an opportunity next week to explore ways to strengthen their downtown business districts and encourage economic growth.
Hometown Pride communities are partnering with the Iowa Economic Development Authority to host a free presentation titled Ten Essentials for Downtowns at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Sioux Rapids American Legion, located at 200 Main St.
The presentation will feature Jim Engle and Jim Thompson of the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Downtown Resource Center. Both have extensive experience working with Iowa communities on downtown revitalization and local economic development initiatives.
The two have visited all 10 communities in Buena Vista County, along with three additional Hometown Pride communities in the surrounding area. Their presentation will draw on those visits to offer practical strategies, examples of successful revitalization efforts and information about grant opportunities available to help communities improve their downtown areas.
The event is being hosted by the Hometown Pride communities of Albert City, Alta, Aurelia, Lake Park, Lakeside, Marathon, Royal, Sioux Rapids and Storm Lake.
Organizers say the presentation is intended to bring together business owners, elected officials, community leaders and residents to exchange ideas and identify opportunities to make rural downtowns more attractive, welcoming and economically sustainable.
The event is open to the public, and refreshments will be provided.
A second Ten Essentials for Downtowns presentation is planned for the spring, hosted by Pocahontas County Hometown Pride communities. A date has not yet been announced.
