Prosperity Eastern Iowa_Letter of SupportFebruary 24, 2009
ECIA
Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director
7600 Commerce Park
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Kelley:
I am writing to support Prosperity Eastern Iowa's IDED grant application to
continue to enhance the Accessmyfuture.com web site through specialty
marketing materials such as the virtual hologram game to keep our audience
engaged in the web site. I am also very supportive of developing a sustainability
plan for the region building on the success of the "Sustainable Dubuque"
program and introducing sustainable strategies to our Buyer Supplier program
and the companies that are participating.
In our region it is a priority to attract and retain our skilled workforce. We believe
by starting at the middle school and high school age levels and targeting
activities on the Accessmyfuture.com web site for their age level, we have a
better opportunity to keep them engaged in the website and interested in the
career and lifestyle opportunities in the region. Additionally, the importance of
sustainability and planning for the future is critical for future generations to come.
By building on the success and learning from the "Sustainable Dubuque" model
program, we have an opportunity to expand the concept to our Buyer Supplier
companies creating a sustainable regional approach for the future.
The City of Dubuque has a budget of $5,000 per year for our "Sustainable
Dubuque" education initiative which is a direct match for Prosperity Eastern
Iowa's efforts to expand the sustainable program to the region and create Eco-
Eastern Iowa (ECO-EI). The City recently hired afull-time sustainability
Coordinator to spear-head our program. Our coordinator would be a great
resource as PEI develops their sustainability plan and launches the concept into
the PEI region.
Prosperity Eastern Iowa had done a wonderful job in identifying regional needs
and priorities and addressing those needs through regional programs like Buyer
Supplier and Accessmyfuture.com. Grants such as this one will allow us to
continue the great progress we have made in the region.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Van Milligan
City Manager