The majority of Iowa’s immigrant population (34.3 percent) works in the finance and professional services sector, followed by manufacturing (31.4 percent) and entertainment and hospitality (14 percent), according to a study by Iowa State University economists Dave Swenson and Liesl Eathington released yesterday. Immigrants who were employed at the time of the survey made an average of $32,381 annually, compared with $33,941 for the native population. The report projected that this sector made up $5.74 billion, or 4.5 percent, of Iowa’s total $121.35 billion gross domestic product in 2006. For the complete report, click here.

The American Heart Association will host the Des Moines Go Red for Women Luncheon on Friday, Sept. 19 at noon at the Polk County Convention Complex. Money raised from the event will go toward cardiovascular research and education for women. Donna Hartley, former Miss Hawaii, author of “Fire Up Your Life!” and a heart surgery survivor, will be the keynote speaker. A health expo showcasing health screenings and health-care professionals will also take place at the convention complex, with doors opening at 10 a.m. Tickets are $50 per person. For more information call 244-3278.

While other financial institutions are cutting back on student loans, Sallie Mae has set a goal of making $10 billion worth of student loans not backed by the federal government within the next 16 months, the Washington Business Journal reported. CEO Albert Lord said at a Lehman Brothers conference on Wednesday that the plan would let Sallie Mae set the interest rate and increase its profits. It expects to make $20 billion in government-backed loans next year, compared with the $25.5 billion in loans it made in 2007.

The Iowa chapter of the Certified Commercial Investor Member Institute and the Iowa Commercial Real Estate Association will host the 12th annual Iowa Commercial Real Estate Expo from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino. Topics of the breakout sessions include building renovation, tax assessment, retail market overview, finance, green initiatives and disaster relief. The cost is $100 per person if registered by Oct. 3. Learn more at www.icrea.us.

Sauer-Danfoss Inc. has declared a cash dividend of 18 cents per share, payable on Oct. 15 to shareholders of record on Sept. 26.