Aviva plc on Tuesday posted a 4.6 percent quarterly decrease in life insurance and pension sales, due primarily to smaller contributions from its North America operations, which include Des Moines-based Aviva USA. The London-based company also said its performance so far in the second quarter “bodes well for the rest of the year, even though there is still a degree of economic uncertainty in a number of markets.” Aviva’s North American annuity sales were up 49 percent in the first quarter compared with the previous three months, but were 57 percent lower than the previous year’s first quarter.

Meta Financial Group Inc. reported net income for its fiscal 2010 second quarter, which ended March 31, of $5.2 million, or $1.74 per share, compared with $1.2 million, or 45 cents per share, for the 2009 second quarter. Quarterly earnings were primarily driven by a $4.1 million increase in fee revenue from the company’s Meta Payment Systems division as well as a decrease in loan-loss provisions and higher net interest income.

The Iowa Office of Energy Independence (OEI) is accepting proposals for technology demonstration projects that could receive matching funds through the State Energy Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Up to $1.5 million is available to Iowa applicants for use in projects demonstrating innovative uses of commercialized technologies or to implement energy technologies that are not widely used in Iowa. A maximum award of $250,000 per project is available and a minimum one-to-one match is required. The OEI will host a webinar informational session on May 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Those interested may register by clicking here. The deadline for applications is June 30.

David Gion, founder of Canvis LLC, will detail how he took advantage of market conditions to prepare for the upturn at the Business Insights and Networking Luncheon on May 19, sponsored by the Business and Innovation Zone (BIZ). The Weitz Co. originally developed Canvis’ flagship product, Blue Fingerprint, a construction management software application that Canvis bought in 2008. Gion’s start-up company has since developed a second application, Punch It, a construction punchlist application for projects. Admission is $12, which includes lunch. To register or for more information, contact Cathy Spenceri,events@bizci.com.