Des Moines is the economic core of Iowa. It's also regarded as a major center for the insurance industry. It includes the headquarters of nearly 70 insurance companies and also a large number of regional offices. The city also includes a large financial services and publishing business base.
Des Moines is home to the headquarters of notable companies such as Principal Life Insurance Company, EMC Insurance Companies, Ruan Transportation, Meredith Corporation and Wellmark Blue Cross, Blue Shield. Prominent companies which have large operations in the region are Wells Fargo, ING Group, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Electronic Data Systems.
A large number of jobs are located in sectors such as manufacturing, agribusiness, healthcare, wholesale and retail trade, and the government. The state of Iowa is one of the largest employers.
The manufacturing industry has a significant impact on the region's economy. The manufacturing sector includes companies such as Rockwell Collins, Maytag and Amana appliances and Pella.
The city also includes numerous companies which are involved in biotechnology research. In addition, Des Moines' fiber optics telecommunications industry is growing.
Accolades for Des Moines Iowa: A Business Wire article stated that Des Moines is the number one spot for U.S. insurance companies. Ranked by Forbes Magazine as the fourth best place for business. Ranked #9 in the "best cities" list provided by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
The following is a list of the top employers in the Des Moines Metro Area:
- Principal Life Insurance Company
- Iowa Health Systems
- Mercy Hospital Medical Center
- Hy-Vee Food Stores
- United Parcel Service
- Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
- Bridgestone/Firestone
- Dahl's Supermarkets
- Communications Data Services, Inc
- Qwest Corporation
- Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc
- Wellmark, Inc (Blue Cross)
- Electronic Data Systems, Corp
- Marsh
- Meredith Corporation
- Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
- Deere & Company
- Des Moines Register
Des Moines top job providing sectors are:
- Insurance
- Financial services
- Government
- Manufacturing
- Trade
- Services
Interesting information regarding Des Moines Iowa: The city has two designated Iowa Enterprise Zones. The cost of living index in 2008 in Des Moines was 80.00 and the nation's average is 100. About 22% of the adult residents have earned a bachelor's degree or better. The estimated median household income in Des Moines in 2007 was $43,000.
Businesses located in Des Moines are provided help by organizations such as:
- City of Des Moines Economic Development
- The Greater Des Moines Partnership
- Iowa Department of Economic Development
- Iowa Small Business Development Center
The Des Moines Business Record is an excellent resource for those seeking to keep up-to-date with local business and industry news.