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Retail and Business

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Scared silly and spending like it, too

Americans’ urge to shop is overriding anxiety about the economy, Bloomberg said.

Though household-sentiment measures are at levels typically observed during a recession, an increase in spending during the third quarter boosted growth to the …

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Sales of prepared food continue to shine for Casey’s General Stores


Casey’s General Stores Inc. reported a 16.3 percent increase in prepared food sales in September compared with a year earlier; that marked the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth in the category. According to statistics …

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Flexsteel reports lower sales, anticipates modest growth next year


Dubuque-based furniture maker Flexsteel Industries Inc. reported last week that net sales declined, but new orders rose, during the quarter ended Sept. 30, compared with the year-earlier period.

In a statement filed with the Securities …

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GDP up at 2.5 percent rate

GDP up at 2.5 percent rate The U.S. economy grew in the third quarter at the fastest pace in a year, Bloomberg reported. The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), defined as the value of all…
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Childress named regional ABWA vice president

Childress named regional ABWA vice president The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) elected Jennifer Childress from West Des Moines as District III vice president of the ABWA during the organization’s 62nd annual conference in Irving,…
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Meredith to repurchase shares, boost dividend

Meredith to repurchase shares, boost dividend   Meredith Corp. this morning announced a drop in fiscal first-quarter earnings, along with plans to repurchase $100 million of common stock and increase its dividend by 50 percent.…
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The Big Question: Archive

Dec. 9, 2011: Should businesses be utilizing Google Plus as part of their marketing strategy?

Nov. 11, 2011: Is the farmland bubble about to burst?

Oct. 19, 2011: Do women have enough opportunities to serve on …

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Leadership Institute names 2011-2012 board of governors

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) named Stuart Ruddy of Faegre & Benson LLP chairman of its board of governors for 2011-2012, and Tyler Riley of FEH Associates Inc. as chairman-elect. Deborah Svec-Carstens of …

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Economic activity improved in September

The Chicago Federal Reserve Bank said today that its index of national economic activity improved in September, but remained in negative territory. The index’s three-month moving average edged up to -0.21 in September from -0.28 …

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Postage increase set for January

The cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service will increase the price of a first-class stamp to 45 cents, starting on Jan. 22, 2012, Reuters reported. The 1-cent increase will be the first hike in postage in more …