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$3.3 million awarded through Iowa’s railroad revolving loan and grant program

The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved $3.3 million through the Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program to support four rail infrastructure and development projects aimed at creating and retaining 201 jobs within three years. The funding includes a $1.47 million loan for a new box manufacturing plant in Black Hawk County and $1.88 million in…
By Business Record Staff | Oct 20, 2025
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Nominations open for 2026 high school leadership academy

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce announced nominations are open for the 2026 High School Leadership Academy, a free, spring-semester program for students in grades 9–11 within the West Des Moines Community School District. Led by Meredith Murphy, the chamber’s director of future workforce, the chamber will select 30 students for its 2026 program,…
By Business Record Staff | Oct 20, 2025
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VIDEO: Watch the 2025 Jobs Outlook

Iowa is entering the fourth quarter of 2025 with some worrisome trends: The number of Iowans who are unemployed has steadily increased since the start of the year. Iowa’s finance and insurance sector has shed nearly 2,000 jobs in the past 12 months and the manufacturing sector, 5,400 jobs. Recent college graduates are having a…
By Business Record Staff | Oct 20, 2025
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American Packaging to invest $7.8M in Story City facility

The Iowa Economic Development Authority board approved awards to two projects during its meeting today. American Packaging Corp. plans to spend $7.8 million on a 20,000-square-foot addition to its facility in Story City, as well as the purchase of new equipment. IEDA awarded the company tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs program, including $100,000…
By Gigi Wood | Oct 17, 2025
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Taxpayers’ group endorses Des Moines schools’ bond referendum

The Des Moines school district’s $265 million bond referendum to modernize schools and expand some academic programs has been endorsed by the Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa, the district said in a news release. “Our endorsement reflects confidence in the district’s strategic approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs, enhancing educational environments, and responsibly managing taxpayer…
By Business Record Staff | Oct 17, 2025
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ABI Manufacturing Conference addresses automation, workforce, supply 

Finding talent, adopting artificial intelligence and managing supply chains were top of mind for Iowa manufacturing leaders at the Iowa Manufacturing Conference this week. On the tail end of its nine-city, 10-day Elevate Iowa Manufacturing RV Tour celebrating manufacturers throughout the state, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry hosted its annual manufacturing conference on…
By Gigi Wood | Oct 17, 2025
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MercyOne’s new emergency department reduces wait times, overcrowding

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is introducing a new initiative to reduce emergency department wait times, enabling patients to receive treatment faster and be discharged more quickly. As part of its ongoing emergency department expansion, MercyOne is adopting a split-flow model which directs patients with less serious conditions to a fast-track area, leaving more specialized…
By Business Record Staff | Oct 17, 2025
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The Ingersoll announces new date for 2025 reopening

The Ingersoll Theatre announced its reopening will be pushed back to December 31, 2025, citing supply chain delays that extended final construction work. Executive Director Renee Crowell said the additional time will ensure every detail meets the venue’s high craftsmanship standards. The historic Des Moines venue will now celebrate its return with two New Year’s…
By Business Record Staff | Oct 17, 2025