Archive for June 2008

So far, 21st century unkind to Iowa retailers

Iowa’s retail sales declined by 2.7 percent during the first seven years of the decade, according to a study by an Iowa State University economist.

More than …

The United States lost jobs in May for a fifth month and the unemployment rate rose a half point to 5.5 percent, the U.S. Department of Labor reported today.

Payrolls fell by 49,000 after a …

David Strege, a nationally recognized financial adviser from West Des Moines, is now nationally recognized in a completely different arena — volleyball. Strege led his Spike Force team to the national volleyball title at the …

Meredith Corp. announced today that it will cut 60 current and 60 unfilled positions and reposition its book operations. It also announced that it will acquire Big Communications Inc., a leading health-care marketing communications firm, …

With the cost of living rising and home values falling, analysts expected a depressing May for retailers. Instead, many beat expectations as consumers received their tax rebate checks and flocked to discount or lower-priced stores, …

Deere & Co. announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Israel-based Plastro Irrigation Systems Ltd., creating the third-largest agricultural irrigation company in the world.

Moline, Ill.-based Deere will combine Plastro with is current …

The former president of Regency Land Development has taken over the company’s ownership share in a prime property located near Interstate 80 in West Des Moines.

William Spencer said he and a partner have assumed …