Empower Rural Iowa & Iowa Rural Development Council Convene in Webster City

Empower Rural Iowa & Iowa Rural Development Council Convene in Webster City

On December 3, Webster City was proud to host the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa (ERI) Initiative and the Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) for their joint winter meeting at Briggs Woods Conference Center. These twice-yearly gatherings bring together statewide leaders dedicated to strengthening rural communities through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment.

Throughout the day—spanning from 10 AM to 3 PM—attendees participated in the ERI meeting, enjoyed lunch together, took part in the IRDC session, and concluded with a guided community tour.

Webster City was honored to highlight the partnerships that continue to drive progress in our area. The collaboration between Hamilton County, the Webster City Community School District, the City of Webster City, the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce, and local healthcare leaders demonstrates what can happen when organizations work together toward shared goals.

A highlight of the day was the community tour, featuring businesses that have been directly impacted by Empower Rural Iowa grant programs. Representatives from Wildcat Distilling Co., La Perla Jarocha, and The Elks Building shared firsthand how these grants have supported growth, revitalization, and new opportunities in Webster City. Their stories reflect the purpose of Empower Rural Iowa—strengthening communities from the inside out.

We are grateful to have welcomed statewide partners to Webster City and to showcase the momentum happening across our community. As we continue to build and strengthen local and regional partnerships, we look forward to even more opportunities for growth and collaboration.