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Retail and Business

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NOTEBOOK – ONE GOOD READ: Here’s your fast-food meal ? on a tray

Shortages of packaging supplies like paper to-go bags are causing headaches for fast-food restaurants. McDonald’s Corp. recently told its restaurant owner to limit orders of bags from suppliers, reports Heather Haddon for the Wall Street Journal. Orders …

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Employee retention tax credit could be worth a second look this year for businesses

Iowa employers may want to take a second look with their tax adviser at whether their business might qualify for the Employee Retention Tax Credit in 2021, says Terry Merfeld, a tax partner with Eide …

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NOTEBOOK: How can businesses support tech students graduating in Iowa?

“We did some research with our college students and we realized that out of the kids we interviewed — about 20 — only two four-year college seniors had potential job offers,” said Pi515 founder and …

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Story City Market closure among trend of rural market loss to chains

Des Moines Register: Story City is soon to lose its local grocery store, a business venture that left the owners with a sour taste about the industry and another example of the trend of local markets …

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Survey to gather information on small business recovery from pandemic

Small businesses and community organizations are being asked to complete a survey to help create a better understanding of their challenges as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey is a collaboration of Iowa …

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Three major downtown Des Moines employers delay return to office

Des Moines Register: EMC Insurance and Meredith Corp. joined Wells Fargo & Co. in pushing back their return-to-office plans. An EMC spokesperson said the company is eying a “larger-scale return-to-office in November.” The company had said …

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Hy-Vee plans stand alone wine, spirits stores

Hy-Vee Inc. plans to open stand-alone stores focused on the sale of alcoholic beverages, the West Des Moines-based grocer announced. Called Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits, the stores will sell “best in class” wine, …

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Mount Vernon clothing store is winner of Open 4 Business pitch competition

A 112-year-old clothing store in Mount Vernon has been named the winner of this year’s Open 4 Business competition featuring Main Street communities across Iowa. Bauman and Co. topped four finalists in the pitch contest …

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Start Smart program to be offered virtually on Aug. 11

The North Iowa Community College Pappajohn Center and the Small Business Development Center in Mason City are offering a free two-hour virtual workshop designed for Iowans considering starting a business. At Start Smart, participants will …

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SBA opens registration for National Small Business Week Virtual Summit

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced its 2021 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit to be held Sept. 13-15. This year’s events will spotlight the resilience of America’s entrepreneurs and the renewal of the small business?economy …