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Economic Development

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Thousands of Iowa jobs protected by Paycheck Protection Program, newly released data shows

The U.S. Small Business Administration today released some information about the Paycheck Protection Program, designed to help small companies retain workers during the pandemic. The chart shows the number of Iowa companies that received loans, …

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IEDA awards $21.9 million for historic preservation

Fifteen projects have been awarded nearly $22 million in historic preservation tax credits, the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced today. The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program provides a state income tax credit for the restoration …

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NOTEBOOK: ISU economist foresees reduced demand for durable goods made in Iowa

Initial unemployment claims by Iowa manufacturing employees, which peaked at nearly 16,000 in late March, have tapered somewhat but still remain the highest among all of Iowa’s industry sectors. 

For the week ending June 6, …

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New jobless benefit claims tick up slightly while continuing claims drop

The number of continuing weekly claims declined to 143,488 from the adjusted number of 152,781 the prior week. The number of initial unemployment claims filed last week totaled 8,300, up slightly from the adjusted number …

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Workforce Development receives $3.45M federal grant for registered apprenticeships

Iowa Workforce Development has been awarded $3.45 million by the U.S. Department of Labor in grant funds to help Iowa expand its registered apprenticeship program. IWD will administer the money, which will support 823 new registered apprentices …

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Iowa Leading Indicators Index slows its decline in May

A monthly index of leading indicators tracked by the Iowa Department of Revenue strongly suggests that the Iowa economy will continue to show weakness for the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020 and …

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Challenges, solutions shared to bridge gaps in racial inequity

Solutions need to be found in areas such as financial inclusion, housing, education, health, employment and education if true racial equity is to be achieved in the Greater Des Moines area, organizers of the One …

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Small gains in optimism in Iowa Business Council’s Q2 Economic Outlook Survey

A survey of chief decision-makers at Iowa’s largest employers shows a slight increase in optimism, with 80% saying they plan to rehire laid-off or furloughed workers in the coming months, according to the Iowa Business …

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IWD director: Hundreds of potential ID theft cases claiming unemployment insurance benefits under investigation

Iowa Workforce Development has identified nearly $3 million in attempted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims, as well as hundreds of claims made using another’s identity during the pandemic, IWD Director Beth Townsend said last week. She …

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Kayak outfitter offering rentals at Beaver Creek access point in Johnston

A new outfitter is now offering kayak rentals at the Northwest 70th Avenue access point along Beaver Creek, which officials with the city of Johnston and the Central Iowa Water Trails Incubator say will help …