AREA ADVANTAGES

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

LABOR

TRANSPORTATION

EDUCATION

JOB TRAINING

BENTON COUNTY

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Corporate Income Tax Credits

Iowa's single-factor, non-unitary tax is based only on the percentage of total sales income within the state.  An Iowa manufacturer selling all its products outside Iowa would pay no Iowa corporate income tax. Iowa allows 50 percent deductibility of federal taxes from Iowa corporate income tax. Iowa corporate income tax may be reduced or eliminated by the New Jobs Tax Credit and Research and Development Tax Credit

No Sales or Use Tax on Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment Purchases

The purchase of industrial machinery and equipment, and computers assessed as real property and used for manufacturing or used to process data by financial institutions, insurance companies, or certain commercial enterprises is exempt from Iowa sales or use tax.  No sales tax is due on purchases of electricity or natural gas used directly in the manufacturing process.

No Personal Property (Inventory) Tax

Personal property is not assessed for tax purposes.  In Iowa, personal property includes corporate inventories of salable goods, raw materials, and goods in process

No Property Tax on New Manufacturing Machinery and Equipment

Manufacturing machinery and equipment, as well as computers used to process data by insurance companies and financial institutions installed and first assessed on or after January 1, 1995, are exempt from property tax. Pollution control and recycling equipment may be eligible for exemption from property tax. Improvements to real property that are primarily used to control pollution of air or water, or primarily used for recycling, may qualify.  An application may be filed for exemption

Research Activities Tax Credit

A credit for increasing research activities is 6.5 percent of the company's apportioned share of qualifying research expenditures in Iowa..  A company must meet the qualifications of the federal research activities credit in order to be eligible for the credit on the Iowa return.

Worker's Compensation

Iowa workers' compensation are the ninth lowest rates in the nation. The average cost of workers' compensation insurance for manufactures in Iowa is currently 30 percent lower that the U.S. average.

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Benton County

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

Tax Increment Financing has been utilized in the Urbana area to create a 700+ acre development serviced by a 100,000 gallon water tower and two wells and sewer treatment plant. In an innovative project the Benton County Board of Supervisors, City of Urbana, East Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative and Farmers Mutual Telephone DBS created a 1.2 million dollar pool of funds to finance the construction of infrastructure.  Private developers have taken the next step to create streets, available lots and a speculative building.

ECI REC Revolving Loan Fund In general, eligible projects could include any community or economic development projects that benefit the rural area, including loans to businesses and loans to not-for-profit entities. Examples would be for land, fixed assets, machinery and equipment, or working capital needs. Loans will be low interest loans not to exceed 10 years. Loan applications can be picked up at ECI REC office, and when returned, the application will be turned over to the Loan Review Committee. ECI REC has access to USDA economic development funds to qualified applicants.

Farmers Mutual Farmers Mutual Telephone Cooperative of Shellsburg provides the communities of Shellsburg, Urbana, and Alburnett with the latest in telecommunications technology. As a forward-looking cooperative, Farmers Mutual has invested time and monies to help promote new businesses, already established businesses, and emergency organizations in the area. Farmers Mutual is committed to their communities and will continue to provide any and all support to help further economic development.

State of Iowa

Economic Development Set Aside Program (EDSA)

The EDSA program provides financial assistance to companies that create new employment opportunities and/or retain existing jobs, and make new capital investment in Iowa.  The amount of funding is based, in part, on the number of jobs to be created/retained.  Funds are provided in the forms of loans and forgivable loans. Projects eligible for EDSA funding include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ÿ  Building construction or reconstruction

Ÿ  Land or building acquisition

Ÿ       Equipment purchases

Ÿ       Operating and maintenance expenses

Ÿ       Site development - clearance, demolition and building removal

Ÿ       Working capital

 EDSA investments should not be considered a sole funding source.  The program leverages other financial support such as bank financial and private investment.

The EDSA program assistance is targeted toward business projects located in communities of under 50,000 population.  At least 51 percent of the created/retained employment opportunities must be made available to individuals presently earning wages as defined as low-and moderate income.

Community Economic Betterment Account (CEBA)

The CEBA program provides financial assistance to companies that create new employment opportunities and/or retain existing jobs, and make new capital investment in Iowa.  The amount of funding is based, in part, on the number of jobs to be created/retained.  Funds are provided in the form of leans, and forgivable loans. Projects eligible for CEBA funding include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ÿ  Building construction or reconstruction

Ÿ  Land or building acquisition

Ÿ       Equipment purchases

Ÿ       Operating and maintenance expenses

Ÿ       Site development - clearance, demolition and building removal

Ÿ       Working capital

EDSA investments should not be considered a sole funding source. The program leverages other financial support such as bank financial and private investment.

The CEBA program also contains a "Venture Project" component specifically designed for early-stage and startup businesses.  The funding level for startup companies varies depending on employee wage rates.  Assistance through CEBA's "Venture Project" component is provided as an "equity-like" investment, with a maximum award of $100,000.

