AABP EP Awards 728x90

Economic Development

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Mercer makes strategic investment in Benefitfocus

Global consulting company Mercer on Tuesday announced a significant expansion of its relationship with Benefitfocus Inc., including a strategic equity investment in the Charleston, S.C.-based company. Mercer’s private benefits exchange product, called Mercer Marketplace, is …

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State approves tax credits for Accu-Mold expansion

Ankeny-based Accu-Mold has won state approval for about $1.7 million in tax credits for an expansion of its Ankeny facility as part of a $20 million project expected to create 200 jobs. The plastics injection …

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Green card is the return on investment for convention center hotel investors

The major private partners in the proposed $101 million Iowa Events Center hotel in downtown Des Moines have placed their money in the project under a federal program that provides permanent visas or green cards …

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Tapping Regional Cooperation

Urbandale’s decision to consider building its own water-treatment plant has set off a lively metrowide debate over forming a regional water utility.

It’s a high-stakes discussion that could mean lower water rates for some area …

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A Closer Look: Rebecca Ryan

West Des Moines City Manager Tom Hadden was at a city managers’ meeting not long ago looking for the next seminar to attend. He walked by a room so crowded that people were standing in …

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Economic Forecast: What we learned

Last week, some top economic experts in Iowa shared their insights and opinions about the 2015 economy with a capacity crowd at the Business Record’s annual Economic Forecast luncheon. I, sadly, came down with a …

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IEDA opens housing tax credits program

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) began taking applications today for its Workforce Housing Tax Credit program. The $20 million fund, intended to promote the development of housing across the state, is likely to receive …

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Des Moines projects would take majority of state housing tax credits

After supporting $1 million in state tax credits for the renovation of the former Register and Tribune building earlier this month, the Des Moines City Council was set today to consider applications for another $10.8 …

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2015 Economic Forecast

It’s going to be a good year.

But don’t look for the economy to lift off like a rocket. Instead, expect solid growth in the United States, especially if the economies of China, Greece and …

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Recovery Slowed in 2014