Freedom Financial Bank has joined the list of Central Iowa lenders seeking property and cash linked to the collapse of Regency Homes and related companies. The bank is asking for $2.2 million in principal and interest on a $3.5 million loan that was renewed in April and secured by property in an Ankeny townhome project. The bank seeks foreclosure on 96 properties securing the loans and appointment of a receiver for their management. The lawsuit was filed in Polk County District Court against Regency principals James and Robert Myers, Richard Moffitt and John Gamble, as well as against Creekside Townhomes LC and other Regency-related partnerships and limited liability companies. Banks and other lenders so far have sought more than $55 million on more than $70 million in loans, most of which were secured by properties located primarily in Polk and Dallas counties.

DML Land Development LC has filed for bankruptcy protection, citing debts of more than $7 million and assets of nearly $10.3 million that are linked primarily to a 163-acre residential development in Ankeny. Mark Bockenstedt of Polk City, Don Davis of Waukee, and Lee Schreurs of Ankeny, each have a one-third percent ownership stake in DML Land Development. The company also is the subject of a foreclosure action filed in April by First National Bank Midwest, which has $7.3 million in two loans to the company. In its Chapter 11 filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Des Moines, DML said its gross real estate sales dropped to $797,000 in 2007 from about $4.4 million in 2006. Gross sales so far this year were $519,000.

Clear Channel Communications Inc. shareholders have given preliminary approval for the company’s sale to a private equity group, the San Antonio Business Journal reported. The group, led by Bain Capital Partners LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP, entered a merger agreement with Clear Channel in November 2006. Clear Channel said about 97 percent of the shares voted at a special shareholders meeting Thursday approved the deal, which is expected to close on July 30.

The University of Northern Iowa’s Strategic Marketing Services (SMS) is offering financial assistance to qualifying Iowa companies, covering up to 50 percent of a market research project. Using financing made available through the Iowa Board of Regents and supported by the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s Grow Iowa Values Fund, qualifying research projects will be cost-shared up to 50 percent, with a maximum of $10,000 per project. Projects will be administered by SMS, the marketing-research arm of the university’s business and community services division. Typical projects will focus on any number of areas vital to business growth, including new product development, market penetration, market development, customer loyalty measures and strategic planning support.

Sara Rens will oversee Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s community wellness coordinators in Iowa and South Dakota, the company announced. The coordinators help small businesses with up to 100 benefits-eligible employees develop wellness programs. Rens will conduct outreach workshops to help develop wellness programs and will offer employee-level seminars on stress management, healthy eating and other lifestyle topics.

Robin Fraser will retire Aug. 1 after 18 months as Iowa Public Radio’s development director. A national search will be conducted for a new director. Interim duties will be handled by Linda Jordening, underwriting; Joan Kjaer, membership; and Tim Coffee, major gifts.