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Iowa Is Creating Life-Changing Opportunities

Iowa is a leader in the upper Midwest and home to traditional industries such as agriculture, as well as high-tech giants Google and Microsoft.

Area Development Online Research Desk (Location USA 2010)

Centrally located in America’s upper Midwest, Iowa lies in the heart of a 12-state region that has proven logistical cost savings and supply-chain efficiencies that give Iowa manufacturers strategic advantages — making it a prime location to expand, relocate, or start a business. The network of divided four-lane and interstate highways, intercontinental and short-line railroads, and barge routes combine to provide unequaled and competitive transportation choices. Companies select Iowa locations because the costs of shipping —components in and finished product out — are significantly lower than in other states.

Many Advantages
Iowa has a number of advantages that greatly benefit businesses — like being number one in the production of corn, soybeans, and eggs. Iowa has plentiful raw materials for food manufacturing, while water and electrical power are also readily available. Plus, Iowa has the lowest cost of doing business in the United States (“America’s Top States for Business,” CNBC 2009).

Additionally, Iowa is consistently recognized as a national leader in education and ranks very high in the quality of elementary and secondary schools, as well as high-school graduation rates. An educated work force means more motivated employees, lower startup costs, lower training costs, fewer job-related accidents, shorter training periods, and an excellence — a pride — in quality and productivity. More than 4,200 manufacturers employ more than 230,000 Iowans and generate more than $10 billion in payroll.

Beth Balzer, Business Development Manager
Iowa Department of Economic Development
200 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: 515-725-3111
Fax: 515-725-3010
E-mail: beth.balzer@iowa.gov
iowalifechanging.com

An Industry Leader
Targeted industries such as renewable energy, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology are growing in Iowa with many international firms playing lead roles. Among them, you will find Deere and Company; Rockwell Collins; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a DuPont business; Principal Financial Group; Kemin Industries; Monsanto; Siemens Energy; Pella Corporation; IBM; Google; and Microsoft. Iowa is leading the nation in many aspects of these industries.

For example, Iowa ranks second nationally in current wind generation output with 3,670 MW installed, with 2,534 turbines across the state (AWEA, 2009). Iowa’s biofuels industries have added $11.5 billion to its economy, generate $2.3 billion in new household income, and support 70,000 Iowa jobs (LECG LLC, 2009).
The Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) is dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for companies and organizations in the fields of renewable energy, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.

Business-Friendly
Iowa boasts a business-friendly environment. For example, the Iowa Values Fund, a $500 million business development initiative enacted in 2003, provides an array of direct financial assistance programs to aid companies seeking an Iowa location. Iowa also provides companies with tax credits and incentives on land, utilities, and capital investment. The IDED staff is headquartered in Des Moines, the capital of Iowa. The state has offices located in Japan and Germany, and also has a presence in China and Mexico. IDED’s dedicated team of professionals can assess opportunities and assist companies that are looking to expand or locate a business in the United States.

Learn more by visiting the state’s website.

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