STATE OF THE FUTURE: IOWA

Iowa has many surprises. Its GSP for 2003 was $103bn, up 4.9% from $98.2bn in 2002, according to the BEA (2004). A number of overseas firms call Iowa home. Its Department of Economic Development recently assisted 12 foreign companies investing $240m in the state, which equates to $0.83 per citizen. Deals for six new projects and six expansions were signed in 2004. Significant investments in 2004 included those from LeSaffre ($50m), Kerry Ingredients ($30m) and Ajinomoto ($27.5m).