Iowa’s ‘Dutch’ cities honoured by Netherlands embassy

Senator receives tulip bulbs

WASHINGTON, DC - A gift of 20,000 tulip bulbs for the Iowa cities of Pella and Orange City recently was presented to Senator Chuck Grassley. With the gesture, the government of the Nether-lands re-inforces its ties with the two communities which heavily promote their Dutch heritage.

The bulbs, its value was presented by way of a cheque by Ambassador Boudewijn J. van Eenennaam, will be planted in time to bloom during the Tulip Festivals in Pella and Orange City, in May 2005.

Senator Grassley was honoured for his ‘work to bridge the United States and the world’ and for his leadership and dedication to building stronger ties between the international community and the state of Iowa with his biennial Ambassador’s Tour, developed to showcase Iowa’s resources.

In his speech, the Dutch ambassador stated that the Netherlands and Iowa share a number of similarities: culture, Dutch heritage and agriculture. “Iowa feeds America and the Netherlands feeds Europe,” he said.

The Netherlands is also a strong contributor to Iowa’s economy. The total Dutch investment in Iowa amounts to $253 million dollars and more than 4,200 Iowans are employed by Dutch investors.