Sioux City businessman Bob Vander Plaats is officially announcing his candidacy for governor of Iowa with five press conferences across the state today.

Vander Plaats said he is running for governor because he loves Iowa.

“Iowa can be the best place to work, live and play,” he said. “But the state needs leadership, which I believe I can provide.”

Vander Plaats anchored his campaign office at 2406 Lincoln Way in Ames.

There are many volunteers in Ames, which is one reason Vander Plaats’ campaign headquarters is located in the city, said Eric Woolson, campaign communication director.

“We wanted to be outside of Des Moines, and we liked the environment Ames has with its university community,” he said.

“It is one of the largest cities [in Iowa] and can still feel like a community.”

Vander Plaats said he is excited about being near the university during his campaign for the governor’s office.

“The campaign headquarters is in Campustown, and we did that on purpose,” he said. “We are motivated by young people, and we are going to spend a lot of time in Ames and around Ames talking to students about their vision of Iowa.”

Woolson said several aspects went into choosing the five sites Vander Plaats will visit today, such as size of the community, area of media market and Vander Plaats’ hometown.

“This is really a traditional process for candidates,” he said. “They tend to hit five or six sites throughout the state, covering different media markets.”

Woolson said Vander Plaats will begin the day in Davenport, followed by stops in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Council Bluffs and end in his hometown of Sioux City.

“It is an opportunity for [Vander Plaats] to get his message out to the largest number of people in the state,” Woolson said.

Vander Plaats said anyone interested in helping with the campaign can call 292-5565 or visit the Web site at www.vanderplaats.org for more information.