An organization representing some of Iowa’s largest businesses is researching ways to attract diverse populations to the state. 

Vermeer Chair Mary Andringa was part of a news conference held by the Iowa Business Council at the statehouse in Des Moines this week, releasing details about the state’s economic competitive signals. It’s called the Iowa Competitive Dashboard, a nonpartisan review of the economic climate. Andringa says it details the biggest threat to Iowa’s long-term growth as the availability of skilled workers in numerous industries. She says the solution likely starts by bringing in people from other states and countries.

“We just need to tell our stories to elected officials at the federal level, at the state level and what the needs are,” Andringa said, “because I think most of our elected officials are willing to listen and incorporate that into their thinking.”

 

Find the full report from the Iowa Business Council here.