Inflation is keeping prices high on all sorts of goods, and a survey of business leaders in Iowa and eight other Midwestern states finds prices rose nearly 6% in the past year, but may only rise 3% in the year ahead. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the leading economic indicator … [Read more...]
Four buildings on former Maytag campus to be turned into hotel, apartments
Historic buildings that used to be part of Maytag's campus in Newton will be renovated into a hotel and an apartment building. The former Maytag campus was donated to Des Moines Area Community College in 2016 -- nine years after Maytag closed. The college has sold nearly four acres to a Des … [Read more...]
Younger bosses get less tolerance from employees in U-I study
A University of Iowa study finds people who have a blundering boss will give them a pass if that boss is older, but they'll judge more harshly if the boss is younger. Michele Williams, a U-I professor of management and entrepreneurship, co-authored the study that surveyed hundreds of … [Read more...]
John Deere reports increase in earnings
Iowa's largest manufacturing employer is reporting a very good second quarter. Deere and Company declared net income for the quarter at more than $2.8 billion, up from just over $2 billion a year ago. The Quad Cities-based farm and construction equipment maker is also reporting worldwide net … [Read more...]
U-I professor studies loneliness in the post-pandemic workplace
Studies find 10% of us feel like we have no friends at work, while 70% say workplace friendships are crucial to their overall happiness. University of Iowa researchers are studying the importance of our work relationships and how to improve them, especially post-pandemic. Beth Livingston, a U-I … [Read more...]
Unemployment drops despite a slight loss in jobs
Iowa's unemployment rate dropped down to 2.7% in April, compared to 2.8% in March. Iowa Workforce Development spokesperson, Jesse Dougherty, says the labor force participation rate moved up slightly. "Our labor force added 4,300 new workers. So, I think what's notable about that is that's not … [Read more...]
Many questions remain as Mt. Pleasant prepares for Iowa Wesleyan closing
The city of Mount Pleasant is preparing for Iowa Wesleyan University to close at the end of the month and there are still many questions about what that will mean to business and labor in the community. At the Grange Public House and Brewery, owner Sue Sorensen says her husband Eric is more … [Read more...]
Eastern Iowa shipyard receives federal funding to expand
A Dubuque shipyard is getting $600,000 in federal funding to expand its operation along the banks of the Mississippi River. Carter Newt is the owner of Sunflower Enterprises, which manufactures custom barges. "Being centrally located in the country, we feel we provide a good service as a shipyard … [Read more...]
Best Burger winner in Huxley sees immediate uptick in business
The co-owner of the central Iowa bar that's home of this year's "Best Burger" competition winner says their business has picked up dramatically since the announcement. Marianne and Matt Pacha opened their "Flight Bar and Grill" in Huxley one year ago, and were hoping that milestone would help … [Read more...]
Economic survey shows gains for third month in a row
As the weather got warmer, so did the state and regional economies, according to the monthly Creighton University survey of supply managers in Iowa and eight other states. Creighton economist Ernie Goss says for the third straight month, the Midwest's overall index climbed above growth neutral, … [Read more...]