Archive for July 2011
OUR VIEW: Knapp’s sentence is too harsh
Bob Knapp paid a state record $500,000 fine for his recklessness in the Equitable Building renovation. It was proper to hit him hard for ignoring the rules about asbestos removal, especially in the heart of …
May Building Permits 2011
Brokers limited by lack of large industrial spaces
Growing demand for large blocks of contiguous industrial space is placing pressure on commercial real estate agents to fill existing properties and spur new development.
“There was some delayed decision-making that took place from 2008 …
Read MoreThe West Des Moines Leadership Academy announced its graduating class of 2010-2011
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy announced its graduating class of 2010-2011, the third class to graduate from the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s leadership development program. The class is pictured here.
Back …
Read MoreHistory tells us what inflation is like
Business leaders, investors and consumers are, for the first time in decades, facing price uncertainty. Investor and media fascination with commodities has given way to very real concerns about accelerating inflation rates. Businesses are already …
TRANSITIONS: The Gloom Decade
It didn’t bother me when a highly scientific survey in North Korea found that China is the happiest nation on Earth. North Korea narrowly lost out on the top spot when a shortage of badminton …
The basics are over
“Let’s get back to the basics” is arguably the single dumbest phrase in sales. (Not to be confused with the angriest phrase in sales: “We’re changing the comp plan.”)
When a manager or a leader …
Read MoreStart with the cornerstones of business blogging
Here’s how it usually happens.
Business owner X finally decides that he or she needs to dip a toe into the social media waters beyond a personal Facebook account. Somewhere along the way, X read …
Read MoreWells Fargo is a great bank; the stock is so-so
Dear Mr. Berko:
In January 2010, my broker had me buy 200 shares of Wells Fargo & Co. at $28, and it still sits at that price. He thinks I should buy 200 more shares, …
Read MoreA Closer Look: Grant Taylor
Tell me about your background in Des Moines.
I was born and raised in Des Moines. I was fortunate be around construction and around the industry my entire life. I’m one of three kids. I …
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