The first of ten forums to be held across Iowa opens this afternoon in Clear Lake to connect local entrepreneurs and innovators with people representing 18 state government agencies who can help make dreams become reality. Jeff Morgan is spokesman for the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs which is holding the “Iowa Great Places” forums. Morgan says “The goal of Iowa Great Places is to bring government agencies into partnership with local groups, local organizations (and) community leaders to more easily access the resources of state government and to leverage local and private resources and to share technical expertice that will turn great ideas at the local level into great places for all Iowans and others to enjoy.” Morgan says the meetings will be held in locations all over the state over the next few weeks.He says it’s for anyone to attend, anyone with an interest in accessing state government in a more streamlined way. Morgan says the forums are free and are designed to serve as a springboard to help people turn their ideas into reality or local offerings into more visible statewide tourist attractions. The forum dates and locations are as follows: today (Tuesday), Surf Ballroom, Clear Lake, 4-6 p.m.; May 18, Spencer Community Theater Playhouse, Spencer, 4-6 p.m.; May 19, Western Historic Trails Center, Council Bluffs, 4:15-6:15 p.m.; May 23, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Dubuque, 4-6 p.m.; May 24, Pella Opera House, Pella, 4-6 p.m.; May 25 – Oster Regent Theater, Cedar Falls, 4-6 p.m.; May 26, Stanley Auditorium, Muscatine, 3:30-5:30 p.m.; June 1 – CSPS, Cedar Rapids, 4-6 p.m.; June 2 – State Historical Building Auditorium, Des Moines, 4-6 p.m.; June 9 – Martin Ballroom, Sioux City, 4-6 p.m. For more information, surf to “www.iowagreatplaces.gov” or call 515-281-8824.