Our experienced Economic Development team has a long track record of assisting businesses to grow and achieve success in Davenport. Our team provides a host of site selection services and connections for doing business in Davenport.
Bruce Berger, Director, Community Planning and Economic Development
Bruce is an Iowa native and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Political Science, Economics, and Public Policy. He has worked for the City of Davenport for over 23 years in a variety of roles, starting as an intern and ultimately being named Director of Community Planning and Economic Development in June 2015. Bruce completed the Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government through Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional via the National Development Council. Under his direction, Davenport was chosen by Kraft Heinz Foods and Sterilite Corporation as the location for their new manufacturing facilities in the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center that will create and retain nearly 1000 jobs in our community. Bruce and his team are eager to help your business find success in Davenport!
Susanne Knutsen, Economic Development Manager
As Economic Development Manager, Susanne Knutsen interacts with projects of all sizes ranging from owner operated small businesses to large scale manufacturing expansions. A former park ranger with a Master’s degree in Forestry, Susanne began her career in economic development 12 years ago, and has continued to expand her skill set. She holds both the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer title and the National Development Council’s Economic Development Finance Professional certification. Over the past 12 years, Susanne has worked on projects totaling over three quarters of a billion dollars in private investment into Davenport. This has translated in over 5,000 jobs created and retained for the Quad Cities. Recent successes include expansions by Kraft Heinz and Sterilite Corporation manufacturing facilities. Susanne welcomes your business to our community, and is excited to act as your business concierge on behalf of the City of Davenport.