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Retail and Business

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Iowa employers more optimistic when it comes to hiring

Iowa employers’ optimism is higher than it was three months ago, according to the Hamilton Hiring Survey, which was conducted by the Hamilton Group.

The company talked to about 5,000 of the state’s small and …
By BPC Staff | Jan 3, 2012
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Economic indicator flat in December

The Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator derived from a monthly survey of supply managers in the Midwest, sank to 50 in December from 52.6 in November.

The index, which ranges between 0 and …
By BPC Staff | Jan 3, 2012
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Retail numbers looking brighter

Retail numbers looking brighter The Credit Managers’ Index (CMI) indicated retail expansion in December with the highest reading since May. December’s 54.4 showing was up from 53.5 in November, but remained below the December 2010…
By BPC Staff | Dec 30, 2011
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2011 Year in Review: Retail & Business


Consumer confidence rising

The most widely cited consumer confidence index rose in November to 56, up from 40.9 in October, which marked the highest reading since July. The rise in confidence came after six months …
By CHELSEA KEENAN | Dec 30, 2011
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Holiday retail sales up nearly 15 percent

Holiday retail sales up nearly 15 percent  Retail sales appear poised for a solid finish to the holiday season, as warm weather and deep discounts encouraged shoppers to hit stores or go online to snap…
By BPC Staff | Dec 29, 2011
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Restaurant owners optimistic about year ahead

Restaurant owners optimistic about year ahead  For the first time in four months, restaurateurs reported a net positive outlook for the economy. Twenty-six percent of respondents to a National Restaurant Association survey said they expect…
By BPC Staff | Dec 29, 2011
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Iowa among states to lose retail jobs in 5-year span

Iowa among states to lose retail jobs in 5-year span   Just six of the 50 states have more retail jobs today than they did at the end of 2006, according to U.S. Bureau of…
By BPC Staff | Dec 28, 2011
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Retail sales up before Christmas

Retail sales up before Christmas   Sales at U.S. retailers rose 4.5 percent last week from a year earlier, Bloomberg reported. Sales for the week ending Dec. 24 increased 0.9 percent from the previous week,…
By BPC Staff | Dec 28, 2011
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Women in business event announces speakers

On Feb. 23, seven women business owners will share their leadership insights and stories at the National Association of Women Business Owners, Central Iowa chapter’s fourth Women Mean Business Summit.

The event will take place …
By BPC Staff | Dec 27, 2011
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Zombie Burger gets more space

Zombie Burger gets more space Zombie Burger + Drink Lab recently completed a 1,000-square-foot expansion to its back of house. The burger joint, started by chef George Formaro in August, was already in need of…
By BPC Staff | Dec 22, 2011