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350-mile underground transmission line approved, expected to bring $1B in economic output to Iowa

SOO Green, a jointly owned transmission project being developed by energyRe and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, received approval on its final municipal franchise agreement, giving the project an “all-clear” path to development. The project connects two major electricity markets, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator and the PJM Interconnection, (pictured in the map at right) to improve…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 26, 2025
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UPDATE: Des Moines schools superintendent arrested by ICE

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 6:51 p.m. Sept. 26, 2025 with new information. Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Friday morning after a chase and foot pursuit that ended on Des Moines’ south side, the agency said in a news release. Roberts, who became…
By Kathy A. Bolten | Sep 26, 2025
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The Empire opening in former Fong’s space on Fourth Street

The former Fong’s Pizza site on Fourth Street has been converted into a neighborhood hangout where customers can grab various traditional comfort food and quick counter service meals to eat in or to go. The new business will be called the Empire, a nod to a bar of the same name that opened in the…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 26, 2025
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Iowa Bankers Association announces 2025-26 board leadership

The Iowa Bankers Association has elected the officers and directors who will serve on the association’s 2025-26 board of directors. Abram Tubbs of Ohnward Bancshares in Maquoketa, will serve as chair of the board, and Melissa Spurgin of First Iowa State Bank in Albia, will serve as chair-elect. Officers were nominated and approved by member…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 26, 2025
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Jones named United Way chief community impact officer

United Way of Central Iowa announced Thursday the appointment of Joseph Jones as its new chief community impact officer. Jones will join the organization’s senior leadership team on Oct. 27. Jones brings more than two decades of experience in public policy, nonprofit management, education and civic engagement. He most recently served as chief of staff at Des Moines University,…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 26, 2025
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On Leadership: No perfect moment: Starting and sustaining organizational change

Earlier in my career, I was hired to lead a turnaround. From day one it was clear the organization needed change. The board had one set of ideas, the leadership team another and the staff yet more opinions. Everyone agreed change was necessary but everyone also had a reason why now was not the time….
By Suzanna de Baca | Sep 26, 2025
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Cemen Tech expects to double growth in next 5 years

No industry is set in stone.  Indianola-based Cemen Tech has been shaking up – or vibrating – the cement and concrete industry with its volumetric mixer trucks.  Roads, bridges, buildings, parking lots and sidewalks are critical infrastructure often built of concrete. Second only to water, concrete is the most highly used building material. About 4.2…
By Gigi Wood | Sep 26, 2025
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From sheep barn to $1.4B global innovator: How Iowa’s Kemin Industries built a multigenerational science business

Molecules are the building blocks of life and are the foundation of a multigenerational Iowa manufacturing business.  Des Moines-based Kemin Industries is a $1.4 billion ingredient supplier run by the founding family’s second generation, who have gamed out a detailed succession plan. Globally, the company employs 4,000 people, with 800 of those in Central Iowa…
By Gigi Wood | Sep 26, 2025