Safe Bicycling in Iowa, May 7, 2001

Bicycling, once considered a recreational activity for the young, has suddenly become a popular means of transportation for adults. The recent rise in fuel costs, an increased interest in physical fitness and concern for the environment have resulted in a growing number of adults choosing to commute by bike. The benefits of commuting by bicycle are numerous, and include saving money, promoting good health and energy conservation. However, the combination of bicycles and motor vehicles on public roads is not always a pleasant experience. Increasing numbers of cyclists on city streets lead to increased conflicts with motor vehicles and can endanger both vehicle operators.

Scenic Byways of Iowa, June 12, 2007

Bypass traffic and experience a “scenic” change of pace by traveling along Iowa’s scenic byways. Iowa’s eight state-designated and two nationally-designated scenic byways are a great way to experience Iowa’s natural beauty, history and culture. Stop to smell the wildflowers or listen to the songbirds, or follow an impulse to take a side trip to one of the many attractions and countryside hamlets. A camera is a must for these postcard-perfect vistas. You never know when you will encounter a bald eagle along the Mississippi River, rare plants and animals in the Loess Hills, or the exceptional architecture of unique barns, churches and other buildings along the routes. This brochure identifies each scenic byway route and the approximate mileage in terms of hard-surfaced and gravel roadways. Estimated driving time ranges from one and one-half hour to three and one-half hours, depending on your speed and the number of stops. These routes are offered for those of you who want to relax and stop often to enjoy the sights.

Ongoing Covenant with Black Iowa, 2006

This Manual is designed to help targeted communities organize and train local steering groups and task force leaders. The Ongoing Covenant with Black Iowa (OCBI) model will engage and empower African Americans in various communities to work together in developing strategies that bridge local priorities to statewide goals. Trained Task Force Leaders play a critical role in establishing productive dialogue and planning that is essential to moving the OCBI forward in meeting its goals. They must ensure consistency within each Task Force as the OCBI is a multilevel partnership and collaboration among local communities, the Commission on the Status of African Americans and the Covenant with Black America. Task Force Leaders assist with constructive dialogue among local residents to engage and focus on the issues, and work collectively towards a solution. Patience in developing a strategy and trained Task Force Leaders are essential to the success of the OCBI. It is our hope that this Manual will serve as a guide to assist you in all aspects of building your local strategic plan.

Traveler, September-October 2009

News from the Iowa Tourism Office

Traveler, November-December 2009

News from the Iowa Tourism Office

2010 Iowa Calendar of Events

A listing of events, festivals, and other happenings in the state of Iowa throughout 2010. This listing gives the date, time, location and basic description of these events.

Understanding the Many Faces of Child Neglect: A Review of Denial of Critical Care Cases in Iowa, 2005

In recent years, Iowa leaders and the general public have focused on the abuse children have suffered from several causes, including sexual abuse, methamphetamine manufacturing, and serious physical injury. While this public attention and concern is welcome, the harm that children suffer from neglect, which Iowa law calls denial of critical care, has received little attention, despite representing almost three-quarters of all child abuse cases. With financial assistance from the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation in 2003-2004, Prevent Child Abuse Iowa started a Child Neglect Awareness Project, with the goal of creating greater understanding and awareness of child neglect in Iowa.

Business Sphere, Vol. 21, no.4

Iowans have long been proud of our educational heritage. With I-VREP, business and educational leaders are taking steps to enhance its world-class education for Iowans, while ensuring the qualified workforce needed by Iowa’s businesses competing in a global economy. For more information on the Iowa Virtual Reality Education Pathfinder, or a confidential consultation on how Iowa innovation can fuel your company’s growth, contact IDED at 800.245.IOWA or visit iowalifechanging.com

Business Sphere, Vol. 19, no.4

We keep in touch with insurance leaders throughout the nation, as well as in our state, to promote Iowa as one of the most competitive locations for insurance operations. These ongoing efforts have produced strong growth that is the envy of other states. The insurance industry in the state of Iowa is expanding for all the right reasons. With the support of the State of Iowa, domestic insurers and the insurance division, the environment is favorable for companies looking for a competitive location in the U.S. insurance market.

Business Sphere, Vol. 20, no.3

When selecting sites for the industry’s leading data centers, experts and IT leaders such as Google and Microsoft, are increasingly choosing Iowa They’re doing so because they understand that Iowa is a safe zone for data and information storage — tucked away from the major threats and terrorist targets in the U.S. What’s more, there are many infrastructural and financial benefits that only Iowa offers. With all this activity, available research and Iowa’s inherent advantages, it seems the question isn't so much why Iowa, but why not?

Business Sphere, Vol. 21, no.3

Iowa may be known for some of the world’s most fertile cropland, but in recent years, we’ve become fertile ground for rapid growth in information technology as well. From the recent “plug-in” of Google’s $600-million Council Bluffs data center to Microsoft’s planned half-billion-dollar West Des Moines expansion to IBM’s 1,300-job-creating expansion in Dubuque, technology leaders are finding Iowa a place to grow. And why not? Iowa has a supportive business climate and its infrastructure — physical and human — give our technology companies the competitive advantages that allow them to grow and prosper.

Business Sphere, Vol. 18, no.3

Iowa may be known for some of the world’s most fertile cropland, but in recent years, we’ve become fertile ground for rapid growth in information technology as well. From the recent “plug-in” of Google’s $600-million Council Bluffs data center to Microsoft’s planned half-billion-dollar West Des Moines expansion to IBM’s 1,300-job-creating expansion in Dubuque, technology leaders are finding Iowa a place to grow. And why not? Iowa has a supportive business climate and its infrastructure — physical and human — give our technology companies the competitive advantages that allow them to grow and prosper.

Business Sphere, Vol. 19, no.3

Iowa may be known for some of the world’s most fertile cropland, but in recent years, we’ve become fertile ground for rapid growth in information technology as well. From the recent “plug-in” of Google’s $600-million Council Bluffs data center to Microsoft’s planned half-billion-dollar West Des Moines expansion to IBM’s 1,300-job-creating expansion in Dubuque, technology leaders are finding Iowa a place to grow. And why not? Iowa has a supportive business climate and its infrastructure — physical and human — give our technology companies the competitive advantages that allow them to grow and prosper.

Archaeology on the Road, July 2010

Not only are we excited that Team Archaeology is back for our third ride, we are energized to be part of a “Human and Natural History” partnership that allows us expanded opportunities to share the story of Iowa’s amazing past. Once again there will be archaeologists along for the ride, as well as at Expo and this year at roadside locations Day One, Five and Six. Don’t hesitate to ask about the history of the first people to travel this landscape as well as the stories of each generation that has contributed to what we know of ourselves today. We will also feature information about the landscape and natural resources of Iowa you will encounter along the route through our partnering colleagues specializing in geology, hydrology, and other earth sciences. Enjoy using this booklet as your guide to the week’s activities and please help yourself to free materials from our outreach booth about our shared past and the natural world we depend on. Ride smart, be safe, and when you get home, be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about Iowa archaeology!

RAGBRAI Learn about the Land; Day 1, July 2010

Want to know what conditions to expect over the next stage of RAGBRAI? How hilly will it be, what towns and parks are between here and there, or what services are coming up in the next town?