Des Moines, IA is a Go-To City for Entrepreneurs

I was surprised this morning to read that our state capital, Des Moines, is a go-city for entrepreneurs. The Des Moines Register's online edition had this article buried in its business section: Business Climate in Des Moines Ranks High.

According to the article Des Moines is 23rd on Inc. Magazine's list of best cities in which to do business. It's really something to shout about. I hope the print edition more appropriately lists this on the front page, tomorrow.

The study by Inc. reports that cities like Des Moines and Missoula, MT and Green Bay, WI are becoming 'go-to' cities over Chicago and NY and LA for 'new economy' or entrepreneurial firms. Why? Less regulation, lower costs, quality of life, quality of workforce, improving telecom infrastructure, etc.

There's hope for our state, yet.

Other posts on Iowa's economy:

1) Bring improved telecom infrastructure to the smaller communities in Iowa;

2) Incumbent Iowa Telecoms Block Small Communities from Meeting Their Own Telecom Needs;

3) A Brain Drain(ed) Tax Plan.  ( Waving the 10% state income tax for people under 30 was proposed.)

Comments

[JayCo]

I just find it extremely hard to believe, like most stuff one reads. I am from Des Moines, an entrepreneur and will soon be leaving the state.

I've lived elsewhere. Although I'd most likely not live in California again. Iowa, frankly, ranks in the very middle of rankings regarding tax issues, incentives, livelihood and creativity. Richard Florida said it best - "the more artists your city has, the better it is for everything". I'm an artist and a businessman. There are but few artists here, and most of those are really teachers. Now, maybe, just maybe when one can run a global entity from a laptop (that day is here)Iowans with talent will return, however, what difference will it make? Their employs will be mostly scattered.

One day, countries will begin to compete for your taxes, just like states do now. AND, they will use violence if they have to. Des Moines is not attracking entrepreneurs for any reason whatsoever, nor does the state of Iowa (cheap land for country estates maybe). Like a lethergic corporate giant, they (the legislature) sit around a talk about it but, do effectively nothing. Show me the proof. I'll show you mine.