Information technology giant IBM will open a service delivery center in Dubuque, Iowa, that will create 1,300 new jobs over the next two years. The company says it will upgrade an existing historic building in downtown Dubuque to incorporate energy-efficient technology. "We selected the city of Dubuque for our new delivery center based on several criteria, including the strong positive public-private partnership within the city, its competitive business model, and the talent and skills the Midwest has to offer," says Mike Daniels, senior vice president of IBM Global Technology Services. The new facility will support the company's strategic outsourcing clients, providing server systems operations, security services, and end-user services. The company says it will partner with colleges and universities in the tri-state region of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin for recruitment and training opportunities. The Des Moines Register reports that state and local government agencies have offered IBM up to $53 million in incentives, including a $12 million forgivable loan and $2 million in tax incentives.