Iowa's largest manufacturing employer is reporting its first quarter earnings this morning. Quad Cities-based Deere and Company reports income for the quarter of $498 million. That compares to a loss of $535 million in the first-quarter of last year which Deere blames on tax reform … [Read more...]
Iowa State Fair to require all vendors to accept plastic payment
A spokesperson for the Iowa State Fair says you will be able to buy a corndog on a credit card at all vendors when the gates open for the 2020 edition. Mindy Williamson says it's something that's been in the works for a while. "It's one of the top things that people ask us. Some of our vendors -- … [Read more...]
Winnebago moving diesel production from Oregon to Iowa
Winnebago Industries has announced plans to shift production of diesel motorhome manufacturing from its Junction City, Oregon plant to its manufacturing campus in Forest City. Company spokesman Chad Reese The transition consolidates and centralizes the company’s diesel motorhome business to a … [Read more...]
Creighton economic survey signals rebound in midwest outlook
A monthly report on the economy in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states shows the leading economic indicator rose to its highest level since September. Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University, says it signals a good rebound and solid growth for the region over the next three to six … [Read more...]
Businesses in Albia, Marshalltown, West Des Moines win state tax incentives
Three companies recently won tax and other incentives from the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board to expand or improve their businesses. IEDA spokesperson Kanan Kappelman says the awards include one for RACOM Corporation in Marshalltown that is unique. "The company sustained significant … [Read more...]
Iowa Business Council says Iowa needs more diverse population
An organization representing Iowa's largest businesses plans to conduct new research to find ways to "attract diverse populations" to the state. The Iowa Business Council warns a lack skilled workers and slow population growth are major threats to Iowa's future. "The state is not keeping up with … [Read more...]
Adjustments to Iowa’s bottle deposit law again under consideration
Another proposal to alter the state's "bottle bill" has emerged in the Iowa Senate. For decades, legislators have debated making changes in the system that charges a deposit fee on bottles and cans of alcohol and carbonated beverages. For years, the stores that sell those beverages have objected … [Read more...]
Winnebago offers new motorhomes with wheelchair access
Forest City-based Winnebago Industries is unveiling three new motorhomes for people in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. Winnebago vice president for specialty vehicles Ashis Bhattacharya says the company has been modifying RVs through special orders for decades, but there’s enough demand to … [Read more...]
Sales of agriculture equipment were strong in 2018
Despite a weak ag economy, 2018 was a good year for farm equipment sales, a big deal in Iowa where John Deere is the state's largest manufacturing employer. A report shows tractor sales in the U.S. rose 7% from the previous year, while combine sales jumped 18%. Curt Blades, with the Association … [Read more...]
Tax expert says changes in tax code this season are the biggest in 40 years
Iowans will start the process of filing their taxes in a few weeks and one expert says he's seeing more significant changes in the tax code this season than in the past 40 years. Creighton University accounting professor Tom Purcell says one big change relates to home equity debt. Purcell says if … [Read more...]