IOWA

As 2017 came to a close, the Business Record asked its readers to share some lessons that were learned over the previous 12 months that others in the business community could benefit from hearing. Here are some responses from leaders in real estate and development. Des Moines Business Record

Even though Tonya Frost spends her working day at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, you won’t often see her out on the ice. She likely will be bundled in a coat or sweater, however. Cedar Rapids Gazette 

Dr. Kay Knight turned a concern she repeatedly heard from her chiropractic patients into a boutique to help outfit cancer survivors. Quad-City Times 

Dogpatch Urban Gardens is the only for-profit farm in Des Moines city limits — the realization of one of Jenny Quiner’s dreams. The Des Moines Register 

In a world of big box stores and national chains, there are still locally owned retailers that continue to do healthy business. Bambi’s Green Acres Natural Market is one of them. Owner Bambi Wilson is celebrating her 20th year helping folks take better care of themselves. Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil 

NATION

Last week, a new law took effect in Iceland, designed to publicly shame companies seen as discriminating against women in terms of pay. The Lily 

NBC News announced Tuesday that Hoda Kotb is the permanent co-anchor of “Today,” replacing Matt Lauer, who was fired in November after a female colleague accused him of inappropriate behavior. Bizwomen.com 

Women are more likely than men to set New Year’s resolutions focused on self-improvement, according to a survey from online polling firm YouGov. Bizwomen.com