(pictured in above photo: Janis Kursietis, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics, Imants Kalnins, Ilze Kalnina. Photo by Mr. Imants Kalnins) From August 17–21, 2009 Ambassador Andrejs Pildegovics participated in an Ambassadors Tour of Iowa, organized by Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley. During their Iowa visit, diplomats visited the leaders of Goodrich, Electrolux, Firestone, Monsanto and Kemin Industries, as well as TPI, one of the largest wind energy plants in the US. Iowa is one of the leading states in the renewable energy field. The diplomats also visited Buena Vista University, Iowa State University, Iowa Central College, Ellsworth College and Des Moines University. During his visit to the state Ambassador Pildegovics had many opportunities to discuss opportunities for cooperation between Latvia and Iowa. While in Iowa Ambassador Pildegovics also met with former US Ambassador to Latvia and Iowa resident Charles Larson. The ambassador also visited the Iowa state fair and had the opportunity to meet with Imants Kalnins, Ilze Kalnina, Janis Kursietis and Janis Freivalds of the local Latvian community.