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Economic Development

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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
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Tax group: Sales tax increase + cuts = economic development

Iowa could build on economic momentum by adding to the tax reforms of 2018, and raising the sales tax while cutting others might be one of the answers, a report by the conservative free-market group Tax …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 17, 2019
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SBA backs eight Central Iowa loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration in November guaranteed eight private loans for a combined $10.6 million for Central Iowa projects.

That loan total was the second-highest of the year, behind $16.4 million in July.

The …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Dec 13, 2019
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Manpower: Greater Des Moines hiring outlook softer

ManpowerGroup’s latest survey shows Greater Des Moines employers expecting to ramp up hiring slightly in the first quarter of 2020.

However, the rate still will be lower than at the same point a year earlier. 

Among the …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 12, 2019
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IBC calls for action on workforce, taxes, housing

The Iowa Business Council today called for state lawmakers to increase spending on workforce development, to address needs in child care and housing, and to revamp the tax code. 

“As we look to 2020, the …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Dec 11, 2019