Page 48 - FDI Alliance International Magazine. Winter 2020 Digital Interactive Issue.

GOVERNOR WELCOME TO

KIM REYNOLDS IOWA

owa, its name derived from the Native industries. Iowa is a right to work state with established Iowa as a leader in advanced
American Ioway people who once inhabited a low cost of doing business. The state’s manufacturing.
the region, became the 29th state in 1846. success may be partially because Iowa has
The Mississippi River forms its entire eastern a business climate that consistently ranks Home to nearly 6,800 finance and
border, and the Missouri River and a among the best in the nation. Or, it could insurance companies and a workforce of
tributary, the Big Sioux, form the western be the legendary Midwestern work ethic, more than 95,000 talented professionals,
border, making Iowa the only state with the abundant raw materials or access to Iowa is one of the nation’s top headquarters
two parallel rivers defining its borders. It markets that makes companies prosper. for the finance and insurance industries.
is bordered by Minnesota to the north, Iowa is the perfect place to expand, relocate
Wisconsin and Illinois east, Missouri south, Iowa’s much more than just a place that’s or start a financial services business. Iowa
Nebraska and South Dakota to the west. great for growing a career – with a top- leads with a pro-business mindset, a
ranked quality of life that’s as desirable as it progressive and responsive regulatory
According to U.S. News and World Report is attainable, it’s a place you and your family environment, and offers one of the lowest
this year, Iowa is ranked as the number- will be proud to call home for years to come. insurance premium tax rates in the country
one best state in the nation. Iowa’s greatest Advanced manufacturing is Iowa’s largest — one percent.
opportunity for economic growth is to build industry, accounting for more than 17
a workforce that’s nimble, highly skilled and percent of the state’s total GDP. Nearly Strong industry leadership has also helped
filled with lifelong learners. Today, we are 6,000 manufacturers produce everything Iowa become an innovation hub for
experiencing a shortage of skilled workers from food products and medical devices insurance technology. Established in 2015,
across every region of our state and all to aerospace products and construction Iowa’s Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) is
types of industries from manufacturing and machinery. the world’s first business accelerator focused
skilled trades, to health care and information on Insurtech and has helped numerous
technology. But through dynamic public- Iowa is perfectly positioned to export these insurance companies from around the
private partnerships, we’ve implemented products around the globe, with a strong world grow and expand.The state of Iowa
innovative solutions that start in our schools transportation network with access to is the perfect place to expand, locate or
and continue in the workplace to ensure that air, water, rail and highway. In addition, start a business. The state’s pro-business
opportunity lives here. Iowa’s skilled talent pool and state-of-the- policies, nationally recognized research
art training and research programs at our centers and legendary Midwestern work
Iowa is a great place to do business. colleges and universities offer a wealth of ethic give businesses with an Iowa location
Manufacturing is strong, and the financial workforce resources. a huge competitive edge. Those business
services sector is thriving. In a state with world- advantages paired with a low cost of doing
renowned research institutions and robust Iowa’s combination of business-friendly business, central location, abundant raw
innovation, Iowa bioscience companies government policies and tax structure, materials and efficient transportation
are at the forefront of breakthroughs in connection to centers of research excellence infrastructure continue to fuel Iowa’s
plant, animal and human bioscience and strong transportation network have economy.

48. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL