Dana Rupe, the new director of the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, said she thinks AI can democratize entrepreneurship. “I think about what it took to start businesses, even 10, let alone 20 years ago, you had to have such a staff of knowledge,” she said, noting that entrepreneurs need expertise in areas…

While some economic indicators seem relatively positive, it’s difficult to determine how the federal economy is truly faring without the latest data. That was the take during the first episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, hosted by Business Publications Corp. President and Group Publisher Chris Conetzkey. For the first episode, guests included Scott Horsley, chief…

Iowa’s economy is facing multiple challenges, from the government shutdown and an overinflated stock market to trade volatility, according to Peter Orazem, interim chair and professor in the Iowa State University economics department who focuses on labor and public economics. Orazem was the guest on the second episode of the Business Record’s Iowa Economy Podcast. …

It’s been a challenging year for the agricultural and manufacturing economies in Iowa, although there are bright spots. The effects of lowered row-crop profitability and trade challenges are being felt across business sectors in the state. Meanwhile, a legacy Iowa-based manufacturer is seeing profits in new sectors, as artificial intelligence and data centers continue to…

Years ago, I sat in a performance review that lasted all of seven minutes. My leader smiled, said “You’re doing a great job!” and zipped through the HR form faster than I could sip my coffee. There was no written feedback, no examples of what I’d done well or where I could improve. It was…

For decades, you’ve trusted Business Record and dsm magazine to bring you stories that move Iowa forward – stories that inform, inspire and strengthen our communities. Today, we’re taking that mission one step further.  I’m proud to introduce the Business Publications Corporation Streaming Network (BPCSN) – a new platform in partnership with Iowa Everywhere, a…