Despite challenges from COVID, Iowa economic development chief remains optimistic | Government and politics

Durham attributed this to decisions made by the Legislature and its boss, Gov. Kim Reynolds, to keep basic industries open during the pandemic.

“Executive decisions, legislative decisions make a huge difference,” she said.

Durham calls on the Legislature to continue to show this leadership by adhering to IEDA’s Manufacturing 4.0 plan which includes providing grants to small and medium-sized manufacturers – “not John Deere or Collins Aerospace” – for capital investment in smart manufacturing technologies.

Building broadband infrastructure is also essential for economic development and community development, Durham said.

Although governors have been pushing broadband for years, the pandemic has shown that “there are definitely places that are being left behind, there are deserts with broadband.”

The pandemic has also highlighted that broadband is not a luxury. Broadband access and …

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