Business Times Rising Starts_Aaron DeJongItl
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MICHAEL MAN MILLIGEN
CITY' MANAGER
50 W 13TH ST
DUBURUE IA 52001 -4805
Rising Stars
Tv -state Business Times, Dubuque, Iowa, September 2011 19
Age: 29
Occupation: Assistant
economic development director
for the City of Dubuque.
"My personal and my family's goals help lay out a path
that assists in the decisions we make."
By MARY GLINDINNING
Some people grow crops, some people grow cities.
"After figuring out I wasn't cut out to be a teacher, my busi-
ness school studies introduced me to the concepts of how cities
grow. This really sparked my interest in economic development
and wanting to create opportunities within my community," said
Aaron DeJong.
And, he is community- minded about how he measures success.
"I feel success in business isn't measured by yourself, it's mea-
sured by your colleagues, your employer, your competitors. You'll
know how successful you're being by the feedback you get "
The city council sets goals every year that provide direction for the
staff. Those goals determine what is most important to accomplish
throughout the day, the month, the year. It helps us decide what
projects need to be advanced, and what projects need additional
discussion before moving forward.
"I set personal goals as well and for basically the same reason.
My personal and my family's goals help lay out a path that assists
in the decisions we make"
Also guiding his decisions is a rule to live by: "All you've got
is your faith and your integrity. You have to give those up your-
Goals ere a good yrrdqt;rk Debug holiovea, "withindty.gev-- self."
emment and my personal life, creating goals is very important.
THE DEJONG FILE
Volunteer activities: Dubuque Art
Center board of directors, Washington
Neighborhood Development Corp. board
of directors.
Education: M.S. from University of
Iowa; B.A. from University of Northern
Iowa.
FDIC www.edsb.com C1
Helping families, businesses and the Tri -state area reach their financial goals —
since 1891— is important to our employees. Enjoy the tradition of "the personal touch",
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At EDSB, tradition means something.
tiVikk 14.
Family: Wife Maria, son Graham.
What advice would you give younger
people entering the work force ?: It's im-
portant to know why you are doing what
you are doing. A job should be more than
just a paycheck. The mission can be a much
stronger motivation to do your best.
Greatest accomplishment: Being a part
of transforming the Historic Millwork Dis-
trict.
Who was your greatest mentor or
teacher and why ?: I've had many great
mentors. Each has molded my motives
and actions.
CONGRATULATIONS
Aaron Delong
on your Rising Star Award!
Aaron's commitment to the
city will impact Dubuque for
many future generations.
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INITIATIVES