The economic development spotlight shines on Des Moines July 11-14 as more than 500 legislators and guests join in an intensive four-day session to hone their policy-making and leadership skills. For the first time in 10 years, Iowa is the host state for the annual meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference, a program of the Council of State Governments. Guests represent 11 Midwestern states and three Canadian provinces, in addition to government officials and corporate government relations staff members from around the country.

The Midwestern Legislative Conference is a non-partisan organization that fosters professional development and continuing education opportunities for state and provincial elected officials and legislative staff. The group’s 59th annual meeting brings some of the nation’s foremost thinkers to Des Moines to stir creative juices.

Changing demographics and a need for new approaches to economic development support the meeting’s “Fields of Opportunities” theme. It’s also a natural extension of our state’s official slogan, and provides us with an excellent opportunity to showcase what’s going on here in central Iowa.

You say you are surprised that legislators gather to discuss policy ideas and leadership development? Though similar activities are common in the private and not-for-profit sectors, it is sometimes difficult for elected officials to have a forum for interaction with peers in a non-partisan setting. That’s the beauty of the Midwestern Legislative Conference.

The Conference provides numerous training and development opportunities for legislators. From its weeklong Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development held in Madison, Wis., to the policy sessions and committees on agriculture, economic development, education, Midwest-Canada relations, the environment and health and human services, elected officials sharpen their skills and develop long-range public policy, all removed from a partisan setting.

The upcoming meeting in Des Moines is focused on changing how policy-makers approach economic development programs. At the conclusion of our meeting, we hope legislators will start to factor creativity and quality-of-life issues into their plans and measures for economic success. Our program is specifically designed to expose attendees to “outside-the-box” thinking that has a proven track record.

In order to retool thoughts on economic development, we’ve asked keynote speakers Richard Florida, author of the nationally-acclaimed “The Rise of the Creative Class”; legendary American journalist David Halberstam; former Austin, Texas, Mayor Kirk Watson; and the political analysis team of Charles Cook and Stuart Rothenberg to challenge the way policy-makers have always done things and get us thinking about the “what ifs.”

Besides the keynote presentations, a plethora of breakout sessions are scheduled, including “The Future of the Rural Midwest,” “Evaluation and Accountability in Economic Development,” “The Language of Leadership,” health-care cost containment and early childhood education. In addition, roundtable sessions on public policy will be held, and an exhibition area will spotlight innovative state programming.

Special events associated with the meeting will help showcase what’s happening in the Greater Des Moines area. From a “geocaching” experience for the young people attending the conference with their parents, to a state dinner under the Capitol’s gold dome, to tours of the test gardens and kitchens at Meredith Corp., the biotech facilities of Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and the robotics at Monsanto Co., the visitors will see innovation and creativity at every juncture. And industry groups such as the Iowa Pork Producers, Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Turkey Federation and Iowa Corn Growers Association, and local wineries will make sure conference attendees enjoy Iowa products.

As you encounter our special visitors from the Midwestern Legislative Conference next week, please greet them with our typical warm Iowa hospitality. And point them to the “Fields of Opportunities” in Greater Des Moines.

State Rep. Libby Jacobs, a Republican from West Des Moines, is 2004 chair of the Midwestern Legislative Conference. She is also the community relations director for Principal Financial Group Inc.