Monday, October 08, 2007
Governor Culver To Embark On "Bringing New Jobs To Iowa Day"
Governor “Thrilled” to Announce Plans for Hundreds of Exciting, New Wind-Energy Jobs in Keokuk
DES MOINES — On Wednesday, Governor Chet Culver will embark on a “Bringing New Jobs to Iowa Day.”
The day begins at the Polk County Convention Complex with the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference. At the conference, Governor Culver will announce new recipients of the Targeted Small Business Program (TSB). Earlier this year, the Governor signed into law HF 890 which provided an additional $4 million to Iowa’s TSB, a program in place to make it easier for female, minority and disabled entrepreneurs to start a new business.
“Iowa’s Entrepreneurial Spirit is alive and well” said Governor Culver. “This is an ideal time to start a business in Iowa, and I encourage individuals and companies to come to the state and be a part of our new economy.”
Following the Conference, Governor Culver will travel to Keokuk and join Mayor David Gudgel for a major wind-energy jobs announcement. While in Europe last month, the Governor met with project leaders to discuss opening a wind energy manufacturing plant in Keokuk.
“I am thrilled to announce plans to bring hundreds of exciting, new wind energy jobs to Keokuk,” said Governor Culver. “I ran for governor to build on Iowa’s strengths, including our strengths in advanced manufacturing, and to bring jobs to every corner of the state. Keokuk’s announcement is proof that Iowa’s leadership in wind energy continues to grow and our brightest days are ahead.”
Lastly, Governor Culver will attend a Strategy Academy on Energy and Environment policy conference at Drake University. The Academy is being run by the Center for State Innovation – a national policy organization helping governors promote innovative, progressive policies. The Center for State Innovation was invited to Iowa by Governor Culver, who will host the Academy.
During the Academy, there will be a discussion regarding “best practices” for the implementation of innovative, cutting edge policies and programs like the $100 million Iowa Power Fund. Also attending the Academy will be, among others, Roya Stanley, the newly-appointed director of the Office of Renewable Energy, as well as representatives from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Utility Board and the Department of Economic Development.
“You can’t talk about bringing new jobs to Iowa without discussing renewable energy,” said Governor Culver. “With the Iowa Power Fund, we are in a now in a better position to research and develop new types of renewable energy. This will lead to commercialization and quality, good-paying jobs across Iowa.”