From a supportive business climate to quality of life and workforce, Iowa is a smart choice for a headquarters.
Iowa has high yields, and not just in our farm fields. Dan Houston, retired Chairman, President and CEO of Principal, shares why Greater Des Moines is a smart choice for global businesses to plant their headquarters.
While Iowa has a leading role in providing critical agriculture-based food, fuel and materials to the world, we are more than traditional agriculture. Iowa is first in the nation for insurance as a percentage of GDP with 114% growth over the last 10 years. Advanced manufacturing is 17% of the state’s GDP and we have the third-largest concentration of manufacturing workers in the U.S.
That growth and business success is made possible by the trifecta of collaboration, culture and efficiencies businesses find here. Our low corporate and personal income tax rates are an unparalleled advantage; plus, supportive public officials create a favorable environment to do business. And infrastructure investments at the DSM International Airport for both private and commercial air travel make it simple and efficient for business leaders and customers to travel to and from central Iowa.
Best of all, strong talent – whether its specialized expertise or general business skills – already exists in Iowa. We rank No. 2 in four-year college graduation rates and nearly one-third of Iowans hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our outstanding public and private universities are a built-in workforce pipeline for employers in the state.
Another key factor in recruiting and retaining top talent? Iowa’s quality of life. People can live large on less (our cost of living is 15% below the national average and housing is 35% below) while also enjoying our top-tier education system, low crime rates and vibrant arts and entertainment scene.
While he provides his perspective as a business leader, Dan Houston also feels a personal connection to Pioneer. He fondly remembers his grandparents planting the seed brand because it meant quality and local connections. An affinity for the company is a throughline for many people in Iowa, even if they’re not directly involved in agriculture or farming – and that’s a pretty special foundation to keep building upon.
When you weigh all the factors, just like many other global businesses already have, Iowa has the best environment for Corteva’s seed business to thrive. Join us in encouraging Corteva leadership to “Plant the HQ Here” by signing this petition.
