Dear Friend,

There is something pretty incredible about seeing the baseball world descend on a small Iowa town of just several thousand residents. Last week, the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies took the field in Dyersville for the return of the MLB at Field of Dreams.

For baseball fans, it was a chance to experience one of the most iconic places in the history of the game.

For rural Iowa, the impact goes well beyond baseball.

Visitors coming to town stayed in nearby hotels, grabbed meals at a local restaurant, shopped at small businesses, and experienced Iowa hospitality firsthand.

Last week’s events are projected to generate at least $40 million in economic activity, supporting businesses and workers in Dyersville and communities across the region.

But what I love most about the Field of Dreams is that it gives millions of people a glimpse into our home and what makes rural Iowa special.

They saw a small town capable of hosting one of the biggest events in sports. They saw local business owners working overtime to welcome visitors. They saw volunteers pitching in and Iowa hospitality on full display.

I’m proud to see Dyersville in the national spotlight and excited people across the country got to see what rural Iowa has to offer, both on and off the field.

The Dyersville Area Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 300 businesses and organizations. Events like this bring thousands of visitors to the area, supporting the local restaurants, shops, hotels, and other small businesses that make up the community.

And the impact doesn’t necessarily end when the game does. Visitors who come for baseball may discover a place they want to visit again.

Maybe they traveled to Dyersville because they grew up watching Field of Dreams with their dad. Maybe they came because their child is playing little league. Or maybe they just wanted to experience a piece of America they’ve only seen on television.

Whatever brings them here, we had the opportunity to show them what makes Iowa worth returning to.

It’s about showcasing small-town America on one of sports’ biggest stages. And it’s about a game that still has the power to bring parents, kids, grandparents, and complete strangers together from every corner of the country right here in rural Iowa.

Millions of people tuned in to see the Field of Dreams.

And I think they’ll come away seeing something even better: Iowa.

Sincerely,

Honoring a Local Hero

Last week, I had the honor of presenting Sergeant Seth Pettit with the medals he earned during his service in the U.S. Army.

Sergeant Pettit answered the call both at home and overseas, and after 12 years of service his commitment to our veterans continues to this day. We couldn't be more thankful for his ongoing support for our veteran community and families right here in Iowa.

Pitching In Before First Pitch

I also had a blast packing meals for River Bend Food Bank alongside MLB and John Deere in Dyersville!

There was no better way to kick off Field of Dreams than by giving back to the community that makes this event so special.