SIMPCO regional planners Bess Wolterman and Nate Kistner, along with Iowa’s West Coast Initiative’s Anastasia Williams, recently attended the 10th annual RISE: Rural Iowa Summit at Dubuque’s Grand River Center. The summit brought together hundreds of Iowans to learn from rural leaders about expanding housing opportunities, supporting small business growth, and strengthening communities. Sessions focused on advocating for rural educators, addressing emergency service deserts, attracting tourists, reimagining rural news media, and more. SIMPCO staff also congratulate Mark Gaul of Le Mars on receiving the Rural Leadership Excellence Award, recognizing his leadership and lasting impact on rural Iowa.