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Economic Development

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Rural Mainstreet Index falls for 13th straight month

Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index fell for the 13th straight month, though Iowa is faring better than the area as a whole. The overall index fell to 37.3 in September from 41.1 the month before. …
By BPC Staff | Sep 15, 2016
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Principal survey: Majority of small firms say they’re financially healthy

Small-business owners are feeling confident on a number of levels, according to results from the latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index — Business Owners report released today.


Ninety-four percent of small-business owners responding to the survey said their…
By BUSINESS RECORD STAFF | Sep 15, 2016
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Greater Des Moines exports dip for 2015

Exports by Greater Des Moines companies topped $1 billion for a fourth consecutive year in 2015, but dipped last year after three consecutive years of growth, according to figures released today by the U.S. Commerce…
By JOE GARDYASZ | Sep 15, 2016
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Coralville approves $12 million agreement for Iowa Arena project

Cedar Rapids Gazette: The agreement between Coralville and the state for a $12 million boost to the Iowa Arena project is official. The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved the deal this summer, and the City Council…
By BPC Staff | Sep 15, 2016
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City approves incentive for downtown Cognizant expansion

The Des Moines City Council on Monday approved discounted parking rates for Cognizant Technology Solutions, as part of an incentive package for its expansion downtown. The agreement approved by the City Council provides a 20…
By BPC Staff | Sep 13, 2016
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A Closer Look: Ed Wallace

Ed Wallace walks from the living-room-like central meeting space in the lobby of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s new West Glen office into his glass-lined and therefore fairly transparent office.

The office suite …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Sep 9, 2016
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Nine of 90 Ideas

The Business Record brought back one of our most popular and informative events ever – 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes – on Sept. 8 at the Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines.

Nine leaders from …
By BPC Staff | Sep 9, 2016
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What’s next?: Capital Crossroads progress report targets poverty, crime, and attracting creatives

The latest regional assessment by Market Street Services paints Greater Des Moines as a market on the rise that competes well with bigger Midwestern cities but still is fighting poverty, talent problems and young professionals’ …
By PERRY BEEMAN | Sep 9, 2016
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Partnership aids small business, entrepreneurs

Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: Small-business growth and entrepreneurs will be the focus of a regional partnership announced Wednesday in Waterloo. The University of Northern Iowa’s Business and Community Services will work with economic development groups, chambers of …
By BPC Staff | Sep 8, 2016
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Unemployment insurance contribution rate won’t change

Iowa Workforce Development announced that the employer contribution rate table for unemployment insurance premiums will remain the same in 2017. That contribution rate table — Table 6 — has been in effect for 10 of …
By BPC Staff | Sep 7, 2016