Research sought the perspectives of Iowa employers and deans and directors of continuing education regarding training and retraining needs of business and how Iowa community colleges' continuing education divisions could best meet those needs. A survey was mailed to Iowa employers and the deans and directors wrote summaries that described an exemplary practice in work force training. The study found that Iowa community colleges were responding to the needs of all types of business for work force training and retraining. Three-fourths or more of employers sought training for their employees; about one-half chose a community college for the following reasons: their programs were perceived as cost-effective, training at onsite locations was convenient, the training program was customized, and the quality of instruction was good. The study supported the contention that Iowa community colleges were producing high quality, flexible work force training programs. Ninety-five percent of employers rated the quality of training as good or excellent. The results indicated an increasing need for work force training programs. About one-fourth of employers estimated that over three-fourths of all their current work force needed additional training. Employers and deans/directors commented that the continuing education system's current resources may not be adequate to meet future needs. (Contains 32 references, survey materials, and employer comments.) (YLB)