Iowa's largest manufacturing employer is reporting spectacular first-quarter earnings. Quad Cities-based Deere and Company says net income for the quarter more than doubled from a year ago to more than $1.2 billion, including a 23% gain in net sales. Deere officials credit the "successful … [Read more...]
It may become a crime in Iowa to use fake urine in workplace drug tests
The Iowa House and Senate have approved a bill to make it a crime to use fake urine for workplace drug and alcohol tests. Representative Brian Lohse, a Republican from Bondurant, said it's become "a pervasive problem." "As a small business owner myself, I can personally attest to this as it … [Read more...]
Iowan featured in book about ‘Business Icons’
A certified financial planner from eastern Iowa is the lone Midwesterner featured in a new book compiled by entrepreneur Kevin Harrington, best known for TV's "Shark Tank." Jeff Busbee of Cedar Rapids was featured on Harrington's program "Business Icons" and was later invited to be among some 30 … [Read more...]
Emergency unemployment payments now going out
State officials say they have begun issuing the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Congress approved in late December. Iowa Workforce Development deputy director Ryan West says the agency began processing this latest round of expanded unemployment benefits Tuesday and eligible Iowans … [Read more...]
Road improvement funding approved for businesses in Sioux Center, Pella
The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved funds for roadway improvements to help businesses in Sioux Center and Pella. DOT spokesman Craig Markley says Sioux Center will receive around $390,000 to assist the New Tech company. "They're a remanufacturing and sales company. So they take heavy … [Read more...]
Citibank to issue refunds in credit card interest settlement
A major credit card company has reached a settlement with the state on the interest it charged customers. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller announced Citibank will pay around 1,400 Iowa customers refunds totaling some $216,000. Iowa and four other states alleged Citibank failed to properly … [Read more...]
Apps open for Iowa Restaurant and Bar Relief Program
Iowa bars and restaurants have begun to apply for another round of state grants to cover pandemic-related losses. The grants are available to bars and restaurants that saw sales slump in the second and third quarters of 2020 compared to the year before. "The one-time grants are intended to … [Read more...]
Creighton economist: Midwest economy continues in right direction
While the Midwestern economy hit its lowest point in 11 years last April, the region has continued to climb out for eight of the past nine months. A survey of business leaders in Iowa and across the Midwest shows the January numbers are very healthy, according to Creighton University economist … [Read more...]
Davenport businesses getting federal pandemic help
With help from Washington, Davenport hopes to save small businesses hurt by the pandemic by awarding more than $500,000 in forgivable loans to 28 local businesses. The money can be used to pay mortgages or rent, utilities, wages, and other operating expenses. The city's Economic Development … [Read more...]
NaturalShrimp buys VeroBlue facility in Webster City
A Texas company is moving its fish farming operation into a facility in Webster City. NaturalShrimp will operate out of the former VeroBlue fish farm that closed a few years ago. "We think we'll raise about 9,000 pounds a week once it's in full production," Gerald Easterling, president and CEO of … [Read more...]