"Leadership in Economic Development" Venture Award Recipient 2021
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Rand Fisher will retire as President of Iowa Area Development Group on January 31. During Fisher’s tenure, IADG has supported 1,756 projects totaling $9.25 billion in investment and created or retained 40,000 jobs. In addition, 358 awards were secured through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant program totaling more than $159 million in project support across Iowa. Partnerships are the bedrock of economic development, and Fisher has also been a part of creating many important partnerships to support business development and community vitality.

In addition, the Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation has worked with the Iowa Rural Development Council to recognize Rand Fisher’s legacy by endowing the annual “Rand Fisher Rural Leadership Award.” The Award, which will be presented annually at the Iowa Rural Summit, will recognize Iowans who have made tremendous contributions to a rural community or rural Iowa.