Perry shared the limelight last week when it promoted itself at the 32nd annual SMART Economic Development Conference at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.
The Iowa SMART conference is the state’s largest annual conference devoted to economic development and is co-sponsored by the investor-owned electric, natural gas and transmission utility companies of the Iowa Utility Association and by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Looking to showcase Perry, Troy Weary, ITC Midwest area manager and a member of the Iowa Utility Association, turned to four of the area’s representative figures: Perry Community School District Superintendent Lynn Ubben, Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson, Dallas County Habitat for Humanity Director Omar Padilla and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Community Development Specialist Jon Wolseth.
“The team was invited and introduced by Troy,” Ubben said. “Since working in the Perry area, Troy has been impressed with the Perry community and the schools and wanted the group to share successes and challenges. A large group attended the session with many questions.”
The Perry foursome facilitated a workshop entitled, “Workforce: Embracing New American Immigrants + Community Successes.”
“It was great to share all positives of the Perry school and community with others across the state,” Ubben said. “When my husband and I moved to Perry eight years ago, we thought Perry was Iowa’s best kept secret. We no longer think so.”
The Iowa SMART Conference attracts some 500 economic development professionals, business leaders, chamber of commerce executives, community leaders, elected officials and other stakeholders who influence economic development and public policy issues both statewide and within their own communities.
“This conference is a great notworking opportunity,” said Peterson. “You get a chance to see what’s working in other towns and what’s not. We all face similar challenges in seeking economic development, and a lot of good ideas are in the air here.”
The conference included general sessions, workshops and networking opportunities. Critical development topics addressed throughout the day include local government financing, workforce, housing, community improvement, site selection, small data centers, entrepreneurialism, marketing, development-ready communities, embracing new immigrants and preparing a community for growth.
