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Retail and Business

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Casey’s hires information security officer

Paul Suarez has been hired as chief information security officer for Casey’s General Stores. In the newly created position, Suarez will lead Ankeny-based Casey’s cybersecurity team. He has 35 years of experience in cybersecurity, network …
By BPC Staff | Apr 30, 2021
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Diamond Jack’s owners must repay nearly $700,000 after pleading guilty to tax evasion

Des Moines Register: The former owners of a longtime Iowa State Fair bar are on the hook for more than half a million dollars in restitution after pleading guilty to tax evasion. Lance Benoit, 61, Tamera …
By BPC Staff | Apr 29, 2021
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Jackie Norris announced as president, new owner of SPPG

Jackie Norris joined consulting firm SPPG as the new owner and president, SPPG announced this morning. Norris was previously the president and CEO of Goodwill of Central Iowa, and has worked as White House chief …
By BPC Staff | Apr 29, 2021
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Casey’s to sell some Iowa, Nebraska gas stations to satisfy antitrust complaint

Des Moines Register: Casey’s General Stores agreed Wednesday to sell six of its gas stations to end antitrust allegations. The planned sale comes in response to a Federal Trade Commission complaint that the Ankeny company’s proposed …
By BPC Staff | Apr 29, 2021
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SBA announces point-of-sale technology initiative for Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the first round of technology partners in a new initiative designed to deliver Restaurant Revitalization Funds to eligible restaurants through point-of-sale service providers Clover, NCR Corp., Square and Toast, …
By BPC Staff | Apr 27, 2021
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New association formed to promote Iowa tourism

Corridor Business Journal: Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) has been launched as a new statewide public-private tourism association, officials announced in a news release. For decades, Iowa’s travel industry has been organized by regional associations, and …
By BPC Staff | Apr 26, 2021
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SBA reopens Shuttered Venue Operators Grant applications

Applications are open for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, designed for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums, movie theaters, live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives. The …
By BPC Staff | Apr 26, 2021
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NOTEBOOK – ONE GOOD READ: Post pandemic shopping spree is underway

Consumers are buying more of everything, from champagne and skirts to shaving kits as retail sales rise while the world opens up with more people getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Consumers are also booking more plane trips, …
By MICHAEL CRUMB | Apr 26, 2021
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Midwest Growth Partners invests in two leading ag equipment dealers

Midwest Growth Partners, a food- and ag-focused private equity fund manager with offices in West Des Moines and Omaha, announced its most recent platform investment. MGP partnered with co-investors Summit Equity Group, Northcreek Mezzanine and company …
By BPC Staff | Apr 26, 2021
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Smash Park announces new Pella location, with plans to expand nationally

Des Moines Register: Smash Park, the popular “eatertainment” venue in West Des Moines, is opening its first franchised location in Pella next year, the company announced today. The new location will mark Smash Park’s first of …
By BPC Staff | Apr 22, 2021