Dear Iowans,

Vision Iowa is ten years old and what an incredible legacy it has created!

In these past ten years, the program has provided a wonderful testament to the creativity, commitment, and vision of Iowa citizens. Behind each of more than 350 projects are dedicated volunteers shaping a vision for their communities, and working together to create something that will serve the people of their region and our State for years into the future.

In addition to the human resources involved in these projects, Vision Iowa projects leverage state dollars into additional dollars from private, nonprofit, and other public entities. The Vision Iowa Board is proud that for every one dollar of Vision Iowa grant funding, we see, on average, five dollars in investment from other supporters of these projects.

As we look forward, the goal of the Vision Iowa Board is to build upon these successes and the State’s commitment to strong partnerships with communities. Vision Iowa’s strategic partnerships—through our Community, Attraction, and Tourism (CAT) and River Enhancement Community, Attraction, and Tourism (RECAT) programs—are a critical component in providing investments in vertical infrastructure for Iowa’s future.

I want to recognize and thank my fellow board members for the countless volunteer hours they provide. Their expertise and passion for this work is inspiring, and it has helped shape this program into the success that it is. The same can be said of the Vision Iowa staff. Their enthusiasm in working with prospective partners, our grant recipients, and the Board enable Vision Iowa to effectively and efficiently do its work.

It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Vision Iowa Board and to serve the State in this manner. I look forward to working with more communities across Iowa as we build on Vision Iowa’s success.

Sincerely,