The 10 "Dressbarn" stories in Iowa are closing. The parent company that owns the budget clothing chain is shutting down all 650 Dressbarn stores in the United States. The company also owns Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant and executives say the compamy will shift focus to more profitable brands. A … [Read more...]
Governor signs bill providing tax credits for rural Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds went to the "Candy Kitchen" in Wilton, Iowa, Monday to sign a bill that will boost state investment in rural Iowa. "This iconic Iowa business really embodies the small town character that we're famous for and it is the perfect example of why we should do everything we can to … [Read more...]
Deere and Company sees impact of ag sector issues
Quad Cities-based Deere and Company is reporting favorable second quarter earnings, despite Iowa farmers facing significant challenges from foul weather, poor commodity prices and international trade troubles. During a conference call this morning, Brent Norwood, Deere's manager of investor … [Read more...]
Officials consider tax breaks for businesses in Pella, Mason City
The Des Moines Register is reporting Vermeer Manufacturing is seeking nearly $6 million in state incentives as the company rebuilds from last year's tornado. Vermeer's Pella facilities were heavily damaged by a tornado last July. According to the newspaper, the Iowa Economic Development Board … [Read more...]
New expo center wins approval by Sioux City leaders
Sioux City council members have okayed spending almost $15 million for a multi-purpose venue that will host everything from farm shows to dog shows to soccer tournaments. Siouxland Expo Board President Dirk Lohry says the building with 80,000 square feet of exposition space has been in the works … [Read more...]
IRS offering tips to small business owners during National Small Business Week
The Internal Revenue Service is focusing on small business owners and self-employed individuals in a campaign during this National Small Business Week. Spokesman Christopher Miller says the organization will feature information on a variety of topics in their social media. "Like data security … [Read more...]
Small business started by Clear Lake couple recognized by SBA
A Clear Lake couple were named the first runners-up in this year’s National Small Business Person of the Year contest. Brad and Angie Barber of Cabin Coffee Company were honored on Monday by the U. S. Small Business Administration at their annual National Small Business Week ceremony. The Barbers … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst joins call to end Mexico, Canada steel and aluminum tariffs
Early this week, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley warned the "United States Mexico Canada Agreement" won't get ratified in congress if President Trump doesn't lift the tariffs on steel and aluminum. Joni Ernst, the other Republican representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, says those tariffs "need to go … [Read more...]
Creighton survey shows slowing in Iowa economy
The April survey of business managers in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states predicts solid economic growth for the region over the next three to six months, though Iowa's economy is slowing. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says labor shortages pushed the overall business conditions … [Read more...]
Deere agrees to one million dollar fine for air quality violations
Deere and Company has agreed to pay a one million dollar fine for violation air quality regulations. The Iowa Attorney General's office worked out the settlements that spokesman Lynn Hicks, says involved violations while they tested diesel engines at their performance center in Cedar Falls. … [Read more...]