The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved tax credits and loans for several projects in Greater Des Moines today, including The Wittern Group Inc.’s plans to transform its vending machine operation and four property renovation and development projects. Read more about those projects. In addition, IEDA approved loans for these projects: Athena GTX Inc., a manufacturer of wireless medical monitors in Des Moines, will receive a $250,000 loan for equipment, key personnel, market planning and entry activities and product refinement; Des Moines-based EcoEngineers, which helps companies navigate international energy regulations and gain access to carbon markets, will receive a $100,000 loan for site selection activities; Des Moines-based WorkHound Inc., which supplies the trucking industry with software, will receive a $25,000 grant; West Des Moines-based Icon Labs, a provider of security software, will receive a $100,000 loan to help develop and evaluate its product; baby product producer Lil’Sidekick of Polk City will receive a $100,000 loan to continue development of a product that keeps “a child’s items off the floor,” according to a release.