» Leaders Make Bold Move to Sell Dubuque Area Nationally
Iowa’s Top Economic Development Official, Mike Blouin, ‘Coming Home’ to Join Greater Dubuque Development

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Dubuque, IA—Neither resting nor satisfied with a recent U.S. Top 25 ranking for job growth, Dubuque area leaders have made a bold, unprecedented move to sell the Dubuque region, to prospective business and industry on a national level. Today, Greater Dubuque Development’s Board (GDDC), investors, and public officials announced that Mike Blouin will join the organization to help bolster Dubuque’s national business development efforts.

Blouin is currently Iowa’s top economic development official and is a former member of the U.S. Congress, the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House. In 2006, Blouin ran for Governor of the State of Iowa. Blouin has also successfully led the economic development efforts of Iowa’s two largest cities, serving as the CEO of both the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Related to the announcement, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation will restructure the organization with current Director Rick Dickinson assuming the new title of Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) with Blouin filling the position of President. Both Dickinson and Blouin will report directly to the GDDC Board of Directors.

Dickinson noted that despite Dubuque’s #1 rank in Iowa and a Top 25 rank among U.S. cities for job growth, complacency is not an option. Dickinson said that Blouin’s move is a clear sign that Greater Dubuque will continue to push the boundaries of economic development.

“No one could be more thrilled with this win for Dubuque than I am. You see, time changes nothing, people with courage and initiative change things. People like Mike Blouin change things for the better. I can’t wait to have the chance to work with him,” said Dickinson.

Greater Dubuque Development Chairman, David Becker, noted that while Dubuque’s job growth has been impressive, it won’t secure the future. Becker cited Blouin’s vast experience and rapport with national, blue-chip companies as a way to enhance the organization and move Dubuque forward. “Let’s face it, there’s a lot of talk and discussion about moving companies and communities from ‘good-to-great.’ At Greater Dubuque Development, we’re not just talking. We are doing,” said Becker. “Is this a big step forward? Yes. Is this the right thing to do? Absolutely,” added Becker.

Dubuque Mayor, Roy Buol, described Blouin’s addition at Greater Dubuque Development as both a unique and rare opportunity to take Dubuque’s economy to the next level. “As a young man, Mike came and was educated right here in Dubuque. Mike has served Dubuque as an elected official. Mike has worked with Dubuque on numerous business expansion projects. The way I see it, Mike isn’t coming to Dubuque, Mike’s coming home,” said Buol.

Blouin, who will join forces with Greater Dubuque’s Rick Dickinson and his staff on January 22nd, was impressed with the decision to create a national marketing strategy. “Suzanne and I are excited to be returning to Dubuque and are grateful for this opportunity which allows us to come back home. The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, its staff and investors, as well as tri-state public officials, have made Dubuque a great place to live and pursue a career. My role will be to work with this team and build on that greatness. I am committed to making this happen and look forward to getting started”.

For more information, please contact:
David Becker
Chairman of the Board
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
563.557.9049