After some capacity reductions from a few carriers, Des Moines International Airport is seeing some added capacity from a couple of airlines. Continental Express has added nearly 100 seats per week on its twice-daily Houston service by switching to an aircraft with 50 seats from 37. Comair (Delta Connection) will add two additional daily flights to Atlanta starting Nov. 3 at 3:50 p.m. and 5:40 p.m. “Many airports, some much bigger than DSM, have seen carriers completely leave their communities, said Aviation Director Craig Smith, in a release. “I think it is a testament to Central Iowans that we are seeing about 700 seats being added per week at DSM after the initial capacity reduction announcements. Fuel is still a critical element and we see capacity start to come back.”

The Wellness Council of Iowa will recognize four Iowa employers for excellence in workplace health promotion at its 18th annual luncheon and conference on worksite wellness on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Avenue. The organizations to be honored are Meredith Corp., Wesley Acres Retirement Community, Iowa Health – Des Moines and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. will deliver the 11th Dwight D. Opperman Lecture in Constitutional Law on Oct. 2 at Drake University. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will start at 3 p.m. in the Drake Knapp Center, 2525 Forest Ave.

General Growth Properties Inc., developer of Jordan Creek Town Center, said today it may sell some assets as it looks to improve its stock price. The real estate investment trust said potential asset sales are one of several alternatives it is considering. It may also sell its joint venture or preferred equity or combine some operations in an effort to boost capital. General Growth added that it is looking for financing for its near-term obligations, but expects to provide long-term fixed-rate portfolio mortgage financing to lenders by late November.

The Hixson Opportunity Awards Program has received an additional $7 million gift from the Lied Foundation Trust of Las Vegas through its trustee, native Iowan Christina Hixson. Of the commitment, $5 million is designated to the scholarship endowment, and $2 million will be used to endow the Hixson Opportunity Awards Program. The Hixson Opportunity Awards is a need-based scholarship program that was established in 1995 by Christina Hixson to help students who face hurdles because of personal and financial hardships pursue a college degree. The scholarship at Iowa State University is awarded to approximately 400 Iowa high school graduates each year and this most recent gift adds to the scholarship program and will endow program activities designed to promote the retention and success of students including leadership and mentoring opportunities.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced that Steve Ferguson has joined its staff as director of the Iowa Agribusiness Export Partnership (IAEP). The IAEP was created to expand opportunities for international trade and investment by small and mid-sized agribusiness firms. Ferguson officially began his duties Sept. 2.