The New Jobs and Income Program provides a package of tax credits and exemptions to encourage high-quality capital investment and job creation.

The Value-Added Agriculture Products and Processes Financial Assistance Program seeks to increase the innovative utilization of Iowa's agriculture commodities.

The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program provides financial assistance and technical assistance to startup and early stage companies.

The Targeted Small Business Financial Assistance Program is designed to assist in the creation and expansion of businesses owned, operated and managed by women, minorities, or persons with a disability.

Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE)

The 1985 Iowa Legislature authorized the Revitalize Iowa's Sound Economy (RISE) Program, which provides financing for highway improvements designed to encourage economic development.  The program is administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation for expenditures on city, county, and state highways.  Funding may be used in conjunction with other sources of federal, state, local, and private financing for the purpose of improving area highways and specific access roads.  Three types of projects may be funded by the RISE Program:

Immediate Opportunity Projects: Funding is reserved for cases where a location decision hinges on a quick commitment of RISE funds.

Competitive Rating Funding Projects: This funding is for projects which support local economic development but which do not require an immediate commitment of funds or do not meet the criteria set for Immediate Opportunity funding.

Regional Development Projects: Regional Development projects must have an impact beyond a single county, city or site, and may involve improving access between population centers, or between population centers and interstate highways; improving access to economically distressed areas of the state; or meeting other regional development objectives. Projects involving tourism or recreational development will most likely fall into this or the Competitive Rating funding category.

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LABOR

Iowa's 15 community colleges individually administer the

Iowa New Jobs Training Program.

Available Funding for training may vary by community college.

Iowa is a Right to Work State. Benton County offers you a highly productive,

motivated, and skilled labor force.  The Benton County labor force is an excellent

example of the superiority found in the Iowa worker.

Varied work experience and willingness to learn new skills, fair wages for both

employers and employees and Benton County's central location between Cedar

Rapids and Waterloo assures a prime location for any business or industry.

 * *  * *  * *  *

Local Labor Statistic

The week of March 12, 2001 the Benton County Secondary Roads Department advertised a bridge crew position.  Starting wage is $9.22/ $11.62 at the end of year.  The county advertised the position for one week and received 53 applications. It's "Good People" the Benton County Engineer, Myron Parizek stated.  "I'm looking for a candidate who has many capabilities and skills, ambition, and dependability. This pool of labor offers many candidates with these qualifications. It's never difficult to find good labor in Benton County."

Our most important resource in Benton county is our people.  Workers here offer employers a highly educated labor force.  When compared to other states in the nation Iowa consistently ranks in the top three (3) on ACT and SAT scores. The Benton County area is served (within 60 miles) by three state universities, three private four-year colleges and one of the top community colleges nationwide.

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TRANSPORTATION

TRUCKING SERVICE

Benton County's prime location directly between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo offers reduce supply and distribution costs.  When you look at our location compared to other Midwest markets you quickly realize Benton County is ideal when it comes to distance, transportation access, and trucking times.

RAIL TRANSPORTATION

Benton County is serviced by Union Pacific Railroad and Iowa Northern Railroad.  The communities of Belle Plaine, Blairstown, La Porte City, Luzerne, Mt. Auburn, Norway, Shellsburg, Vinton, Walford, and Watkins are served by rail.  If a community does not have rail spur access, Benton County and its communities are willing to apply to the railroad and receive rail spur access in order to encourage development.

DISTANCE TO MAJOR MARKETS

            Chicago, Illinois                  300

            Denver, Colorado               779

            Houston, Texas                   1,025

            Kansas City                        301

            Minneapolis, Minnesota     225

            St. Louis, Missouri              320

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Vinton Veteran's Memorial Airport

5551 24th Avenue Drive, Vinton, Iowa  52349

319-472-2662

Ÿ Type of runway:  concrete

Ÿ Length of runway:  4,000 feet

Ÿ Instrument landing system is available

Ÿ Unicom radio is available

Belle Plaine Aviation

200 Airpark Drive, Belle Plaine, Iowa  52208

319-444-2466

Ÿ Type of runway:  concrete

Ÿ Length of runway:  4,000 feet

Ÿ Instrument landing system is available

Ÿ Unicom radio is available

Cedar Rapids Municipal Airport

2121 Wright Bros. Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

319-362-8336

Ÿ Type of runway:  hard surface

Ÿ Length of runway:  8,600 feet

Ÿ Instrument landing system is available

Ÿ Unicom radio is available

Ÿ Commercial air carriers:   American Eagle, Chicago Express, Delta Connections, Northwest

Airlines, Transworld Airlines, US Air Express, United Airlines

Ÿ Located 30-40 minutes from the Benton County communities, including Benton Commerce

Village by Interstate 380.

