A Billboard And A Battle For Business
By Matt Rivers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A billboard in Philadelphia is grabbing people's attention.
Philadelphia is at the center of a tug of war between states trying to keep businesses and their workers.
In Iowa, red tape is replaced by green lights. That's the pitch from the Iowa state government emblazoned on a billboard near 13th and Vine Streets in Philadelphia.
"Companies can grow and be successful here," said Tina Hoffman of the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Tina Hoffman from the Iowa Economic Development Authority says advertising like this is part of the strategy to lure business away from others, like Pennsylvania.
"What we're really trying to do is to help people to look at Iowa in a different way," said Hoffman.
And here in Philly, that may be a tall order.
(Reporter:) "What's the first thing that pops into your head when I ask you about the state of Iowa?
"It's not near Philadelphia."
"I don't know much about it."
But officials say Iowa is far more than that, providing a positive setting to innovate and to work.
But why put the billboard there, along that section of Vine Street? It might seem random, but it's not. Just one block away is the Pennsylvania Convention Center. And next week, there will be 20,000 or so people there the Iowa government specifically wants to target.
They'll be in Philadelphia for a bio-technology convention. And Pennsylvania has taken notice.
"We lead with our talent."
Matt Cabrey is with Select Greater Philadelphia, which helps bring business here. He says while Iowa might have lower taxes, businesses look at a bigger picture.
"Ultimately it all comes down to the complete package of transportation infrastructure, workforce development, distribution channels, educated workforce," said Cabrey.
A billboard, and a battle for business. May the best state win.
