Archive for September 2011
GUEST OPINION: Women still fighting for pay equity
Women’s Equality Day, Aug. 26, was both a celebration of women’s progress and a reminder that equality remains a goal, not a reality.
On that day in 1920, women gained the right to vote under …
Read MoreTRANSITIONS: … And the Yankees win
In my golden years, when youngsters seek out my wisdom and beg to hear about the historic moments I’ve experienced – the Iowa Writers’ Workshop is putting together a script, and the Des Moines Community …
BERKO: Strip mall problems should make investors very wary
Dear Mr. Berko:
I’ve enclosed some information from a private-placement limited partnership that will own and manage a portfolio of strip-mall shopping centers. According to my broker, this investment will pay 7.2 percent, most of …
Read MoreBERKO: Buy gold without a gold-plated markup
Dear Mr. Berko:
You’ve written several cautionary articles about selling gold, but nothing about buying gold. I’m considering investing $35,000 in gold coins or bullion and would appreciate your opinion of Goldline International, which is …
Read MoreBERKO:Goldman Sachs funds are nothing special
Dear Mr. Berko:
We have a large family trust (there are six of us), and we’re seeking tax-free income. A local adviser whom we may employ speaks highly of the Goldman Sachs High-Yield Municipal Fund. …
Read MoreGITOMER: Referrals are earned
Everyone in management will tell every salesperson, “As soon as you make the sale, ask for a referral.”
This strategy is not only wrong; it also jeopardizes the future of the relationship.
REALITY: Asking for …
Read MoreMCLELLAN: Marketing lessons from the Cy-Hawk trophy
I doubt there’s a person in Iowa who hasn’t heard about the Cy-Hawk trophy uproar that caused the Iowa Corn Growers Association to rescind its new trophy design it and go back to the drawing …
THE BIG QUESTION: What is the biggest challenge facing the arts community in Greater Des Moines?
Area leaders in the arts are quick to point out the good things in the community, citing things such as the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Civic Center of Greater Des Moines and …
Read MoreBusiness Record: August 26, 2011
OUR VIEW: Workers need jobs – and skills
The federal government is scrambling to find a way to create jobs; Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has promised to create jobs; many business organizations want government to get out of the way so they can …