ABOUT US
Mission, Vision, & Values
The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) is an organization of economic development professionals working to grow and develop Iowa’s economic base. PDI’s nearly 300 members come from a variety of disciplines: county and regional developers, community developers, utilities, legal and financial firms, universities, community colleges, engineering and construction firms, and rail transportation companies.
Purpose & Mission Statement
PDI is a state association of economic development professionals united to strengthen communities and drive the long-term growth of Iowa.
Board of Directors
Staff
Craig Patterson - PDI Lobbyist
Craig Patterson has more than 25 years of experience in public policy and political campaigns, including more than four years in Washington DC working first for Iowa Congressman Jim Nussle's staff (Legislative Director & Legislative Assistant) and then as a lobbyist on the Federal level (working on transportation industry issues). He moved to Iowa in 2001 and has since worked as a multi-client lobbyist at the state level.
Craig put his passion for local advocacy to work as a member of the Grimes City Council (2007-2015) and was recognized by the Des Moines Business Record as a member of the 2011 Forty Under 40 class, given each year to forty up and coming community leaders in the Des Moines Metropolitan Area. He was a founding board member of the Dallas Center Grimes Educational Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that procures and manages scholarships for students in the school district and he continues to serve on the Grimes Planning and Zoning Commission.
Craig grew up in Tucson and is a loyal alumnus of the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats! BEAR DOWN). He and his wife Lynh and two daughters live in Grimes. You can contact Craig at craig@ialobby.com.
Committees
PDI committee participation allows members to personalize their PDI experience. One key benefit of committee participation is networking with other like-minded professionals from throughout the State of Iowa. We welcome and encourage your participation on any of our committees. Your help is welcome at any level! Some committees meet monthly, while others meet as needed. Your participation can be as extensive as you wish, from participating in committee meetings, to simply offering your input.
We welcome and encourage your participation on any of our five standing committees. Your help is welcome at any level! Some committees meet monthly, while others meet as needed. Your participation can be as extensive as you wish, from participating in committee meetings, to simply offering your input.
Legislative
Track public policy at the state and federal level that impacts economic development in the state of Iowa. Coordinate with PDI lobbyist to seek member consensus and educates policymakers on these issues.
Education
The education committee is responsible for identifying and recommending educational and professional development opportunities for members.
Membership & Communications
The membership & communications committee is responsible for the growth and retention of the PDI membership. They also focus on the development of communication and public relation strategies to advance economic development efforts throughout Iowa and to promote PDI as a lead economic development organization.
History
A Brief Timeline of PDI's History
- PDI formed as Iowa Professional Developers in 1973 with around 50 members.
- Membership was first limited to those doing 100% economic development and included primarily the state development office, utilities, rail transportation companies, and full-time community developers.
- In late 1980s, membership was broadened to include community colleges, extension services, workforce development, and councils of governments.
- Also, in the late 1980s, the organization’s focus and mission were changed from industrial development to economic development.
- In 1989, the organization re-incorporated as Professional Developers of Iowa.
- The late 1980s and the 1990s saw the creation of many new county-based economic development groups.
- During this time, membership grew rapidly with women members comprising an ever-larger percentage of the total.
- Conferences were included as a member benefit and were held twice a year, with the spring conference alternating between western and eastern Iowa and the fall annual meeting in central Iowa.
Organizational Policies
It is the policy of PDI to operate in a transparent manner and to provide public records and organizational information in a timely, accurate basis to both members and the general public in accordance with federal and state regulations.
