LETTER FROM THE GOVERNOR

The Made in Iowa publication shines a well-deserved spotlight on all things Made in Iowa, giving us the opportunity to celebrate the more than 6,000 manufacturing companies powering our state’s advanced manufacturing industry. It is our No. 1 business sector, contributing about $31 billion to the state economy annually or 18 percent of Iowa’s gross domestic product. These impressive numbers place us seventh in the nation for manufacturing GDP!  

 The commitment to innovation and collaboration that has fueled our success in manufacturing is emblematic of how we do business in Iowa. With programs like Future Ready Iowa, we bring together industry, academia and the public sector to solve important challenges. 

 Thanks to these bipartisan, stakeholder-led efforts, we’re leading in renewable energy, powering our production economy with a more consistent and affordable supply of wind and solar than anywhere else in the U.S. We’re also addressing the ever-increasing need for skilled workers with successful internship, apprenticeship and other work-based learning programs. As a result, our efforts are serving as a model for other states on how to train and attract tomorrow’s workforce today. 

 As successful as we have been, I believe the best is yet to come. There is tremendous opportunity to further integrate advanced technologies with our long-standing manufacturing strength and Future Ready Iowa is just hitting its stride with the funding allocated during the 2019 legislative session. 

 As you read this issue, you’ll see just a sampling of the companies and initiatives that represent the history, present and future of our state’s work in advanced manufacturing.

Made in Iowa is more than a title and much more than a label, it’s a promise to those who entrust Iowa with their manufacturing needs — a promise of expertise, quality, adaptability and innovation. I, for one, cannot wait to see where we go from here!

 Sincerely,

Kim Reynolds

Governor

State of Iowa