Iowa Governor Chet Culver praised Ashford University’s impact on the local economy when he stopped at the University’s Clinton Online Center during his “Shovel Ready Tour” to discuss the I-JOBS Initiative Tuesday morning. 

“I-JOBS Iowa’s Infrastructure Investment Initiative” is Culver’s plan to spend $750 million on projects that would create thousands of jobs throughout the state.  Culver told the audience at the Ashford facility that he has received 3,800 shovel-ready project proposals, including three from Clinton: the 19th Avenue North extension, the Lincoln railport, and wastewater improvement.

“So this proposal is all about job creation and economic development.  It will have a real domino effect, a very positive impact for many, many years to come,” said Culver.  

“I appreciate Ashford University hosting us today, as this is a great example of an economic development project that has resulted in creating dozens and dozens of really good jobs.  You just walk in the building and people are working.  It’s a very productive environment, and there’s a lot of action and a lot of things going on here.  It started with an idea, it started with a plan, it started with a shovel-ready project,” the Governor said. 

Recalling his visit to AU just two short years ago, Culver added, “In fact, I was last here in a little tent and that was all that was out here, just a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a lot of enthusiastic people, including most of the people in this room who believed in this project.  And look what it has meant to the local economy, look what it has done for so many families who now are employed here and have connections here. Look what it has

done in terms of opportunities for students that otherwise that might not have had the chance to further their education.” 

Culver proposed the I-JOBS program in his 2009 Condition of the State address. “Creating I-JOBS will also allow us to build upon the support of federal recovery and disaster funds and, when fully leveraged, this $750 million investment will lead to billions of dollars of projects to improve our state,” he said. “So while we’re cutting the day-to-day expenditures of state government, we’re investing to create jobs, support businesses, and strengthen our economy. And we can do it without raising taxes.”

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is a coeducational institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, accounting, criminal and social justice, computer animation and graphic design, and other areas.  The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus.  Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology.  The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable on-campus and online programs, with tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. compared to other private institutions.  Its tagline is: “Higher Education Made Affordable”^SM.  For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 858/513-9240 x2513.