Archive for November 2010
George Sherman shares plans for future projects
Sherman Associates Inc. has identified two more properties in downtown Des Moines that it would like to convert into living spaces.
George Sherman, who founded the Minneapolis-based commercial real estate company in 1991, was in …
Read MoreHealthy endowments fuel nonprofits
Think of your favorite nonprofit organization. What benefits does it offer to our community? What services would be missing if it closed its door? How would it affect our community?
A destructive economic climate has …
Read MoreNobody’s perfect
Maybe you’re tired of seeing the phrase “seems almost totally disconnected from rational decision-making” on your performance review. You get discouraged because the boss begins every assignment with “Try not to screw this up …” …
Forget the “Dogs”
Dear Mr. Berko:
What do you think of the Dogs of the Dow strategy to beat the market? Our investment club treasurer, who is a CPA, wants to use a money manager who will charge …
Read MoreWinning and losing
Simon has autism. Simon loves to win. Actually, Simon needs to win, and thrives on coming in first. Simon also HATES to lose, and some of his autism symptoms manifest themselves when he can’t claim …
Just say thank you
This is the time of year when many businesses send out Thanksgiving cards, holiday gifts and greetings. Most often, these heartfelt good wishes are a way of saying “thank you” for being a good client …
Court decision on annuities helps American Equity sales
American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. reported record sales of annuities during the third quarter of 2010, “with average monthly sales volumes exceeding $400 million.” A court’s decision on how to classify the insurance product …
Selzer’s Bloomberg poll finds investors pessimistic
According to the latest Bloomberg Global Poll, investors around the world say President Barack Obama is bad for the bottom line, even though U.S. corporations are on track for the biggest earnings growth in 22 …
Looking for the green
Rain and recession have forced the owners of Tournament Club of Iowa to lay off longtime staff members and re-examine the business plan for the Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Polk City.
“Golf has been …
Read MoreLet’s cut the budget with care
Republicans will control the Iowa House of Representatives and the governor’s office, and they’re making serious noises about big cuts in the state budget. They’re not just riding the wave; they were saying the same …