DES MOINES – The Iowa Business Council, a non-profit, non-partisan organization comprised of major Iowa employers, today announced their support of Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ Home Base Iowa initiative. Collectively, members of the Iowa Business Council have set a goal of hiring 2,500 veterans over the next 5 years.
“Home Base Iowa represents an opportunity to support our nation’s veterans while simultaneously bettering Iowa’s workforce,” said Branstad. “I applaud the Iowa Business Council and its members for their strong support of this most important initiative.”
The Home Base Iowa Initiative was founded to serve as a comprehensive source for job services available to veterans. In the coming years, our nation will experience a great influx of returning military personnel. These individuals possess very unique skillsets and will be invaluable to Iowa businesses.
“Governor Branstad and I have been encouraged by the positive reception Home Base Iowa has received from both parties in both legislative chambers,” said Reynolds. “The Iowa Business Council’s decision is yet another indication that we’re making progress toward making Iowa the destination for veterans.”
Iowa Business Council member companies touch one in six Iowans and represent all of Iowa’s major industries – from manufacturing and bioscience to finance and technology. Cumulatively, Iowa Business Council members employ nearly 250,000 people in all 99 Iowa counties.
“The Iowa Business Council is proud to support such a noble cause,” said Larry Zimpleman, Chairman, President and CEO of Principal Financial Group. “Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed so much for the advancement of our country. It is without question that we should give back and support these individuals and their families in every way possible.”
