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The Insider Notebook

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NOTEBOOK – ONE GOOD READ: Labor board ruling limits protected speech when workers protest

A recent ruling from the National Labor Relations Board could result in more retaliation by employers if workers who speak up about harassment and discrimination in the workplace — but could also give employers relief …

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NOTEBOOK – ONE GOOD READ: U.S. sawmills unprepared for home building, remodeling boom

In July, the Business Record reported that 25% more building permits for single-family houses were issued during the first half of 2020 compared with the same period a year ago.

Nationally, the number of single-family building permits …

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A look back to 1998: Renaming downtown building after civil rights activist Edna Griffin

The Edna Griffin Building, looking eastward on Locust Street. Photo by Joe Crimmings   For a recent cover story in the Business Record, Kathy Bolten told the story of the Edna Griffin Building named after Edna Mae Griffin, who…
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NOTEBOOK: K-12 leaders urge active support by business community as school approaches

During a videoconference forum that I listened in on in early July with Iowa K-12 education leaders discussing return-to-learn plans, I asked what types of assistance the business community could consider to help their local …

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NOTEBOOK: A look at what did, and didn’t, happen on three priorities for Iowa business in the 2020 legislative session

When this year’s Iowa Legislature adjourned in mid-June after a session cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, lawmakers had passed several measures they say will benefit the state’s business community. 

From easing what were some …

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NOTEBOOK: Nuggets about downtown Des Moines’ Financial Center

Last week, Des Moines architectural historian Jennifer James gave a presentation to a city board on the history of downtown Des Moines’ Financial Center. 

Lawmark Capital LLC, owner of the 25-story building that opened in …

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NOTEBOOK: Who’s in the July 31 issue?

Here’s a list of local people in the July 31 issue of the Business Record and the page number of the article in which they are mentioned. Members can read all of this week’s stories …

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NOTEBOOK: Who’s in the July 24 issue?

Here’s a list of local people in the July 24 issue of the Business Record and the page number of the article in which they are mentioned. Members can read all of this week’s stories …

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NOTEBOOK: New restaurant includes refurbished bars discovered in Toledo

One of the first things visitors will see when they walk into Lucky Horse Beer and Burgers is a refurbished 1890s-style back and front bar with intricate wood carvings.

The owners of the new restaurant …

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NOTEBOOK: More contactless payments are in the cards for Iowans

When GreenState Credit Union sent out a press release last week announcing it is now issuing contactless credit cards for all its new customers or those whose cards were being renewed, I was curious how …