Pick up a copy of the Business Record to learn how more than 3,500 readers rated Greater Des Moines business leaders and services in the first half of our eighth annual Best of Des Moines readers’ poll. Be sure to read the Aug. 18 issue of the Business Record as we conclude the publication of the results of our unscientific poll.

This week’s categories include:

PRESITIGIOUS LEADERSHIP  Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, ages and genders, backgrounds and industries.

BUSINESS BASICS  From the best temporary employee agency to the best place to buy life insurance, Greater Des Moines businesses rely on the basics.

TECHNOLOGY LEADERS  Technological enhancements have changed how Greater Des Moines companies do business. We show you the ones that have led the way.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE  It’s the fastest-growing sector of the U.S. economy. Our winning businesses demonstrate why.

BUILDING IOWA  It takes more than a village. From commercial and residential real-estate businesses to architectural firms and contractors, these companies are building Central Iowa.