Pike Powers to address economic transformation at ICAD Group event

IOWA CITY -- Known to some as the “Tech Godfather” of Austin, Texas, civic entrepreneur Pike Powers will be the keynote speaker for the Iowa City Area Development Group Fundraising Kickoff Breakfast on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, in the grand ballroom at hotelVetro in Iowa City.

The event is targeted to the regional business community and will outline the goals of the organization's $5 million campaign and the future of ICAD Group's programming and activities, known as Vision 2030.

There is no fee to attend.  Reservations are required.  Networking will begin at 7 a.m. with the breakfast and program running from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.  Reservations can be made online at www.icadgroup.com/vision2030 or by phone at (319) 354-3939.

Mark Nolte, interim ICAD Group president, said the breakfast and keynote message will help underscore the means and reasons for economic transformation in this market.

"Companies are looking for innovative cultures that will help them compete and grow," Nolte said. "Pike will detail Austin's successful culture and we will lay out a bold, new game plan for driving our economy here."

Nolte added that ICAD Group sees Austin as both a competitor and collaborator, and can adopt their ideas and strategies for business development, recruitment, and entrepreneurial programming for early stage companies and technologies.

“There's no denying that Austin is seen as a global leader in economic development and quality of life,” said Nolte. Funding Solutions of Austin, Texas, is conducting the $5 million Vision 2030 fundraising campaign.  “Combining Pike's message with our Vision 2030 campaign will illustrate the need for investment in ICAD Group and our vision for the future.”

Campaign Co-chairs Kate Minette of Pearson, Chuck Peters of SourceMedia Group) and Charles Funk of MidwestOneBank also will speak at the meeting.  University of Iowa President Sally Mason,  also a co-chair of the campaign, will be unable to attend.

Speaking on behalf of the leadership team, Peters said that it is time to tap into the unlimited potential found in Iowa's Creative Corridor.

As stakeholders, we want to be involved in that future and partner in building a culture of innovation,” said Peters. "We are confident this area can excel far beyond where we have been, but we need support for ICAD Group's Vision 2030.”

Funding Solutions provides comprehensive analysis, fundraising strategies and implementation for economic development groups and chambers of commerce. The organization will unveil the financial support already committed toward the campaign goal at the conclusion of the breakfast.