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Governor Announces Community Pride Video Contest

May 18, 2021

For more information, contact:
Staci Hupp Ballard
Iowa Economic Development Authority 
515.348.6245
communications@iowaeda.com

Gov. Reynolds Announces Community Pride Video Contest to Showcase Support of Iowa’s Small Businesses
#IowansUnite contest gives communities a chance to win custom mural

May 18, 2021 (DES MOINES, IA) – Gov. Kim Reynolds today recognized Iowa’s small businesses for their resiliency over the past year and announced an opportunity for communities to showcase support for their small businesses through the #IowansUnite Community Pride video contest. The winning community will be awarded a custom mural.

The contest invites cities, municipalities or economic development organizations to submit creative and inspirational videos showcasing how their community members support small businesses and celebrate the businesses’ importance to the community. Communities that submit a video have the chance to win a one-of-a-kind mural designed and installed by Iowa artist Ben Schuh that welcomes visitors to their shopping district or downtown area.

“Our small businesses are the cornerstone of our communities and have the most inspiring stories of resilience,” Gov. Reynolds said. “Alongside these small businesses are the countless Iowans who rallied to support each other and their local businesses when they need it most. Through this contest, we elevate and celebrate those stories of Iowa resilience and showcase the true nature of our people.”

To enter the contest, communities must create a short video and submit it through the official entry form found on the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Facebook page through June 22, 2021.

Creativity is highly encouraged, but all submissions must feature local residents and small businesses and must incorporate elements reflecting each community’s unique brand of hometown pride. Examples include storefronts, main street districts, notable landmarks and people shopping or eating. Videos may be created by an individual or group representing the community, but the video must be submitted by the city, municipality or economic development organization.

Following an online voting period (June 23 through June 30), the community whose video receives the most votes will win the contest and custom mural. IEDA and Iowa Finance Authority officials will meet with designees from the winning community to facilitate the mural project.

“Iowa communities and small businesses are writing their own success stories,” said Debi Durham, executive director of IEDA and IFA. “This initiative will spotlight Iowans uniting to support their local retailers, restaurants and communities in both conventional and innovative ways.”

For more information about the #IowansUnite Community Pride Contest, including official rules and the submission process, visit thisisiowa.com/iowansunite.

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