Local business and industry leaders discussed the challenges rural Iowa faces in economic development during a roundtable conference Monday morning. USDA Rural Development State Director Bill Menner and the group at the Marion County Extension Office talked about the importance of broadband expansion in rural Iowa. They also discussed what would happen if the new farm bill doesn’t include direct payments to farmers. 1 in 30 people receive those payments in Marion County, totaling around 10 million dollars.

Finally, they also discussed the importance of local community foundations and the increasing role they have in economic development. Menner says people should considering leaving part of their inheritance to such a foundation to spur economic development.