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Economic Development

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Urbandale rejects Merle Hay housing plan

Rules are rules, procedures are procedures, and as a result the owners of Merle Hay Mall are no closer to a redevelopment plan for a stretch of parking lot planted on the Urbandale side of …
By KENT DARR | Jan 18, 2019
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Iowa unemployment rate held at 2.4% in December

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.4 percent in December, Iowa Workforce Development said in a release. The state’s jobless rate was 2.9 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.9 …
By BPC Staff | Jan 18, 2019
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IEDA accepting apps for apprenticeship programs

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is accepting applications from Iowa business for several internship and apprenticeship programs. The deadline is Feb. 1 for the apprenticeship programs and April 30 for the internship programs. The programs …
By BPC Staff | Jan 17, 2019
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Three Iowa organizations named in Forbes Best Employers for Diversity

As organizations nationally take a critical look at company cultures, three Iowa organizations have been ranked by Forbes within the top 100 among America’s Best Employers for Diversity. University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (24), Principal …
By BPC Staff | Jan 15, 2019
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Reynolds calls for more spending on workforce, STEM, broadband

Gov. Kim Reynolds today called for increased spending on workforce housing tax credits, STEM and broadband services in rural areas, among a handful of business topics she addressed.

Here’s a rundown, topic by topic. You …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Jan 15, 2019
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UnityPoint-Des Moines, UI Labor Center, iJAG receive Future Ready Iowa apprenticeship funds

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), UnityPoint Health-Des Moines and the University of Iowa Labor Center will receive funding as part of Future Ready Iowa’s Registered Apprenticeship programs and Quality Pre-Apprenticeship programs, according to a …
By BPC Staff | Jan 14, 2019
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State finishes first laborshed studies

Iowa Workforce Development has finished its first round of new laborshed studies that are intended to make it easier for employers to find workers. 

The first group included Cresco, Decorah, Dubuque, Elkader, Oelwein, Manchester, Maquoketa and Waukon. …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Jan 10, 2019
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Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty to sign formal ‘no poaching’ plan this week

Iowa City and two suburbs will formally sign an agreement to refrain from encouraging area businesses to migrate from one community to another, reports the Corridor Business Journal. The mayors of Iowa City, Coralville and North …
By BPC Staff | Jan 9, 2019
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Kunert to chair Partnership; ’19 goals unveiled

MidAmerican Energy Co. exec Kathryn Kunert took over as chair of the Greater Des Moines Partnership board Thursday as the Partnership releases its priorities for 2019.


Dan Houston, Principal Financial Group chairman, president and CEO, …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Jan 8, 2019
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Durham take over IFA, Kramer named director of cultural affairs

Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham will also run the Iowa Finance Authority as part of a new dual appointment, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today. 

Durham’s selection was one of a handful that also …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Jan 8, 2019