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Economic Development

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Iowa could see negative economic impact of surrounding states raising minimum wage

KCRG-TV: The minimum wage will go up in nearly half of the states in the country this year, but Iowa is not on that list. Twenty states raised minimum wages starting on New Year’s Day. Four …
By BPC Staff | Jan 2, 2020
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Business trends to watch in 2020

Welcome to 2020. What better way to kick off the new year than by looking ahead at key trends affecting the business community. We asked several leaders to identify a trend in their industry they …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Jan 2, 2020
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Moon named Partnership’s public policy manager

Ryan Moon (pictured) has been named public policy manager at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Moon most recently served as membership director at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce and brings past experience at the federal, …
By BPC Staff | Dec 31, 2019
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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: California’s example of the ill effects of growth

California’s median household income has grown about 17% since 2011, compared with about 10% nationally, adjusted for inflation, the New York Times reported. The state has a thriving $3 trillion economy with record low unemployment. But …
By EMILY BARSKE | Dec 30, 2019
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Iowa Business Council members see a positive start for 2020

The Iowa Business Council released its final Economic Outlook Survey for 2019 today. Business leaders expect higher sales headed into 2020 and remain positive overall about Iowa’s economic climate.

The survey measures members’ expectations for …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 30, 2019
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FGL to expand downtown office space

Des Moines-based Fidelity & Guaranty Life Co. plans a move late next year to 801 Grand. The life and annuity insurer, which currently employs about 200 people in Two Ruan Center, plans to add at …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 23, 2019
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Iowa unemployment stays at 2.6%

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed at 2.6%  in November. A year ago, it stood at 2.4%. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in November. “Despite a slight increase in the number of individuals unemployed, …
By BPC Staff | Dec 20, 2019
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Iowa mainstreet index rose in December

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index for Iowa rose to 53.5 in December from November’s 52.5.

The survey of bank CEOs in the Midwest produces an index in which anything over 50 suggests growth. In Iowa, …
By BPC Staff | Dec 19, 2019
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Chamber Alliance calls for tax code changes

The Iowa Chamber Alliance’s legislative agenda for the next session calls for continued tax reform, lower corporate income taxes, changes in property taxes and continued support of economic development incentives. 

The Alliance, which represents the 16 largest …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 19, 2019
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Catch Des Moines: Caucus week generates $11.3M

The weeklong run-up to the Iowa caucuses provides an $11.3 million economic boost to Greater Des Moines, the local convention bureau reported.

Catch Des Moines, the convention and visitors bureau, said the figure includes hotel and venue …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 18, 2019