Posts by pherteen
A Closer Look: Julia Franklin
When Iowa artist Julia Franklin was a child growing up in north Texas, she would melt crayons on the hot lightbulb of a bedroom lamp.
She recalls this distinctly because she uses wax in her …
Read MoreThe Elbert Files: Iowans and UFOs
The modern era of UFO sightings began midyear 1947, shortly after I was born, which helps explain my lifelong fascination with unidentified flying objects and why I was drawn to a new book by technology …
Read MoreOn Leadership: How to lead when you’re not the boss
In a past job, I had a talented individual on my team. I recognized her skills and asked her if she’d like to lead an innovative technology project we were working on. Her response was …
Read MoreClosing $1 billion deals
In May 2023, the U.S.-based manufacturing arm of Italy’s global energy company Enel Group announced it plans to invest $1 billion-plus to build a solar panel manufacturing plant in Inola, Okla.
The multiphase project by …
Read MoreBusiness Record 3-1-24
Bondurant adopts plan to redevelop former Landus site
The former Landus Cooperative site in Bondurant, including its 140-foot-tall grain elevators, will be transformed into a multiuse site that could include a boutique hotel, event space and condominiums, under a redevelopment plan announced this …
Read MoreHomesteaders Life Co. appoints Gerhart as chief operating officer
Homesteaders Life Co. president, CEO and board chair Steve Shaffer announced that Nick Gerhart has been appointed the company’s chief operating officer. In his new role, Gerhart will direct Homesteaders’ long-term strategic growth and innovation. …
Read MoreUFG Foundation awards 20 nonprofit grants
The UFG Foundation has allocated $296,000 in its latest funding cycle to support 20 nonprofit projects in Iowa. The organization is the private foundation of UFG Insurance, a property and casualty insurance carrier. Recipients of …
Read MoreIBC’s 2024 Competitive Dashboard shows manufacturing sector continues to lead Iowa’s economy
Iowa’s gross state product saw a more than 9.5% increase year over year in 2023, and the state’s median household income rose by 6%, suggesting continued annual economic growth, according to the Iowa Business Council’s …
Read MorePartnership announces 2024 Top Five for Small Business series schedule
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced the 2024 schedule for its Top Five for Small Business Series. The Top Five series features experts in human resources, marketing, accounting, sales and other topics aimed at …
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