Residents, business owners and community and economic development leaders in Appanoose and surrounding counties can share their thoughts about opportunities and challenges facing rural Iowa when Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa, visits Centerville on Wednesday, June 24th.
A rural summit will take place starting at 10 a.m. at the Majestic Theater, 100 North 13th Street in Centerville.
USDA Rural Development’s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Iowa. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $3 billion on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, and housing opportunities for Iowa families.
Today, more than 1.7 million Iowans live in rural communities and areas, and nearly half of the state’s communities have fewer than 500 residents.
USDA Rural Development can help rural communities and regions grow and prosper by offering a variety of financial and technical assistance programs that encourage the development of strong community and economic development strategies. Rural communities that work through regional and strategic partnerships can complement and draw upon the resources of another to create jobs and strengthen economies.
This past year USDA Rural Development’s investment in rural Iowa helped create or retain more than 1,000 jobs, aided 2,400 families in buying their own homes and assisted more than 50 communities as they made improvements to their facilities, services and infrastructure.
For more information about the event please contact the Appanoose Economic Development Corporation at (641) 856-3388 or email aedcdirector@iowatelecom.net.
What: Rural Summit facilitated by USDA Rural Development
When and Where: Wednesday, June 24th
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Majestic Theater
100 North 13th Street
Centerville, Iowa
Media Contact Information: State Director Menner will be available for comments at the event. If you would like to speak with him before the event please contact Darin Leach at (515) 284-4747 (office) or (515) 669-5691 (cell).
More information about USDA Rural Development finance programs is available by calling staff in the Albia office at (641) 932-3031 Ext. 4. This office serves communities, businesses and residents in Appanoose, Davis, Jasper, Lucas, Mahaska, Marion, Monroe, Poweshiek, Wapello and Wayne Counties.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
Further information on USDA Rural Development programs is also available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/ia.
USDA Rural Development is working with rural communities to create jobs, expand opportunity, encourage innovation and build a strong foundation for the future. The agency currently administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility loan and grant programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents and farmers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.