The Iowa Business Council's fourth-quarter Economic Outlook Survey continues to show a positive feeling among some of the state's largest businesses. IBC Executive Director Joe Murphy says the survey index gives a reading on plans for sales, capital spending, and employment. "This fourth quarter … [Read more...]
Waterloo cabinet maker sold to Minnesota company
A Waterloo-based business that's been family-owned for more than four decades is now under new ownership. Gary and Becky Bertch recently sold Bertch Cabinet Manfacturing to Dura Supreme Cabinetry of Howard Lake, Minnesota. Dura announced the acquisition of Bertch Monday in a press release. The … [Read more...]
Economist says impact of pandemic still felt in job numbers
Iowa’s unemployment rate has steadily dropped back down after hitting a peak when the coronavirus hit -- but the pandemic has still left a hole in the state’s workforce. Iowa State University economist Dave Swenson says most of the drop is not from people getting back to work -- it's from people … [Read more...]
ISU president says innovation the key for U.S. competitiveness
Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen recently spoke at a national forum held by the national "Council on Competitiveness" on the role higher education is playing in helping the country be more competitive. The national council released a report with recommendations on how innovation … [Read more...]
November home sales up double digits compared to last year
The number of homes sold in November was down a bit from those sold in October, but Iowa Association of Realtors president, Jen Burkamper says sales were up by double digits compared to last November. "Fifteen and a half percent for November over last year -- and last year was a great year. So, … [Read more...]
Latest stimulus plan includes help for restaurants
The $900 billion federal stimulus package includes additional relief to help restaurants make it through the next stage of the coronavirus pandemic. The bill allows small businesses to apply for a second forgivable loan through the Paycheck Protection Program. Most businesses can apply for an … [Read more...]
State incentives approved for Dubuque, Cedar Rapids businesses
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved state incentives for two companies with the promise of the creation of 284 new jobs. Economic Development Authority spokesperson, Kanan Kappelman, says Simmons Pet Food plan to bring some of its operations to eastern Iowa. "The company plans … [Read more...]
Winnebago sees boost in income from move to outdoor recreation
Boosted by more people heading into the great outdoors during the pandemic, Winnebago Industries started its new fiscal year strong. The Forest City-based outdoor lifestyle manufacturer reports first-quarter net income of $57.4 million, an increase of over 300% when compared to $14.1 million in … [Read more...]
ABI survey shows lots of confidence among member businesses
The president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry says he's excited by what he sees in a survey of members on what they expect in the first quarter of the new year. ABI President Mike Ralston says the survey results are positive in almost every area. "The manufacturers who responded … [Read more...]
Iowa joins lawsuit against Google
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is joining a coalition of 38 attorneys general in suing Google. The antitrust case alleges Google illegally maintains its monopoly power over general search engines and related advertising markets through a series of anticompetitive exclusionary contracts and … [Read more...]