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eading industrial biotechnology company Genencor International could have chosen any of a number of locations for their $35-million plant expansion, but according to Genencor's Cedar Rapids, Iowa, plant manager, the choice was clear.
   "While this project was recruited by communities across the U.S., a number of options and criteria were compared, including manufacturing and operational costs, process performance, and future capital investment needed in Genencor plants with the U.S.," said Frans Van Londersele. "Looking at all that, and the incentives offered, the best option was to expand our Cedar Rapids production facility."
   According to the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), Iowa's aggressively pro-business economic climate combined with world-class research institutions yield a bioscience industry critical mass that includes production agriculture, value-added processing, pharmaceuticals, animal health products. More than 1,800 companies are engaged in Iowa's biosciences industry, and they employ over 83,000 highly skilled workers.
   Iowa's bioscience companies have joined together with state university partners to form the Biosciences Alliance of Iowa (BAI). BAI is an advisory committee IDED created to pool resources and develop new bio-based business in the state. The members of BAI represent science, industry, education, medicine, agriculture, economic development, and government entities, and have lobbied for more than $1.5 million in state funds allocation to Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa.
   Within these state universities, the University of Iowa's Technology Innovation Center (TIC) and Iowa State University's Office of Biotechnology continually work collaboratively with private industry and government agencies to foster industry advancement. For example, Cellular Engineering Technologies (CET), located at the University of Iowa's TIC, recently became the first Iowa company to operate a robotic stem cell separator. Such equipment innovation will lead to advanced tissue and disease research. Moreover, initiatives like the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers provide a collaborative network for startup businesses and said university programs.
   Beyond access to educational resources, state government support of bioscience advancement encourages innovation and experimentation. For example, Ames, Iowa-based nanotechnology company BioForce Nanosciences Inc., utilized a $500,000 award from IDED to commercialize its technology.
   "BioForce has followed the tried and true model of beginning with a vision, then working for funding through grants, seed capital and others sources to fund research on nascent technology," said Eric Henderson, BioForce founder and CEO. "After 11 years, we are now reaching our long-term goal of bringing new and innovative products to market."
   The $500 million Iowa Values Fund (IVF) is the state's premier 10-year economic development program designed to transform Iowa's economy by creating high quality jobs through business development and expansion across Iowa. With a $35 million annual appropriation for business development and marketing, the IVF assists Iowa companies to expand and attracts new businesses to the state. State-supported infrastructure like the IVF provides invaluable financial and technical resources to new and growing companies.
   Iowa employers also receive the benefit of a loyal and productive workforce. The state provides a breeding ground for skilled and educated workers through opportunities like Indian Hills Community College's BioDevelopment Program, serving the technical needs of many bioprocessing companies in Iowa. The Iowa Careers Consortium, a public-private partnership created to fulfill Iowa's demand for highly skilled employees, works to stimulate demand for quality workers throughout the state. In addition, IDED's Industrial New Jobs Training Program provides no-cost or reduced-cost job training services to new employees of eligible businesses through Iowa's 15 community colleges.
   Geographically, Iowa's proximity to highway, rail, air and water transportation makes it a hub for production and distribution. In addition, Iowa's natural resources and raw material supply make it an ideal nesting ground for biomass production plants. In fact, Iowa currently operates six biodiesel refineries capable of producing 110 million gallons annually, according to the Iowa Soybean Association. Another seven biodiesel plants are currently under construction, with capacities of 145 million gallons annually, and another 10 to 12 plants are in planning and equity stages. In addition to biodiesel, Iowa leads the nation with its 2005 production of 751 million gallons of ethanol.
   "The proximity to feedstock providers and rail transportation played a major role in the site selection. Additionally, strong community backing supported the selection of the Wall Lake, Iowa site," said Chris Daniel, general manager of Western Iowa Energy, a recently constructed biodiesel plant. "In addition to initial job creation, the feedstock demands have provided an outlet for agricultural products that did not exist a year ago, while the need for transportation has provided an increased business opportunity for both truck and rail carriers."

   For more information Iowa's business and development resources or to receive confidential assistance with an expansion, contact the Iowa Department of Economic Development at 800-245-IOWA (4694) or visit www.iowalifechanging.com.