Going “green” and preserving a community’s historic buildings were two of the central themes at the 24^th annual Smart Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 7.

Jon Dayton, executive director of the Belle Plaine Economic Development Corp. attended the conference, which was sponsored by the Iowa Department of Economic Development

“Some of the main points taken from the conference was the focus on preserving the businesses you currently have in your community instead of searching for new businesses right now,” he said. “Although new businesses are very important, keeping what you have is more important in these economic times.

Focusing on helping small businesses, as well as promoting usage of historic buildings were key points at this year’s conference.

“Obviously going “green” has been a big focus for the Iowa Department of Economic Development, and many still feel the best way to go green is to preserve our valuable historic resources, including buildings, and coming up with creative reuses for upstairs and unused parts of the buildings,” Dayton said

The day-long conference featured state and nationally-known experts in the fields of finance, energy and community development. The luncheon program included the presentation of several small business awards by Joe Folsom district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. The featured speaker was Marci Rossell, former chief economist for the CNBC cable TV network.

“The Main Street Iowa program was recognized by the guest speakers as a great way to develop your community,”Dayton said. “Belle Plaine is on the right track in what we are trying to accomplish with our interior and exterior loan program for business in our Main Street Project Area, as well as being involved with a great program like Main Street Iowa.  Belle Plaine is one of only 39 communities in Iowa that is currently in the Main Street Iowa program.

“It is a great honor for Belle Plaine.”