College of Public Health

Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy

BLN Community Forums

Business Leadership Network community forum in Ottumwa, April 2017.

Since 2013, the Business Leadership Network has hosted community forums, taking College of Public Health faculty and students on the road to engage participants in public health related conversations that lead to new collaborations.

Forums draw a cross-section of business owners and managers, economic development leaders, public health officials and health care providers, local elected officials, a variety of agency and organization representatives, and the general public.

Check out this video and read summaries below of past events to learn more about the community forums.

Fall 2025 Community Forum

The most recent BLN forum took place in Burlington on December 9, 2025, from 11 am to 1 pm at the Catfish Bend Event Center. Forum topics included Mental Health and Physical Inactivity/Obesity. Over 40 area employers or community organization leaders interested in a healthy and productive workforce attended. By attending forums like this one, locals can help shape strategies that address health challenges impacting productivity and retention, while contributing to a more resilient workforce.

Summaries of Past Forum discussions

Forum Topics have included: