AABP EP Awards 728x90

Economic Development

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Iowa’s unemployment rate drops to 3 percent

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.0 percent for October, compared with 3.6 percent a year ago. The national rate fell to 4.1 percent in October. “Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level …
By BPC Staff | Nov 17, 2017
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Deere seeks $7 million in incentives for Urbandale project

Deere & Co. seeks $2.8 million in state development incentives and $4 million in local property tax rebates to build a $23 million home for its Intelligent Solutions Group in Urbandale. Deere currently leases space …
By BPC Staff | Nov 17, 2017
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SBA backed 11 Central Iowa loans totaling $10M in October

The U.S. Small Business Administration backed 11 private loans for Central Iowa businesses, for a combined $10.4 million.

The businesses pledged to create 52 jobs and to retain 76. 

The total amount SBA has backed …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Nov 16, 2017
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Report card shows progress on Partnership’s 75/25 education goal

Greater Des Moines is making progress toward a regional goal to broaden the education level of its workforce, according to the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The Partnership released a report card on its Education Drives our Greater …
By BPC Staff | Nov 15, 2017
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‘War for talent’

David Leto is a bit surprised that more of you don’t plan to give bigger raises in 2018.

That’s not a criticism, and those in the boardrooms will probably be glad to hear that we …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Nov 14, 2017
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Iowa pharmacy company raises $2.5 million in investment

Cedar Rapids Gazette: An eastern Iowa pharmacy business has raised $2.5 million in investment funding to push forward its prescription delivery and management system. SmartScripts, based in Washington, Iowa, announced the investment, its first large round …
By BPC Staff | Nov 14, 2017
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Facebook to help small businesses with digital skills

Des Moines is one of 30 markets in which Facebook plans to help small businesses with digital skills, The Des Moines Register reported. Facebook officials said the company has invested $1 billion into supporting small businesses …
By BPC Staff | Nov 14, 2017
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NOTEBOOK – One Good Read: ‘Roaring’ economy still failing part-time workers

Despite a national unemployment rate that’s at a 17-year low and 100 straight months of job growth, millions of Americans who want full-time work are still stuck in part-time work, as this story from the Chicago …
By JOE GARDYASZ | Nov 13, 2017
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Federal Home Loan Bank awards foundation $5 million for Native American community development

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and the Northwest Area Foundation on Friday announced a collaboration to fund Native American-led community development initiatives across the United States. 

To launch the initiative, FHLB Des …
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Nov 13, 2017
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Business Council, Reynolds urge educators’ involvement in Future Ready Iowa

Iowa’s largest employers — the 21 member companies of the Iowa Business Council — currently have more than 3,400 job openings to fill, which is an indicator of the importance of the state’s efforts to …
By JOE GARDYASZ | Nov 10, 2017