It has been several weeks since the merger of DOW and DuPont was announced. Decisions about the future of Pioneer have yet to be made. The creation of a new agricultural enterprise, and the changes that will come with it, is a subject on the minds of many – especially in Johnston and Central Iowa. It is a source of serious concern, and changes are already happening which affect Pioneer and the people working there.
But it is also an opportunity. If the research jobs and potentially the corporate headquarters for the new enterprise are located here, then there will be more growth in the future. The case for locating the new DOW DuPont agricultural enterprise in Central Iowa is strong. It just makes sense for the corporate decision makers and shareholders to keep investing in success.
Many people have worked hard to make the best case possible, and to put our best foot forward to DOW DuPont. They deserve recognition for their efforts even before we know the outcome. Governor Terry Branstad. Debi Durham and her team at IEDA. Bob Brownell, Mark Wandro, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors. David Maahs and the rest of the Greater Des Moines Partnership team. Mayor Paula Dierenfeld, and the Johnston City Council and Staff. It has been a great team effort. Thank you for responding to the challenge!