The U.S. Chamber of Commerce selected Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design in Des Moines and Hands Up Communications in Cedar Rapids as two of America’s top 70 small businesses. More than 15,000 applications were submitted and were evaluated on their business growth, ability to overcome challenges, smart strategies for success and community engagement. The top 70…

Hy-Vee Inc. awarded $50,000 to minority- and woman-owned businesses during the Hy-Vee OpportUnity Inclusive Business Summit at the University Club in downtown Moline, Ill. During the pitch competition, 14 companies from across the Midwest presented to a panel of judges for the chance to win a small-business grant from Hy-Vee. A Hy-Vee committee selected the…

The 14-story Two Ruan Center will be converted to 200 one- and two-bedroom market rate apartment units, the property’s owner, Ruan Inc., announced today. Ruan is forming a joint venture with Block Real Estate Services and Foutch Brothers, both located in the Kansas City, Mo. area, to redevelop the property at 601 Locust St. Two…

A pile of rubble is all that remains of the Highland Park Apartment Building, which was torn down over the weekend. The demolition opens a high-profile north Des Moines corner for redevelopment. DeCarlo Demolition Co. began razing the 108-year-old, three-story brick building on Saturday. Local historical preservationists had explored the feasibility of renovating the building…

Nearly 200 golfers representing the construction industry helped raise $127,000 during the first Iowa Construction Angels Golf Outing, which was presented by Cemen Tech Inc. and Master Builders of Iowa. Funds from the event will support the nonprofit Construction Angels in providing financial assistance and grief counseling to families of Iowa construction workers who have…

The Iowa Bankers Association presented Dave Nelson, West Bank chairman and CEO, with the 2023 James A. Leach Leadership Award last week during the Iowa Bankers Association Annual Convention at Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines. Nelson, who has worked in the banking industry for 39 years, has been the CEO of West Des Moines-based…