State officials notified 22 applicants yesterday that they're getting state grants for programs that will give up to a thousand Iowans new job skills. A few of the winning applicants drove to Des Moines today to talk about their projects. J.B. Holland of Decorah said without the $50,000 state … [Read more...]
Card processor sees increased buying during Cyber Monday
Information from a debit and credit card processor located in central Iowa confirms the trend that sees more Christmas shopping moving online. The SHAZAM network is located in Johnston and spokesman Patrick Dix says they found Black Friday transactions increased by 3.5%. He says type of card used … [Read more...]
More than 100 Iowa school districts consider launching apprenticeship programs
Fourteen registered apprenticeship programs in the state are run through Iowa high schools. Kristopher Byam, the principal at Boone High School, says the program in his district started three years ago with "pre-apprenticeships" in three local businesses. "We continue to look for other … [Read more...]
Save some of your Black Friday budget to shop at small businesses Saturday
While the Black Friday shopping frenzy is already well underway, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Iowa is hoping for a carry-over into tomorrow for Small Business Saturday. Jayne Armstrong, director of the SBA’s Iowa District Office, says local merchants put great importance … [Read more...]
Market trends: Home sellers getting 98% of their asking price
The president of the Iowa Association of Realtors says the changing seasons are prompting a slowdown in home sales in the state, but Scott Wendl says it's nothing like the recession that hit the real estate industry in 2008. "Nationally, we actually have a shortage of homes that are available," … [Read more...]
John Deere sales up, income down in fourth quarter
John Deere is reporting a five percent increase in worldwide sales, but the company's income in the last quarter dropped by $63 million. John Deere's fourth quarter ended October 28. John May, the company's CEO, says lingering trade tensions and a challenging growing season are causing … [Read more...]
Companies in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, West Des Moines given state tax incentives
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board has approved state tax incentives for five companies in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and West Des Moines. Economic Development Authority spokesperson, Jessica O'Riley, says Bio Springer North America Corporation in Cedar Rapids won incentives to help … [Read more...]
Iowa home sales up for fourth consecutive month
The number of homes sold and the sales prices for homes in Iowa went up in October -- the fourth consecutive month there's been an increase. According to data released by the Iowa Association of Realtors, homes sales were up 4.2% in October compared to October of last year. The median price for … [Read more...]
Projections for hundreds of hires at Amazon logistics site in Iowa
Amazon plans to open what the company calls a "Delivery Station" in a Des Moines suburb next year. According to a news release from Amazon, there will be "hundreds" of new full- and part-time jobs at the company's Delivery Station in Grimes. Amazon Delivery Stations are the last stop for a … [Read more...]
Economist predicts an increase in Christmas shopping this year
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss is projecting growth for retailers in Christmas sales this year. "Based upon our surveys, in these two surveys of manufacturers and bank CEO's in ten states, including Iowa -- the overall numbers are pointing to a positive Christmas holiday buying season … [Read more...]