Iowa worker’s both past and present have been known for their strong work ethic. This work ethic of Iowans has been passed on from generation to generation, worker to worker, parent to child. It is this work ethic that gives Iowans a reputation of being excellent employees. When Iowans seek employment outside the state of Iowa, their reputation of having a strong work ethic moves their employment application to the top of the pile.
 
Iowa workers believe in the importance of honest work and a commitment of getting the job done. This is one of Iowa’s greatest assets, yet we in Iowa say very little about the strong work ethic of our workers.  
 
As Iowa moves into a hi-tech economy of the 21st century, it is important we be reminded that it is the Iowa worker and their strong work ethic that has brought Iowa’s economy to this point.
 
A Monument to Iowa Workers will be a constant reminder that we are dependent on workers who are productive and only with them can we continue to ensue the quality of life that we value and enjoy.  
 
Iowa is one of 13 states that do not have some type of Monument to its workers. The initial originators of the idea of a Workers Monument felt strongly that the proper credit be given to the Iowa workers strong work ethic which contributes to making Iowa a great place to live and work.
 
To honor this strong work ethic, the Iowa Workers Monument Committee was formed for the sole purpose of raising money to construct a Monument to the Iowa Worker and their Strong Work Ethic. As of July 2007, the committee has raised over $520,000.00 in monies and received over $10,000.00 in donated services. The contributions range from an individual contribution of $20.00 to a $50,000 by an Association.
 
The Committee continues to raise money to pay for the design, building and construction of the Monument, signage and landscaping around the Monument, and a perpetual maintenance fund required by state law for any monument that is placed on state property at the Northeast corner of East and Grand.
 
Committee Members
 

Governor Chet Culver

Lieutenant Governor
Patty Judge

Former Governor
Thomas J. Vilsack


Former Lieutenant Governor Sally J. Pederson

Former Lieutenant Governor  Bob Fulton

Former Lieutenant Governor  Arthur Neu


Senator Bill Dotzler
 

Former Senator Doug Shull

Representative Geri Huser

Representative Linda Upmeyer

Dan Albritton
South Central Iowa Federation

Willard “Sandy” Boyd
University of Iowa


J. Michael Earley
Bankers Trust


John Forsyth
Wellmark


Thomas F. Gillespie
Iowa State Building Trades
 
David Neil
Iowa Labor Commissioner

John Pederson
Office of the Governor
 
Tom Powers
Iowa Firefighters Group


Martha Willits
Greater Des Moines Partnership
 
A Tribute to Iowa’s Work Ethic and the Contributions of the Individual Worker
Click here to learn how you can help make the monument a reality.