The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board today approved assistance for six startups located in Ames, Ankeny, Boone and Des Moines.  Ames-based agtech company Hermes Biomaterials develops tools that help researchers create stronger, higher-yielding crops. Its FGB device enables the precise delivery of genetic material into plant cells. The company received a $50,000 Proof of Commercial…

MercyOne and the Iowa Clinic are partnering to ensure gynecologic oncology care in Central Iowa as surgical services transition to MercyOne facilities. Beginning Feb. 16, Dr. Kevin Kremer, the region’s only gynecologic oncology physician, will provide surgical and inpatient care at MercyOne while continuing outpatient services at the Iowa Clinic’s West Des Moines campus. Gynecologic…

Mercy College of Health Sciences President Dr. Adreain Henry signed the 2026 Proclamation Against Human Trafficking and Slavery on Jan. 8. This year’s event marks the eighth consecutive year that Mercy College has made a public declaration against slavery and human trafficking, the first in Iowa to do so, according to a news release. According…

The overall Rural Mainstreet Index moved to above growth neutral 50.0 for January, according to the latest monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. The region’s overall reading for January climbed to 52.0, its highest reading since July 2023, and up from December’s 50.1. The…

Ann Collins isn’t just executive vice president and chief financial officer at EMC Insurance Cos. She’s also a farmer. She and her husband grow corn and soybeans and also raise beef cattle in Adel, she said.  Collins, 54, who is the Business Record’s 2026 Deloitte CFO of the Year, said during harvest, she’ll go to…

The Agribusiness Association of Iowa on Wednesday announced two individuals and one business as the inaugural recipients of its Agribusiness Impact Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to Iowa agriculture. The Agribusiness Impact Award will be presented to Steve Sukup of Sukup Manufacturing; Dave Tierney of Bayer CropScience (retired); and Liqui-Grow, a custom liquid fertilizer provider at…