The 2019 Business Expansion and Strategic Trends of Iowa key findings and conclusions identified trend information from more than 800 interviews completed with companies across 66 counties in 165 communities.

One of the study’s key findings revealed that Iowa’s workforce needs to be enhanced and grown. “Iowa has a lot to be proud of, and our work ethic is at the top of the list. However, to meet the need of growing businesses, we need to make sure we have enough qualified workers to fill new positions,” said Drew Conrad, director at the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa. “Nearly half of the companies interviewed rated the availability of workforce in their area as low, and 22% of the companies with plans to expand during the next three years stated their community in Iowa may not be considered for the expansion because of that workforce concern. The good news is we can take action now to make sure Iowa is prepared and in the running for those opportunities.”

“This information is extremely valuable to help Iowa’s economy thrive. Knowing what our existing businesses are experiencing and the issues they are addressing are critical to be able to help create the economic landscape to capitalize on opportunities,” said Maureen Elbert, executive director of Kossuth/Palo Alto Economic Development Corp..

“Getting first-hand feedback from businesses across our state is critical to making sure we’re setting the stage for economic success,” Conrad said. “Our business owners live the good and bad of our business environment every day. Giving those honest experiences attention allows us to be strategic in how to effectively help our communities thrive.”

For more details about the study, including infrastructure challenges, innovation opportunities and areas where cutting red tape would make a positive impact, visit www.iowaeda.com/best.