Iowa Panelists Participate in Virtual Forum Chaired by Rep. Finkenauer

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) led a Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship (RATE) subcommittee virtual forum on Wednesday, bringing together Iowa leaders and experts to discuss the economic challenges facing rural communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesday’s event was the first virtual forum held by Chairwoman Finkenauer’s subcommittee, and featured two panelists from Iowa’s First Congressional District:

- Bill Menner, former USDA Rural Development director for Iowa, executive director of Iowa Rural Development Council and founder of the Bill Menner Group;

- Melissa Moretz, farmer at Moretz Farm and commercial portfolio manager at First Citizens Bank

"On our Main streets, small businesses lead the way. When this crisis is over, we must make sure our small-town pharmacists, town-square restaurants, hardware stores and florists are still in business and serving their communities. Right now, their futures are in doubt,” Finkenauer said in her opening statement.

“While Congress has taken steps to provide important financial support during this pandemic, we must remain vigilant to the needs of our rural areas and ensure they’re fully included in our economic recovery. Right now, unfortunately, we’re seeing signs that they’re not,” Finkenauer said.

Menner and Moretz described the situation facing small and agricultural businesses in their communities and answered questions from the panel about additional steps to ensure a strong recovery from the crisis.

Other participants included Rick Ebert, president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and Ines Polonius, CEO of Communities Unlimited in Fayetteville, AR.

RATE is a subcommittee of the House Small Business Committee. Finkenauer serves as the subcommittee chairwoman, and Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) serves as the ranking member.

Video of Finkenauer’s opening statement can be found here: https://youtu.be/kpRwBT2M5po?t=152

Video of Bill Menner’s opening statement can be found here: https://youtu.be/kpRwBT2M5po?t=1046

Video of Melissa Moretz’ opening statement can be found here: https://youtu.be/kpRwBT2M5po?t=1391

Menner discussing importance of brick-and-mortar businesses in rural places can be found here: https://youtu.be/kpRwBT2M5po?t=2462

Moretz discussing disaster relief programs and rural small businesses can be found here: https://youtu.be/kpRwBT2M5po?t=2618