Gov. Chet Culver has requested the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to gather information about Broadband Technology Opportunities Program applications for projects proposing to serve Iowa. He will use the information to prepare comments and recommendations prioritizing the applications to be submitted to federal officials at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The IUB will hold an oral comment presentation about the Iowa applications on April 15. More information.

Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. announced that Bill Even has accepted a role in its biotech affairs and regulatory department as senior manager for government, community and industry relations. Even previously served as South Dakota’s secretary of agriculture. The company plans on having him play an instrumental role in expanding its government and industry relations strategic engagement to promote continued innovation and product development in agriculture with key stakeholders.

Meredith Corp. announced that Brian Kightlinger has been named group associate publisher and director of sales for the Meredith’s Parents Network. Kightlinger has been with Meredith since 1997 and most recently served as publisher of Midwest Living. In his new role, Kightlinger will oversee the Parents and American Baby sales team.

The Iowa Council for International Understanding (ICIU) received a $10,000 grant from Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. The funds will be used for ICIU’s general operating programs, including the continuation of the Pioneer-ICIU International Dialogue Series. The series is designed to engage Des Moines public and business professionals in dialogue on global issues and Iowa’s personal and organizational connections abroad.

FBL Financial Group Inc. announced today it would announce its first-quarter earnings after the close of U.S. markets on May 5. The company will hold a conference call, which will be webcast at www.fblfinancial.com, to discuss the results at 10 a.m. on May 6. The earnings release and financial supplement will be posted on the company’s Web site.