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Economic Development

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Leading Indicators Index points to weakening employment growth

The newest leading indicators report from the Iowa Department of Revenue suggests that the state’s employment growth will weaken over the next three to six months. The Iowa Leading Indicators Index remained unchanged in October at 107.0, …
By BPC Staff | Dec 2, 2019
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Is there really an ‘Illinois exodus’? Here’s where Illinois and Iowa residents are moving.

Quad-City Times: In the Quad Cities, popular belief says that Illinoisians are crossing the border en masse and resettling in the Hawkeye State. But new data from the U.S. Census Bureau points to a surprising truth: …
By BPC Staff | Dec 2, 2019
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ISU eyes national cybersecurity center

Iowa State University has applied to the U.S. Department of Energy to lead a new cybersecurity center in what could be an $86.7 million national effort with other unnamed universities and other partners. The Iowa …
By BPC Staff | Nov 25, 2019
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IEDA office to close Dec. 6 for move

The Iowa Economic Development Authority will close its East Grand Avenue offices Dec. 6 to move to 1963 Bell Ave. IEDA will join the Iowa Finance Authority in Suite 200 at the Bell Avenue building. …
By BPC Staff | Nov 22, 2019
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Iowa Mainstreet Index rises

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index for Iowa rose to 52.5 in November from 49.6 the month before. 

In specific Iowa measures:
— The farmland index was unchanged at 39.7.
— The new hiring index was …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Nov 22, 2019
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‘Inextricably linked’: Leaders discuss water, recreation and economic development

At our most recent Power Breakfast discussion, we asked the panelists about the relationship between water quality, outdoor recreation and economic development. 

Our panelists included: 

Ingrid Gronstal Anderson – water program director, Iowa Environmental Council. …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Nov 21, 2019
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Iowa unemployment rate rises slightly

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 2.6% in October, up from 2.4% a year ago and 2.5% in September. The national rate rose to 3.6% from 3.5% in September. State officials said the labor force participation rate …
By BPC Staff | Nov 19, 2019
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Iowa farm finances continue to erode, with 44% of growers struggling to cover costs

Des Moines Register: Despite President Donald Trump’s agriculture bailouts, Iowa farmers continue to see their financial condition erode, a cash crunch that had 44% of producers last year struggling to cover their bills, an Iowa State …
By BPC Staff | Nov 18, 2019
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SBA backs $5.7M in Central Iowa loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration backed nine private loans for a combined $5.7 million at Central Iowa businesses last month. 

The projects are expected to create 56 jobs. Central Iowa consists of Polk, Story, Boone, …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Nov 15, 2019
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Weapons in the talent war

Our annual look at the prospects for hiring new workers takes a fresh turn this year with the results of a panel discussion at our Newsroom515 series. 

We assembled four authorities on related topics Oct. …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Nov 14, 2019