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Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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Part-time plant business grows to full-time venture

In 2021, Hunter Frescoln began his plant and garden company as a part-time, web-based business.

However, as demand grew the 30-year-old interior designer decided to turn the Trendy Gardener Design + Plantscapes into a full-time venture.

Frescoln…
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TAI announces 2023 state, federal policy priorities

The Technology Association of Iowa has announced its state and federal principles and priorities for the 2023 legislative year. TAI’s legislative priorities for 2023 are:

Connectivity: Facilitate high-performance internet connectivity using the best available technologies for…
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A Closer Look: Juan Pablo Sanchez

Joining the Greater Des Moines Partnership in the newly created role of director of inclusive business strategies is only the second job in Juan Pablo Sanchez’s career.


For almost 20 years prior, Sanchez served in …

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ViClarity recognized as a top regulatory technology company

Governance, risk and compliance technology and consulting firm ViClarity was recognized last week on FinTech Global’s RegTech 100 list, which identifies innovative regulatory technology companies around the world. Companies are selected by the FinTech Global …

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Pratum to be acquired by Heartland Business Systems

Heartland Business Systems, a Wisconsin-based provider of technology services including integration, consulting and business automation, announced today plans to acquire information security company Pratum, headquartered in Ankeny. “We are thrilled to enter into this agreement …

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VizyPay announces promotions for new employee development department

Waukee-based payments company VizyPay announced today two promotions to build out its new Learning and Development Department. Alex Schaffer, bottom picture, will move into the role of director of learning and development and Marj Chaffin, top picture, is being …

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Metronet hopes to make Iowa its ‘darling’ with foothold in Des Moines metro

Underground and aerial fiber-optic cable construction is sweeping through the Des Moines metro area as Metronet expands its reach.


Metronet has grown rapidly since its beginnings in 2005. It is aggressively constructing its latest network …

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Hawkeye Surgical Lighting wins first InnoVenture Challenge pitch competition

From left, Hawkeye Surgical Lighting COO Manny Ray and co-founders Dr. David Christianson and Anthony Piscopo are pictured receiving the $100,000 cash prize. Photo by Sarah Bogaards

Hawkeye Surgical Lighting was selected Wednesday evening as the winner …

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UNI announces computer science education program for in-service teachers

A $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to the University of Northern Iowa will be used to create a program that will help Iowa teachers receive their secondary computer science education endorsement, qualifying …

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UNI adds online option for technology management program

The University of Northern Iowa has added an option to complete its technology management Bachelor of Arts program fully online. According to a news release, the addition is part of UNI’s effort to provide educational …