Strengthening Our Foundation: Insights from Recent Regional Leadership Training

The Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative team attended the "Stronger Boards, Stronger Communities" leadership workshop hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach on April 18th, 2026. The team along with incoming board President Ashtyn Beck and board member, Rachel Bly, spent the day at the DMACC campus in Newton. Joined by a diverse group of regional leaders and representatives of the Pregnancy Center of Central Iowa, DMACC- Newton Campus, Newton Library, Jasper County Habitat for Humanity, Newton City Council, Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, and the Jasper County RSVP. 

This workshop focused on building a board development and connecting with our local communities. Eric Heininger shared strategies of developing effective outreach for partners and donor relations. We brought back many ideas on how to grow and expand our search and

process of new board members, along with how to keep our current board engaged and interactive within the communities. Beth Shelton spoke about tackling challenges and creating actionable solutions from small projects to big ideas. 

The group returned to the office with a vibrant sense of energy and a toolkit of actionable strategies to support local board retention and growth. Thank you to ISU Extension and Outreach for hosting this great learning opportunity. For more information on other classes and workshops they host visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/