Archive for September 2010
AirTran will merge with Southwest
Southwest Airlines Co. will purchase AirTran Holdings Inc. for $1.04 billion in cash and stock in a deal that will allow Southwest to expand its presence in major East Coast markets, Reuters reported after the …
Read MoreThe resurrection of factory jobs
As the labor market continues to struggle, one surprising bright spot stands out amid the list of battered industries — factory jobs, CNNMoney.com reported.
Manufacturing employment began its decline long before the recession, losing jobs …
Read MoreMiller investigating Ally foreclosures
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller has opened a civil investigation into foreclosure practices at Ally Financial Inc., formerly GMAC Mortgage. On Sept. 20, the company announced that it ordered brokers in Iowa and 22 other …
Read MoreSorensen elected to national bankers board
The American Bankers Insurance Association (ABIA) has elected John Sorensen to its board of directors, the organization announced this morning. Sorensen, president and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association, was among 14 new members elected …
Read MoreFederal grant to reduce tobacco use and improve health systems
Iowa will receive $540,590 in federal grants through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce tobacco use and strengthen the state’s epidemiology, laboratory and health information systems. The grants are part of nearly …
Read MoreA.M. Best rates Wells affiliates
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A and issuer credit rating of “a” for Centurion Life Insurance Co. The rating company also affirmed a financial strength rating of A- and issuer …
Read MoreAmerican Equity and subsidiaries rank ‘negative’
A.M. Best Co. has assigned a debt rating of “bbb-” to the $200 million 3.5 percent senior unsecured convertible notes due in 2015 of American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. The assigned outlook is negative, …
Read MoreMillang: Broker, investor, traveler, mentor
Todd Millang’s rugged appearance is more expressive of an outdoorsman than of a high-powered commercial real estate broker who represents high-profile clients.
But don’t let the tousled brown hair and a wiry beard fool you. …
Read MoreSmucker’s has to be good, but only at the right price
Dear Mr. Berko:
Jif peanut butter is my favorite snack food, and when I mentioned this to my broker, he said that Jif is owned by J.M. Smucker, which I didn’t know, and recommended that …
Read MoreA Closer Look: Chris Voggesser
How has the job been so far?
It’s been very good. I’ve been heavily involved in West Des Moines for a long time, leading the chamber and economic development organization. It’s almost like a second …
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