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annexation

Norwalk’s bid for Buc-ee’s part of larger annexation plan

A petition to bring a Buc-ee’s travel center to Norwalk has attracted more than 3,500 signatures and will soon be sent to the Texas-based company in what Norwalk Mayor Tom Phillips said is an example of the city dreaming big. Bringing Buc-ee’s to Norwalk is part of the longer-term vision that is included in the…
By Michael Crumb | Sep 24, 2025
Bondurant The Station Exterior Final Rendering

Work on The Station in Bondurant set to begin this fall

The city of Bondurant has awarded a contract for the conversion of its fire station into a community space for events and recreational programming, an amenity City Administrator Marketa Oliver said has been badly needed in the fast-growing community of about 9,500 people. The Bondurant City Council approved a contract on Sept. 2 for about…
By Michael Crumb | Sep 24, 2025
merchants

Merchants Bonding Co. begins work on HQ expansion in West Des Moines

Merchants Bonding Co. has broken ground on its 34,000-square-foot expansion at its headquarters in West Des Moines, a project that company leaders say will increase the amenities for its employees and help the surety meet the growth it is experiencing nationwide. Merchants Bonding Co., 6700 Westown Parkway, announced the expansion in May. In June, the Iowa Economic…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 24, 2025
lobby

NOTABLE TRANSACTIONS: Surety Hotel property in Des Moines sold for $31.6 million

An entity managed by Omaha-based Paul G. Smith Associates has acquired property in downtown Des Moines that includes a 12-story building occupied by the Surety Hotel, Polk County real estate records show. PGSAH Des Moines LLC, managed by the Omaha group, paid Aparium Hotel Group $31.6 million for the property at 206 Sixth Ave. (pictured) in…
By Kathy A. Bolten | Sep 24, 2025
Computer law Getty

Indo-American Association of Iowa offering consular, visa services to local businesses

The Consulate General of India in Chicago, in partnership with the Indo-American Association of Iowa, will host a consular services day to provide consular services to local businesses. The event is intended to help expedite consular processes for businesses and leaders that conduct business with India. Consular services offered on-site will include issuance of marriage, life…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 23, 2025
Closeup shot of the chefs preparing a fine dinner at the kitchen in a restaurant in London, England

New sports bar, Fairway Franks Bar and Grill, opens in Norwalk

Fairway Frank’s Bar & Grill has opened in Norwalk, at 729 Main St., in the former Pyra Pizzeria space. The locally owned restaurant is named after southside Des Moines native Frank Cataldo, who passed away from cancer. The restaurant has over 30 televisions and a menu blending traditional bar food with Italian-inspired dishes. The establishment will…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 23, 2025
ABI

ABI survey: Sales expectations up for Q4

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry released its fourth-quarter survey today. Results from the survey of ABI members include: Workforce shortages, cost pressures and trade policy remain top concerns, according to the survey. Business leaders also pointed to supply chain resourcing, acquisition strategies, commodity pricing and automation as ongoing priorities. ABI’s survey findings mirror…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 23, 2025
Intern 3 Getty

Iowa sees gains in students with workplace learning experiences

The Iowa Department of Education recently released new data showing that 45% of Iowa high school seniors in the class of 2025 participated in at least one work-based learning experience. This is an increase of nearly 20 percentage points over the last two years, up from 31.7% in 2024 and 25.5% in 2023, a news…
By Business Record Staff | Sep 23, 2025