Ahead of the Business Record’s annual Economic Forecast event, host Chris Conetzkey sits down with the event speakers to ask them for a glimpse at their projections for the year. From persistent uncertainty around trade, inflation, and geopolitics to pockets of stability and modest growth, the guests share why 2026 may feel “steady but strained” — and what that means for Iowa businesses planning for the year. In this episode:

• What “steady but strained” conditions mean for business planning and workforce strategy
• Outlooks for Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors after several challenging years
• State revenue trends and broader policy factors influencing Iowa’s economic landscape in 2026
• Why uncertainty has been a persistent theme in the post-pandemic economy

GUESTS:

• Robin Anderson – state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue
• Amy Friedrich – president of benefits and protection, Principal Financial Group
• Ann Collins – executive vice president and CFO, EMC Insurance Cos.
• Eric Lohmeier – president, NCP