Waterloo Municipal Airport

2790 Airport Blvd., Waterloo, Iowa 50703

319-291-4483

Ÿ Type of runway:  asphalt

Ÿ Length of runway:  5,500-8,400 feet

Ÿ Instrument landing system is available

Ÿ Unicom radio is available

Ÿ Commercial air carriers:   American Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Transworld Airlines,

United Airlines

Ÿ Located 30-40 minutes from the Benton County communities, including Benton Commerce

Village by Interstate 380.

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EDUCATION

Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College is located in Cedar Rapids. The college is a 300 acre campus which offers programs in pre-professional education, vocational / technical training, and employment preparation training.  A large are in Eastern Iowa is served by Kirkwood through satellite learning centers via microwave television classrooms

Two learning centers are located in Benton County...Vinton and Belle Plaine.

The University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is located in Iowa City.  The University is one of 57 members of the select Association of American Universities, and is one of 57 invited members of the American Associate of Universities.  There are approximately 27,000 students and 1,800 faculty members in the University's ten colleges.  The university offers a broad range of degree programs both on and off campus.

Iowa State University

Iowa State University is located in Ames.  The university's engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine colleges are well known throughout the United States.  One-hundred and twenty undergraduate, 89 graduate, and 65 doctorate degree programs are available.

University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls. The colleges of business and education are both highly regarded on a national level. This university provides a curriculum in undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate studies.

Private Colleges

Coe College and Mt. Mercy College are located in Cedar Rapids. These are two four-year institutions with liberal arts and offer degrees in all major areas of interest.

Business and Vocational Schools

Within a 60 mile radius you will find over 40 business and vocational institutions offering a wide variety of technical training and schooling options.

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JOB TRAINING

The Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program

The Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program provides customized classroom instruction, on-the-job training and other training activities for employees in newly created jobs.  An employer may be reimbursed up to 50 percent of new employees' wages for on-the-job training.  All training is customized to the company's special needs. Companies creating new jobs which are engaged in manufacturing, assembling products, conducting research and development, or providing interstate services are eligible, but retail, health and professional service businesses are excluded.

Community colleges finance the program by the sale of tax-exempt bonds which are repaid by the tax revenue generated by salaries and capital invested to support the new jobs.  As a result the company profits are not used to repay the bonds.

Iowa has 15 community colleges, three major universities, and many private colleges and competent professional societies that can provide business and industry training assistance as the programs are developed.

Please see the attached example provided through the Iowa Department of Economic Development web site.

Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College is a two year college located on the southwest side of Cedar Rapids.  The college offers a complete list of programs and courses including; pre-professional training, technical/vocational training, employment preparation and high school completion courses.

Kirkwood also provides learning opportunities through satellite learning centers linked to the main campus via the microwave television classroom.  The Iowa Communication Network also provides access at the Benton County centers in  Belle Plaine and Vinton.

We will work closely with Kirkwood Community College to determine exactly how many job training dollars could be made available for your company. Ask us for more details.

Example of New Job Training Assistance

                   Assumption

                                                                                 57 New employees at $9.76 per hour

 

                       Job Training Assistance

                                                                 Estimated New Jobs Training Fund

                   $110,000

  

                                   Examples of   Job Training  Assistance Uses

On-The-Job Training                            36,000                                             Company Trainer for                            Quality Improvement                          Training

$18,000                                                Travel for New Employees to Training         23,200                                                 College Trainer for Safety                   Training                                               16,500                                                 Training Materials and Equipment         15,500

 

 

New Jobs Tax Credit

59,166

 

 

 

New Jobs Tax Credit

 

Ÿ Companies utilizing the New Jobs Training Program and increasing their employment at least by 10% may be eligible for this credit.

 Ÿ The tax credit is applied to Iowa corporate income tax, and is adjusted annually.

 Ÿ Based upon the 2000 credit of $1,038 per new job and the previous assumption of 57 new jobs.

 

Summary of Benefits

Total Job Training Assistance and Tax Credit

               $169,166

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Benton County Is The Fastest

Growing County In Eastern Iowa

  For The Sixth Year In A Row

Benton Are Citizens - are willing to invest both time and money into their communities.

Location - Benton County is ideally situated almost equal distance from Minneapolis Minnesota; St. Louis, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois.

Housing - Wide selection, high quality and lower cost says it all.

Transportation - Major highway access with I-380, US 30 and Highways 150 and 21.  Nearby commercial airports, corporate airports, and rail service.

Progressive government at the county and city levels - will to work with new/existing industry and citizens.  Long term investment results in a business friendly environment.

Less red tape and hassles - local officials work with your business or industry to assure less hassle. You, your family and business are important to our communities and county.

Quality of life factors - including outstanding local educational systems and life long learning opportunities, with over 19 colleges, universities and technical institutes within 60 miles.  Almost unlimited recreational opportunities such as golf, water sports, college and professional sports, cultural experiences and numerous county and state parks.

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Benton County Is The Second

Fastest Growing County In The

State Of Iowa

 

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