IC HBA Directory2018

COMMUNITY PROFILE
Strong and Diverse Economy
Iowa City’s economy is as diverse as it is prosperous. The economy is based upon thriving
commerce, a major university, and a number of national and international businesses, including
several Fortune 500 companies. Iowa City is home to the corporate headquarters for ACT, Moore
North America, Pearson, Lear, Oral B Laboratories/Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and scores of
smaller industries and businesses.
The University of Iowa is the city’s largest employer, with 22,827 employees. The academic and
research mission of the university, along with the health care services provided at its hospitals and
clinics, have a tremendous economic impact on the area.
While established firms continue to prosper in Iowa City, opportunities abound for new businesses.
The city has land for additional industrial/commercial development. These sites are well suited for
offices, manufacturing, warehousing, and/or research facilities.
The city of Iowa City also has a variety of programs to assist with business development.
Contact Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coordinator at (319) 356-5248, or fill out her
online contact form.
Working with
Iowa City Services
Without question, Iowa City’s
greatest asset is its people: welleducated
and highly productive
workers who demonstrate low
absenteeism and turnover rates.
The city’s university student
population augments the labor
force and provides a large pool
of part-time workers for area
businesses. In addition, the
University continuously injects
qualified professional and technical
expertise into the labor market.
Education System
The Iowa City Community School District
serves over 13,000 students and is the
5th largest school district in the state of
Iowa. The District covers roughly 133
square miles with 17 preschool sites, 20
elementary schools, 3 junior high schools,
2 high schools, and 1 alternative high
school. Both of our comprehensive high
schools rank in the top 5 of best high
schools in the state and our ACT test
scores sit well above the average for both
the state and the nation. We aim to create an exemplary school district which is acknowledged
for the caliber of our graduates, the quality of our staff, and the excellence of our programs. The
district includes the nearby communities of Coralville, Hills, and North Liberty. Iowa City is also
home to Regina Catholic Education Center, a private Catholic institution, Willowind School, a
private K-8 school, and Preucil School of Music, specializing in the Suzuki Method of Instruction.
16 2018 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY