Investing in Iowa’s Future

There is something encouraging about seeing a company make a significant investment in Iowa.

Whether it is a new facility, an expansion or an investment in new technology, those decisions represent more than a business transaction. They reflect confidence in Iowa — in our communities, our workforce and our ability to support businesses as they grow.

As someone who has spent 30 years working at MidAmerican Energy and alongside businesses and communities across Iowa, I have had the opportunity to see what goes into those decisions. Companies consider many factors when determining where to invest, but some fundamentals remain important. A strong workforce matters. So does reliable infrastructure and access to the resources businesses need to operate and grow. Iowa has a lot going for it.

Our manufacturing industry is a great example. Companies are investing in new facilities and technology, expanding their operations and creating opportunities for Iowans. Those investments strengthen the companies making them while also creating opportunities for the communities where they operate. At the same time, we cannot take that position for granted.

The manufacturers making these investments today are already thinking about what their workforce will look like five, 10 or 20 years from now. They are adapting to new technologies, including automation and artificial intelligence, while continuing to need people with the skills to operate and advance those technologies.

That is why connecting businesses with education and workforce partners is so important. Preparing students for careers and helping current employees develop new skills will be critical as Iowa’s economy continues to change.

The same is true for the communities where these companies choose to invest. When a business grows, it becomes part of the community around it. Strong partnerships can help make sure that growth benefits both the employer and the people who live and work there.

Iowa’s success has always depended on people working together. As we celebrate the investments companies are making in our state, we should also think about what those investments tell us.

Businesses see opportunity here. Our responsibility is to continue creating the conditions that make Iowa a place where companies want to invest, grow and build their future.

That is good for business, and it is good for Iowa. ABI