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For Immediate Release
October 21, 2008
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contact: Erin Way, Media Relations
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CITY OF DUBUQUE TO RECEIVE HONORABLE MENTION AT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
Dubuque Recognized for Partnership Endeavor
ATLANTA -- Acknowledging the City of Dubuque, Iowa, for its public-private partnership, the
International Economic Development Council (IEDC) will recognize the city with an Honorable
Mention at IEDC's Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Atlanta, Georgia,
October 19-22. Dubuque will be noticed for this achievement during an awards ceremony on
Tuesday, October 21st.
"Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the
economy and improve quality of life in every locality across the country," said Robin Roberts
Krieger, IEDC chair. "As the nation continues to tackle longstanding challenges in the midst of
an inhospitable financial climate, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With
the award, we laud trendsetting organizations and municipalities like the City of Dubuque for
leading the charge."
Competing in the category ofPublic-Private Partnerships by organizations serving areas
with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, Dubuque was a clear standout with the America's
River Project. The project began in the late 1990s as a $188 million revitalization effort to
transform 90 acres of riverfront property into a destination that captures the historical,
environmental, educational and recreational majesty of the Mississippi River. By reclaiming
Brownfield property for mixed-use development and creating a place where people reconnect
with the river, it provided a much needed boost to Dubuque's economy, tourism, and image. The
America's River Project created aworld-class venue to experience the Mississippi River. Phase I
has five anchor components: the Mississippi Riverwalk, the National Mississippi River Museum
and Aquarium, the Grand River Center, the Grand Harbor Resort, and the Star Brewery. The Port
of Dubuque is again a busy "construction zone" thanks to a $200 million vision for America's
River Phase II, which includes an expansion of the National Mississippi River Museum and
Aquarium; new offices for McGraw-Hill Higher Education and the Durrant Group, an
architectural firm; the Diamond Jo Casino expansion; a public parking ramp; the Portside Plaza
mixed-use development; and the construction of more than 110 transient boat slips.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington,
DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for
communities, members and partners. IEDC's professional economic development awards
annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.
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