Posts by lburt
The Elbert Files: Iowa’s lagging economy
Iowa’s economy improved in 2023 but not as much as the rest of the country.
Iowa’s 2.1% increase in personal income during the third quarter – the most recent period for data – was the …
Read MoreBusiness leaders outline agenda for 2024 session
Business leaders are closely watching the Legislature this year for action that will help make Iowa more competitive and make the state more attractive to potential employees.
The Business Record hosted its Legislative Forecast for …
Read MoreOn Leadership: Trends to watch in 2024 – leaders predict continued disruption
Last fall, as I was finalizing our annual plan and budget for 2024, I remarked to our leadership team once again how much disruption and change we’ve experienced over the last several years. Even though …
Read MoreEconomic outlook 2024
The U.S. and Iowa economies began 2024 with strong job numbers, low unemployment and months of rising inflation that appeared to be nearing a plateau.
The Jan. 5 jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of …
Read MoreEconomic Forecast Preview: What’s ahead in 2024?
With continuing inflationary pressure, a new high interest rate environment and persisting labor challenges continuing to affect businesses and investors, who knows how the economy might fare in 2024?
These are some of the topics …
Read MoreJobs Outlook 2023: Experts share challenges, forecast for 2024 jobs market
Employers will have to work to determine their in-office culture and manage their job openings with ongoing labor challenges in 2024, according to employment experts who participated in the Business Record’s Jobs Outlook panel discussion …
Read MoreOn Leadership: In-office vs. remote vs. hybrid: Which model is best for your business?
My first job out of high school and during college was working as a secretary in a social services agency. I punched a clock and was expected to be physically present at my desk during …
Read MoreWhat they’re checking out: Week of Oct. 27
As an ongoing feature, staff members at the Des Moines Public Library will recommend a business-related book to add to your reading list. Find this and more books like it at any of the Des …
Read MoreOn Leadership: Should you hire your family members to work in the family business?
This column is part of a series on family-owned business issues.
Earlier in my career, I worked in wealth management and advised many clients who owned multi-generational family businesses. One story stands out – a …
Read MoreTrends in Marketing
The Business Record asked local marketing professionals about trends in their field over the next year, and many referenced the way artificial intelligence is posing potential changes or challenges.
Among the industries discussing the potential …
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