The unemployment rate for August held steady at 4.1% and a spokesperson for Iowa Workforce Development says they anticipate the rate falling in the next couple of months. IWD Deputy Director Ryan West says things usually pick up in October and November as companies try to get things done before … [Read more...]
Iowans given chance to weigh in on proposed carbon pipeline
Public meetings are underway this week in several Iowa cities, the first steps an Iowa-based company must follow as it seeks a state permit to build an underground pipeline for carbon through 30 Iowa counties. As Radio Iowa reported in late August, the potential pipeline has been dubbed the … [Read more...]
ABI survey finds businesses positive about fourth quarter expansion
The latest Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) quarterly survey shows a continued positive attitude despite some ongoing challenges. ABI president, Mike Ralston, says a majority see their businesses continuing to grow. "Seventy percent of them expect to see sales expand in the next … [Read more...]
SBA celebrates small businesses this week
Iowa small business owners are encouraged to take a little time away from running those businesses this week to learn about ways they might improve their operations. Bailey DeVries, associate administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, says this year's National Small Business Week … [Read more...]
Trucking company leader, philanthropist John Ruan III has died
A Des Moines businessman and philanthropist who has been chairman of the Des Moines-based World Food Prize Foundation has died at the age of 78 after a long illness. For more than two decades, John Ruan III led the family-owned Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Bankers Trust. The trucking … [Read more...]
Breakfast competition heats up among fast food, convenience stores
There's a breakfast war heating up now in Iowa to try and capture customers who are once again venturing out of their homes following pandemic shutdowns. Casey's convenience stores CEO Darren Rebelez talked about the competition during an investor call. "What you saw a year ago when lots of … [Read more...]
Casey’s sees boost as customers return following pandemic shut downs
Ankeny-based Casey's convenience stores reports the end of pandemic shutdowns has had a big impact on the company's bottom line. CEO Darren Rebelez talked about the first-quarter results today in a conference call. "Sales volume and margin improved dramatically as guest traffic began to rebound … [Read more...]
State agency conducting ‘laborshed’ study in Estherville area
The state's Workforce Development agency conducts routine studies to determine how many working-age residents may be in a particular area and there's one underway in northwest Iowa. Estherville Area Partnership for Growth director Lyle Hevern says it's a useful tool for developers as well as … [Read more...]
Proposed carbon dioxide pipeline would cross 30 Iowa counties
The process is underway that could lead to the construction of the first carbon dioxide pipeline in Iowa. Iowa Utilities Board spokesman, Don Tormey says Summit Carbon Solutions is considering the pipeline. "It's referred to as the midwest carbon express, proposed to run through several midwest … [Read more...]
State tax breaks for Fort Dodge fertilizer plant, facilities in 4 other Iowa cities
A state board has approved tax breaks for upgrades to food and meat production facilities in Denison and Columbus Junction and for a plant in Indianola that makes concrete mixers. State tax breaks also have been approved for the construction of a new fertilizer plant in Fort Dodge. Calcium … [Read more...]