Archive for January 2012
BERKO: Do the math before you buy into a high-yield REIT
Dear Mr. Berko:
I am considering the purchase of $6,000 in Chimera stock and $6,000 worth of American Capital Agency stock, both of which pay dividends that yield 19 percent. How do these companies (there …
Read MoreGITOMER: Attitude comes first
Many companies are considering training programs for the new year.
New budgets. New needs. New opportunities.
Most companies will concentrate on more sales, a new product launch, customer service, internal operations, diversity or whatever is …
Read MoreMCLELLAN: To keep the visitors satisfied, websites need to evolve
Early in my career, websites slowly became the rage. Everyone decided they needed to have one – even though they had no idea what they were going do with it. We’re experiencing that same sort …
TRANSITIONS: VMCCCUCC, for short
Some people still might question the naming of the Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, but they’re being too judgmental. It was understandable that many were upset when it appeared that the “Veterans …
GUEST OPINION: Managing the second half of life
“Companies today aren’t managing their employees’ careers. It’s up to you to carve out your “place, to know when to change course, and to keep yourself engaged and productive during a work life that may …
Ag lending: A position of strength
Farm lending conditions are expected to continue improving in Iowa and across the country this year. About two-thirds of U.S. farm operations were in favorable financial condition early last year, and a decrease in debt …
Read MoreEconomist: Ag credit conditions improving in Midwest
David Oppedahl, a business economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said agricultural credit conditions continue to improve across the Fed’s 7th District, which includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
“The (loan) repayment …
Read MoreA Closer Look: Dave Bridgewater
Dave Bridgewater is a certified public accountant who has seen the real estate industry from deep in the inside – the financial transactions that lead to the development of commercial properties. He has been chief …
2012 in Preview: Energy & Utilities
Utilities board responds to new federal regulations
New federal regulations will make 2012 a busy year for the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), board Chair Libby Jacobs said.
“There has been a lot of activity coming …
Read More2012 in Preview: Health & Wellness
Health systems prepare to retool payment systems
“Accountable care” is a term that Dr. David Swieskowski and his staff will be focusing on in 2012. It’s even part of his new job title; on Jan. …