She said she visits just about annually and each time she sees something different.

“Every time I come, you show me a new project,” she told a group of local leaders Thursday afternoon.

As she said those words, she was standing on the main floor of one of those new projects — the recently renovated Laramar Ballroom at 710 First Ave. N.

“It’s spectacular,” she said of the building.

Durham predicted big, positive changes in Fort Dodge thanks to developments at the ag industrial park called Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation, downtown and Corridor Plaza.

“In the next five years, you’re not going to be able to recognize this place,” she said.

But she also noted that patience is a virtue when it comes to economic development.

“You’re in this for the long game,” she said. “Economic development doesn’t happen overnight.”

“Be patient,” she added. “You’re doing all the right things. Continue to invest in your infrastructure. Continue to invest in the things you can control.”

Durham also saluted the cooperation between Fort Dodge, Webster County, Iowa Central Community College and the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

“I wish I could just take that to other places,” she said.

Durham spent most of Thursday with representatives of the city, county, the Growth Alliance and Iowa Central. The group visited various projects throughout the community.

Before the group had lunch in the Laramar Ballroom, Sadie Andersen, event manager of the facility, gave a quick tour.

Andersen is part of Laramar Acquisition Co. LLC, which bought the building in 2022. The partially renovated building debuted in June 2023.

But Andersen said the work isn’t done. She said the next phase will consist of renovating the second floor to create a bar. She said the basement will be remodeled to create a bridal suite and a green room for performers waiting to go on-stage.

Other places Durham visited included the 3-D printer facility at Iowa Central’s East Campus, the college’s biofuels lab, the Northwest River District, Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation, Corridor Plaza, the River’s Edge Discovery Center and the Second Avenue Rowhomes.