Recognized for its sustained investment and collaboration

Dubuque, IA - Greater Dubuque Development Corporation has been selected to receive the 2026 Outstanding Business & Industry Partner Award from Community Colleges for Iowa. Nominated by Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), the organization is being recognized for its sustained investment and collaboration to expand access to workforce training and respond to regional employer needs.

The award is part of Community Colleges for Iowa’s annual Outstanding Community College Awards, which recognize exceptional contributions to Iowa’s community colleges. Greater Dubuque Development will be honored December 2, 2026, at an awards ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa.

Since 2012, Greater Dubuque Development has invested more than $2 million in the Opportunity Dubuque program, a partnership with NICC that provides tuition assistance for short-term training and career coaches. In 2023, Greater Dubuque Development doubled its investment in the program in response to NICC's request, further strengthening the partnership and expanding support for workforce training.

“Helping people gain the skills to build a career here is central to the Greater Dubuque region’s future,” said Jason White, President & CEO of Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. “Our partnership with NICC connects employer needs with training and support that help people take that next step. We are grateful to NICC for this nomination and for nearly 15 years of shared work to create opportunities for students, strengthen our workforce and support regional employers.”

The partnership extends well beyond financial support. Greater Dubuque Development staff meet monthly with NICC workforce leaders to discuss employer needs and strategy, assist with instructor recruitment, connect the college with area businesses, promote workforce training and advocate for community college workforce initiatives. The organization also helps NICC students connect with the region through community information and activities.

In its nomination, NICC highlighted the combination of financial investment and ongoing collaboration, describing the partnership as an example of what education and economic development can accomplish through a shared commitment to students, employers and community prosperity.

The recognition underscores the role of workforce partnerships in advancing Greater Dubuque Development’s work to support businesses and attract and retain residents. By helping people access training and build connections with local employers and the community, the partnership supports both individual career growth and the region’s long-term economic goals.

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About Greater Dubuque Development Corporation
Founded in 1984, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation is a private, nonprofit economic development organization serving the Greater Dubuque region. Through business services, workforce solutions, population growth initiatives, and regional collaboration, Greater Dubuque Development works with public and private partners to strengthen the tri-state economy and create opportunities for businesses and people to succeed. For more information on Greater Dubuque Development, visit www.greaterdubuque.org.