After another year filled with supply chain troubles and global health concerns, the economic outlook for 2022 in Iowa and for the Midwest isn't rosy, according to Creighton University economist Ernie Goss. "The outlook depends heavily on what happens with the South African strain of COVID-19, … [Read more...]
Designer chosen for beef plant in Mills County
A southwest Iowa company has hired a Hartland, Wisconsin company to design its proposed 500,000 square foot beef processing plant. Cattlemen’s Heritage lead developer, Chad Tentinger, says the plant will be built in northern Mills County just south of Council Bluffs. "A couple of things that will … [Read more...]
After Black Friday is past, it’ll be time to ‘Be Loyal, Buy Local’
While many Iowans will keep up the tradition of Black Friday shopping today, it's predicted even more bargain hunters will be out in force tomorrow for Small Business Saturday. Jayne Armstrong, director of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Iowa District Office, says when you find and buy … [Read more...]
Double-check before you double-click on Black Friday deals
Iowans are warned to be extra cautious before buying anything online or even in-person on this Black Friday. Consumer protection expert Michael Domke says if you're shopping in brick-and-mortar stores, you need to read the ads carefully and be aware of each particular merchant's guidelines on … [Read more...]
Iowa takes top insurance spot
More than 180 insurance companies are now headquartered in Iowa -- and Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham says no other state gets a higher percentage of its Gross Domestic Product from the insurance and finance industry. "I have to say this is bragging rights for the state … [Read more...]
Deere income tops one billion in 4th quarter
Iowa's largest manufacturing employer is issuing a stellar financial report, after just emerging from a major labor dispute. Quad Cities-based John Deere reports 4th quarter net income of nearly $1.3 billion, compared to $757 million a year ago. Deere also shows its fiscal-year-end net income of … [Read more...]
Iowa homes sales up 12% in October 2021 compared to 2019
The latest data from the Iowa Association of Realtors shows the pace of home sales is above pre-pandemic levels and the prices for single-family homes in Iowa are rising, There was a 12% increase in home sales in Iowa last month compared to October of 2019. The median sales price for homes sold … [Read more...]
Tax breaks for Sergeant Bluff plant, state grants for four central Iowa start-ups
A state board has approved tax breaks for a project that will expand a soybean processing plant in northwest Iowa. Ag Processing, Inc., known as AGP, plans to spend more than $71 million to upgrade its facility in Sergeant Bluff. The improvement will speed up the crush rate of soybeans. AGP has … [Read more...]
CVS closing stores, Iowa numbers not known
A national chain of drug stores is announcing significant closures, though the impact in Iowa is still uncertain. CVS has nearly 10,000 stores nationwide but plans to close 900 of them, up to 300 a year for the next three years. The company isn't saying yet which stores it will close. In Iowa, … [Read more...]
Negotiator for Deere workers in Ankeny dies of Covid
The lead negotiator for the U-A-W local that represents employees at John Deere's plant in Ankeny died of Covid the day after the strike at Deere and Company ended. Curtis Templeman's death from Covid was announced late Thursday on the Facebook page for UAW Local 450. According to a Facebook post … [Read more...]