AABP EP Awards 728x90

Economic Development

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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
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Iowans have quick but productive trade mission to Japan

Cedar Rapids Gazette: Iowa’s trade mission to Japan has generated “great optimism” among the 24-member delegation for continued opportunities to extend or expand markets for agricultural products and generate more investments that will lead to jobs …
By BPC Staff | Nov 13, 2019
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Reynolds, Naig embark on trade mission to Japan

Radio Iowa: Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig left Sunday on a trade mission to Japan. “It’s just to continue to drive markets and look for opportunity,” Reynolds said. She plans to encourage …
By BPC Staff | Nov 11, 2019
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Isaacson to speak at Partnership annual dinner

Author and Tulane University history professor Walter Isaacson — past chairman of CNN, former editor of Time magazine and past CEO of the Aspen Institute — will headline the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s annual dinner …
By BPC Staff | Nov 11, 2019
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Iowa economic index rises

Iowa’s Business Conditions Index compiled by Creighton University rose into growth territory in October after two months of readings below growth-neutral.

Iowa hit 53.5 in October, up from 49.6 in September. Anything above 50 suggests …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Nov 11, 2019