Branstad names Iowa economic development panel

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad is releasing the names of 18 business leaders he’s appointing to a panel that will help steer the state’s economic development strategy.

The governor announced the names Monday, saying the new board will be central to his approach to economic development, which gives businesses a strengthened hand. The governor last week signed an executive order creating the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress board of directors.

Branstad also named the members of the Iowa Innovation Corporation board, which will head a nonprofit corporation funded by the private sector and federal grants that will seek to develop new technologies.

Both panels have been told to shape new approaches to economic development.