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Smithsonian traveling exhibition comes to Newton

The Smithsonian Institution’s traveling exhibition “Spark! Places of Innovation” is on display at Legacy Plaza in Newton until Jan. 30. The exhibition, part of the Museum on Main Street program, highlights how small towns across the United States have harnessed innovation to overcome challenges and revitalize their neighborhoods. It will feature stories from over 30…
By Business Record Staff | Jan 3, 2025
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One more thing with retired news anchor, journalist and Central College alumnus Harry Smith

When I interviewed Harry Smith in October on the Central College campus in Pella, the focus was his class on curiosity he was teaching at his alma mater. But naturally, the conversation turned to story upon story of his 40-year career in journalism including his time as an anchor and reporter for NBC News and CBS News….
By Mike Mendenhall | Jan 3, 2025
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Vibrant Insurance Group acquires Donaghy Kempton Insurors

West Des Moines-based insurance agency Vibrant Insurance Group announced Jan. 1 it has acquired Donaghy Kempton Insurors (DKI), formerly located in north Des Moines. DKI, which was formed in 1975 and owned by Joel Donaghy, has moved its operations and employees to Vibrant’s corporate offices and the company is now operating as Vibrant Insurance Group….
By Business Record Staff | Jan 3, 2025
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Creighton Business Conditions Index below growth-neutral for seventh time in 2024

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell below growth-neutral for the seventh time in 2024, sinking to 48.7 in December from November’s 49.6. The index, covering a nine-state region from Minnesota to Arkansas, ranges from 0 to 100, with a score of 50 representing growth-neutral. “Manufacturers in the nation and region continue to shed…
By Business Record Staff | Jan 3, 2025
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The Elbert Files: Iowa’s new No. 2

My friend K.C. was admiring Deborah Butterfield’s two spectral horses in the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The statues are bronze castings of pieces of wood you might find on a beach – assorted tree limbs and boards that were tossed about in the surf. Butterfield assembles the random scraps into magnificent looking horses….
By Dave Elbert | Jan 3, 2025
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What they’re checking out: Week of Jan. 3

As an ongoing feature, staff members at the Des Moines Public Library will recommend a business-related book to add to your reading list. Find this and more books like it at any of the Des Moines Public Library’s six locations and online at dmpl.org. And find information on how to get a FREE library card…
By Business Record Staff | Jan 3, 2025
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Survey: AI’s increasing prevalence, employee well-being poised to drive business in 2025

The Business Record strives every day to bring a diversity of voices throughout Iowa to our audience to help you make sense of what’s driving change in the state’s business and nonprofit communities.  To begin 2025, the Business Record surveyed our audience and key members of the Central Iowa business, nonprofit and civic communities, to…
By Mike Mendenhall | Jan 3, 2025
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Business Record 1-3-25

Cover Story: Survey: AI’s increasing prevalence, employee well-being poised to drive business in 2025 Focus: Vision 2025 Read the issue
By Business Record Staff | Jan 3, 2025