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Economic Development

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Iowa joins SkillSPAN advocacy network

Iowa is one of 10 states to join the just-launched SkillSPAN, a nationwide network of non-partisan organizations working together to influence workforce policy in more than 25 states over the next five years. SkillSPAN — which stands …
By BPC Staff | Feb 8, 2019
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Survey: Iowa business conditions improved in January

Creighton University’s Business Conditions Index for Iowa rose to 54.8 in January, up from 53.5. Anything above 50 suggests growth. 
The survey of supply managers found new orders at 57.8, production or sales at 52.2,…
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Feb 8, 2019
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Today’s ag picture: Farmers confident; economists, lenders, government, not so much

Successful Farming: With Trump tariff payments boosting Corn Belt farm revenue, farmer confidence shot to its highest level since last June, just before the trade war began against China, said the monthly Ag Economy Barometer …
By BPC Staff | Feb 7, 2019
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Iowa officials propose payout change for first week of unemployment

Radio Iowa: The state’s Workforce Development agency has proposed a six-month delay in paying the first week of unemployment benefits. Unions are sharply critical of the move, but the plan got initial approval from Republicans on …
By BPC Staff | Feb 7, 2019
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Video: 2019 Economic Forecast – Full

The main course at the 2019 Economic Forecast Luncheon: what’s going to happen with Iowa’s economy this year

The panelists included: Robin Anderson, senior economist, Principal Global Investors; Debi Durham, director, Iowa Economic Development Authority …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Feb 5, 2019
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VIDEO: 2019 Economic Forecast – First Question

The main course at the 2019 Economic Forecast Luncheon: what’s going to happen with Iowa’s economy this year.


The panelists included: Robin Anderson, senior economist, Principal Global Investors; Debi Durham, director, Iowa Economic Development Authority …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Feb 5, 2019
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Leading indicators point to weaker Iowa employment growth

You didn’t hear this from the groundhog, but spring could bring weaker employment growth in Iowa. The Iowa Leading Indicators Index decreased 0.2 percent to 107.7 in December 2018 from a revised 107.9 in November. …
By BPC Staff | Feb 5, 2019
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MPO seeks comments on $13 million in grants

Here’s your chance to comment on some transportation projects that could affect your daily life. You can see the whole batch on this interactive map, and leave comments there if you like. 

The Des Moines Area …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Feb 5, 2019
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Perdue: U.S.-China trade negotiations ‘heartening’

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said trade negotiations between the United States and China have been “heartening” but have a long way to go, Successful Farming reported. Meanwhile, China was following through on a pledge, announced …
By BPC Staff | Feb 4, 2019
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Economic Forecast: What’s coming in 2019

The main course at Thursday’s Economic Forecast Luncheon: what’s going to happen with Iowa’s economy this year.


Here’s one takeaway from the event (below), hosted by the Business Record, with the following panelists: Robin Anderson, …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Feb 1, 2019