Economic development officials hope to take advantange of Caucus spotlight

Thursday, December 27, 2007, 8:39 AM
By Pat Curtis

Economic development officials are hoping to take advantage of the national spotlight that's focused on Iowa right now because of the Caucuses. A new series of ads are playing on video screens at the Des Moines Airport and on-line at www.IowaCaucus.org.

Shawn Rolland with the Iowa Department of Economic Development says the campaign is designed to encourage families who are looking to relocate to consider Iowa. It's also focused on breaking down stereotypes.

"I think a lot of people come into the state with a preconceived notion of how the state contributes," Rolland says, "and what we want to do is have people rethink what's going on in the state and reposition what it's known for."

There's a 30 second ad and another video titled "The Offer," that runs over six minutes in length. Rolland says the videos are also available to growing businesses in the state. He says companies that are looking for workers can use the videos to recruit individuals to Iowa.

The videos close with a message from Governor Chet Culver, who describes Iowa as a leader in renewable energy, health care and education. Culver says Iowa ranks first in the nation in terms of "quality of life." The ad campaign will run through January 10.