A group of sewing professionals in Forest City are making at least 6,000 face masks for a Mason City hospital. The Winnebago Industries employees work in the "Stitchcraft" facility and normally sew curtains, cushions and other items for the inside of the company's motor homes. Chad Reece, … [Read more...]
Oskaloosa company increases production of power cords for ventilators
An Oskaloosa business has a key role in helping treat those who have the coronavirus. Interpower president Bob Wersen says his company makes electrical cords for various products. That includes cords for ventilators that are used in hospitals to treat patients with respiratory problems like those … [Read more...]
Small Business Administration seeing lots of calls about loans
As tens of thousands of Iowa business owners seek ways to stay financially afloat during the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a range of low-interest loans and grants. Jayne Armstrong, director of the SBA’s Iowa District Office, says the agency's Electronic … [Read more...]
Cedar Rapids lip balm business an example of adapting fast to outbreak (video)
The coronavirus outbreak has had an impact on everyone's lives and for many business owners, it has forced them to learn to react and change quickly. Steve Shriver of Cedar Rapids owns the "Eco Lips" lip balm company but decided to partner with the Cedar Ridge Distillery to make sanitizer after … [Read more...]
Nearly 41,000 Iowans filed for unemployment last week
State officials this morning revealed nearly 41,000 Iowans filed unemployment claims last week. Beth Townsend, the director of the Iowa Workforce Development agency warned last Friday that the number of claims has been "staggering." "We are doing our very best to ensure most people will … [Read more...]
Winnebago CEO confident despite temporary shutdown
Forest City-based Winnebago Industries is reporting fiscal second-quarter net income of just more than $17-million, a drop of 20% compared to the same quarter last year for the outdoor lifestyle manufacturer. Company CEO Michael Happe says despite this week’s announcement to suspend operations at … [Read more...]
Forest City-based Winnebago Industries suspends production nationwide
One of north-central Iowa’s largest employers is suspending most production at facilities nationwide. Forest City-based Winnebago Industries says the actions at the company’s Winnebago, Grand Design RV, Newmar, and Chris-Craft facilities are in response to the spread of COVID-19 and an … [Read more...]
Governor approves sale of carryout alcohol
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration that permits the sale of unopened bottles of alcohol by carry-out, delivery or drive-thru for bars and restaurants in the state. That move gives some relief to the establishments which are now banned from … [Read more...]
Home sales in the state were up in February
The latest numbers from the Iowa Association of Realtors show home sales in the were up again in February. Association president-elect Jen Burkamper of Ames says sales increased by 3.8% and pending home sales were 16.4% higher compared to last February. Everybody's been excited for the spring … [Read more...]
Technology advances make it easier for banks to deal with coronavirus limitations
Advances in technology have already made it easier for banks to address coronavirus concerns. Iowa Bankers Association President and CEO John Sorensen says the trend has been toward online banking now for some time. "Traffic at bank branches has dropped off precipitously just because of the … [Read more...]