The other day I met with Gov. Kim Reynolds and Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority, to discuss the state’s creative new “This Is Iowa” marketing campaign. You know, the one that started with the state hiring actors who set up a fake real estate office in New York City to show clients some very modern, spacious and imminently affordable properties, while waiting until the last minute to disclose the homes were in Iowa.

Reynolds noted there will be more surprises later. The state’s economic development big-thinkers are still batting around ideas.

For some reason, I shared an off-the-cuff idea: Perhaps the governor should skydive to get a fine view of the sprawling green fields, while promoting the state. 

“Oh, I’m afraid of heights,” the governor said immediately, before chuckling. “I’d have to be pushed. It’s possible, but I’d have to be pushed.”