When many people think of Des Moines, the first two things that may come to mind are agriculture and lots of snow. People would be surprised to find out that this gem of a city has tons to offer residents and businesses alike. Greater Des Moines is home to national insurance companies, food and biosciences, telecommunications, financial services, high technology, publishing, education and manufacturing companies. Believe it or not, it is the third-largest insurance center in the world. More than 60 insurance and financial institutions call this area home.
Location is key for business here.
Iowa offers excellent access to major concentrations of consumer and industrial markets. At the crossroads of two major interstate highways linking the Atlantic and Pacific, Canada and Mexico, Des Moines is extremely well positioned as a location from which a company can serve very large and growing markets. Des Moines' work force is well educated. Iowa's 84 percent high school graduation rate ranks among the top five states in the United States and Iowa students consistently score at the top on ACT and SAT college entrance exams. Educational institutions work closely with employers to tailor responsive training programs.