The Governor has declared this “Iowa Insurance Day.” The Statehouse is swarming with men in suits as the state’s insurance industry struts its stuff for lawmakers. Thirty-seven companies have set up booths; handed out a free lunch and ice cream dessert. Governor Vilsack saluted the throng at mid-day, saying the industry had made an “historic contribution” to Iowa and the nation. Vilsack says in light of September 11th, security has become one of the most important things to people. Vilsack says insurance is one of Iowa’s most important industries.The stats tell the story: 40-thousand Iowans are employed by insurance firms. Twenty-seven thousand Iowans are insurance agents. There are 257 insurance companies based in Iowa; and the industry generates over one-and-half billion dollars each year. Vilsack says it’s hard to believe, in the midst of recession, that Iowa has record employment. Vilsack says one of the reasons is the insurance industry.