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Corteva co-leads backing of Ascribe Bio in $12M Series A funding

Ascribe Bio, a New York-based agricultural technology company focused on natural crop protection, has closed a $12 million Series A financing round, co-led by Corteva, through its Corteva Catalyst platform, and Acre Venture Partners. The financing also included participation from new and existing investors including Syngenta Group Ventures, Trailhead Capital, Silver Blue, Cultivation Capital and the Yield Lab. This…

By Business Record Staff | Oct 15, 2025

Casey’s annual Cash for Classrooms campaign raises $1.3 million

Casey’s announced it has raised $1.3 million through its annual Cash for Classrooms campaign to support schools across 17 states. K-12 public and nonprofit private schools are eligible to apply for up to $50,000 in grants through Nov.14 for improvements including facility updates, classroom resources and community programs. Funding for this year’s campaign included nearly…

By Business Record Staff | Oct 15, 2025

Immanuel CEO to retire after nearly 20 years

Eric Gurley, president and CEO of Immanuel, a retirement living and senior care provider in Iowa and Nebraska, has announced his plans to retire in June 2026 after nearly two decades with the company. Gurley became Immanuel’s CEO in 2009. During his tenure, Immanuel grew from a $25 million organization serving 900 residents annually into a…

By Business Record Staff | Oct 15, 2025

Tiny home village for chronically homeless planned by Joppa

A tiny home village that will provide housing and services for chronically homeless people is moving closer to becoming a reality. The Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission on Thursday will decide whether to approve rezoning 10 acres near 2501 Maury St., a step that would allow a nonprofit group to build 54 housing units…

By Kathy A. Bolten | Oct 15, 2025

Construction backlog stable

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator remained unchanged at 8.5 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 22 to Oct. 6. The reading is down 0.1 months since September 2024. During the past year, backlog has declined in the commercial and institutional and heavy industrial categories, while…

By Business Record Staff | Oct 15, 2025

The Mutual Group appoints new chief executive

The Mutual Group, based in West Des Moines, announced the appointment of Tom Troy as CEO, starting Jan. 5. Troy brings more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, with previous senior leadership roles at USAA, CSAA Insurance Group, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and Safeco Insurance. As CEO, he will oversee the Mutual Group’s…

By Business Record Staff | Oct 15, 2025

Des Moines school district asks for review of finances from state auditor

The Des Moines school district has asked the Iowa State auditor to review the district’s finances to “confirm the strength of [its] current processes and procedures,” the district said in a news release. The request came after three Iowa state senators asked the state auditor to review the district’s spending practices after former Des Moines…

By Business Record Staff | Oct 15, 2025

Financial experts give thumbs up to 2026 economic outlook at WDM luncheon

There is a lot to be positive about in the economy, despite all the challenges businesses are facing, local leaders said Oct. 9 at the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Forecast luncheon. Katherine Harrington, president and CEO of the chamber, moderated the panel, which included: Eric White, vice president at Estes Construction; Alex…

By Gigi Wood | Oct 15, 2025

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