UNI Institute for Decision Making (IDM)

10/06/2026

🏭 A funding opportunity to have on your radar for manufacturers.

The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program provides grants to help eligible small- and mid-sized Iowa manufacturers invest in technology that can improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. Eligible investments can include automation and robotics, advanced equipment, cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, sensors, data analytics and other Industry 4.0 technologies.

Businesses can apply for up to $75,000, with a 1:1 match required. But there’s an important step to complete first: applicants must have a CIRAS Industry 4.0 assessment, and the deadline to request that assessment is November 20, 2026. Applications for the grant itself will be accepted January 4–29, 2027. Opportunity Iowa

If your business, or a manufacturer you work with, is considering a technology investment, now is a good time to take a look at the program requirements and start preparing.

Learn more about the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program:

The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program provides grants that assist small- and mid-sized enterprises with the adoption and integration of smart tech

09/30/2026

Let's fill the room with new players to the Economic Development game! Tag someone in the comments who you think would be a great fit to join us in Independence, Missouri next spring. 👇

Heartland alumni: it’s time to choose the next player. 🎮

You’ve been through Heartland. Now, who in your network should be next?

Tag a colleague, new team member, or economic development partner who’s ready to build their skills, grow their network, and level up at Heartland 2027.

Who’s your Player 2? 👇

April 27–30 • Independence, MO • Heartland.UNI.edu

09/23/2026

We’re headed to Burlington! 👋

The 2026 PDI Fall Conference kicks off this afternoon, and IDM will be there exhibiting and connecting with economic development professionals from across Iowa.

If you’re attending, stop by the IDM booth to say hello, catch up with our team, and learn more about how we support communities and organizations through strategic planning, applied research, facilitation, training, and technical assistance.

We’re looking forward to a great few days of learning and connection. Who else will be in Burlington? 💜💛

09/22/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday to Drew Conrad! 🎂

Today we’re celebrating Drew and the decades of experience, insight, and dedication he brings to the IDM team and the communities and organizations we serve.

We’re grateful to have Drew as our fearless leader and hope you’ll join us in wishing him a very happy birthday and a great year ahead! 💜💛

09/16/2026

A great planning session can generate energy, ideas and important conversations, but the real work is what happens next!

At IDM, we build implementation into the planning process. That means moving from big-picture conversations to clear priorities, realistic strategies, specific action steps, timelines, and accountability.

Because a strategic plan shouldn’t just capture where you want to go. It should help you figure out how you’re going to get there.

That’s the difference between finishing a plan and having a roadmap you can actually use ✔️

09/10/2026

We’re excited to be part of the 2026 Iowa Nonprofit Summit, September 14–15 in Ankeny! 💜

IDM’s Liesl Seabert and Karla Organist will lead “Flip the Agenda: Building Board Meetings People Actually Want to Attend,” an interactive session focused on shifting board meetings from routine reporting to meaningful discussion, decision-making, and engagement.

Liesl will also join the “Collaborating with Higher Ed” panel to discuss how nonprofits can build stronger partnerships with higher education to access resources, advance their missions, and develop future talent.

We’re looking forward to two days of learning and connection with nonprofit leaders from across Iowa. Let us know if we will see you there!

09/02/2026

Know someone ready to level up their economic development skills? 🎮

Heartland 2027 registration is open! We can’t wait to welcome another class of professionals from across the region!

Tag a future Heartland classmate in the comments or send this their way.

🎮 NEW LEVEL UNLOCKED: Registration for Heartland 2027 is OPEN!

Ready to level up your economic development game? Join us for four days of learning, connections, real-world application and plenty of opportunities to build your ED toolkit.

- April 27–30, 2027
- Independence, Missouri

Secure your spot online, or know someone ready for their next level? Send this their way or share it with your network!

Register now at https://heartland.uni.edu/

08/26/2026

IDM recently partnered with Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG) to support an update to the Cedar Falls, Iowa, City Government Housing Needs Assessment. With INRCOG leading the update, our team assisted with facilitating focus groups and gathering and analyzing input to help bring community perspectives into the assessment.

We’re looking forward to seeing how INRCOG brings that input together with housing data and additional analysis to help Cedar Falls better understand its current and future housing needs.

We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this important work!

08/10/2026

IDM’s James Hoelscher recently joined the UNI Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) team at Iowa Speedway, supporting a pilot fan-facing recycling initiative during the Iowa Corn 350.

IWRC was invited by NASCAR to assist with recycling efforts and worked alongside NASCAR’s waste and circularity programs team. James helped support recycling in the Iowa Corn Growers Association suite - with a pretty great view of the action!

We love seeing our Business & Community Services colleagues collaborate, pitch in, and put UNI expertise to work in some unexpected places!

08/06/2026

Yesterday, the IDM team had the opportunity to facilitate an economic development action planning session with community leaders in Pleasantville. Together, we explored the community's strengths, discussed opportunities for future growth, and began identifying the priorities that will shape Pleasantville's next 3–5 years.

One of the best parts of strategic planning is bringing people with different perspectives to the table to build a shared vision. Yesterday's session was filled with thoughtful discussion, creative ideas, and a genuine commitment to moving the community forward.

Thank you to Marion County Development, the City of Pleasantville, and everyone who participated. We're looking forward to the next phase as we turn these conversations into an actionable roadmap for the future!