Schneider Statehouse Report: Think Globally to Keep Iowa Competitive

By Sen. Charles Schneider

This week, the Iowa Economic Development Authority reported that Iowa exported 10 percent more manufactured and value-added agricultural goods in 2012 than the year before. In comparison, overall exports for the entire United States increased by only 4.46 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. Global demand for products and services provided by Iowa companies has a positive impact on the state and local economy. We must think globally and locally to ensure that Iowa continues to have a healthy export economy.

Iowa exported over $14.6 billion in goods to countries around the world in 2012, compared to $13.3 billion of exports in 2011. Last year, the top five countries purchasing Iowa exports were Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Germany. Of these exports, machinery accounted for $1.64 billion, non-railway vehicles accounted for $1.25 billion, meat accounted for $790 million, and cereals accounted for $690 million of the total exports.

More than 2,500 companies in Iowa export goods, and as a result are creating jobs and contributing to their local economies. Eighty-four percent of Iowa exporters are considered small- to medium-sized companies. Based on 2012 export statistics, Iowa exporters support approximately 73,000 jobs. These jobs greatly contribute to local economies and a quality of life that Iowans have come to expect.

To Sen. Schneider's point about being less bashful about Iowa's strengths, please complete the following: "The cool thing about Iowa that many people don't know is ... "

There are many service sector companies in Iowa that do business globally as well. I have neighbors and friends who travel the world for their jobs. In my position with Principal Financial Group, I’ve had the opportunity to work with business partners from almost every continent.

Even though Iowa is in the middle of the United States, we’re competing in a global economy. It’s more important than ever to make sure that we have a business and regulatory climate that helps us attract and retain businesses. It’s equally important for us to have an education system that prepares our students for the global marketplace.

Let’s also be less bashful about promoting the exciting career opportunities in our state. You don’t have to move to Chicago or New York to travel and work with people from around the world. You can do that here and have a better quality of life than you’d be able to find in some of those other places.

Upcoming Legislative Forum

April 6, 9:30-11 a.m., Waukee City Council Chambers

(Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, represents Senate District 22, which includes Waukee, Clive, Windsor Heights and part of West Des Moines. Contact him at Charles.Schneider@legis.iowa.gov or 515-281-3371.)