Dubuque Aims to Add 3300 Jobs in 5 years

City leaders in Dubuque are rolling out big plans to improve their economy.

That community has set some lofty goals for itself.

One goal is to create 3300  new jobs in the next five years.

They also hope to increase the average wage from $17 .50  per hour to $18 per hour.

Three little letters have meant something huge for the city of the Dubuque over the past few years. I-B-M.

That company's expansion to Dubuque brought 1300 new jobs. IBM , combined with dozens of other Dubuque employers, created a total of 3700 new jobs between 2009 and 2011.

Economic developers say there is more to come.

Greater Dubuque Development President Rick Dickinson said, "I anticipate them to be more impactful than IBM. But it's nothing like IBM. It's ten jobs here and 20 jobs here. It's paying attention to the people who are already here."

The Greater Dubuque Development board of directors aims to raise 8.5 million dollars in the next five years. That money will be used to recruit national and international companies to expand in Dubuque.

But funds are also earmarked to help already established companies add jobs in Dubuque.

Dickinson said, "the secret sauce in Dubuque is our focus on existing businesses and helping them grow and expand."

Dickinson expects job openings in manufacturing. But also in I-T and software development, as well as financial and customer service.

Something for everyone, with a goal of getting everyone back to work.

City leaders say they do expect jobs by the end of this year, but right now they are not saying where those jobs will be.

Community leaders also hope to grow Dubuque County's population.

Right now 93, 600 people live in the entire county county.

They hope to have 96,500 residents by 20-17.