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Iowa DOT trying new, potentially safer pothole-filling machine

The Iowa Department of Transportation is testing a new pothole-filling system. Traditionally, the Iowa DOT has filled potholes using conventional hot and cold mix pothole-filling solutions that pair a dump truck and a trailer-mounted hopper, and at least two or three staff to spread the material with shovels and compaction tools. The new system involves…

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Iowa Safe Schools names new executive director

Iowa Safe Schools has announced Zach Rus as the new executive director of the nonprofit. Rus, previously the engagement director at Ellipsis, has over 10 years of experience in philanthropy, higher education and nonprofit administration. In his new role, he hopes to advance the organization’s mission through collaborative partnerships with educators, community organizations, parents and policymakers, a…

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UNI appoints new executive director of business and community services

The University of Northern Iowa has appointed Drew Conrad as the new executive director of business and community services (BCS), the economic development outreach arm of the Wilson College of Business. Conrad succeeds Randy Pilkington, who retired after nearly 40 years in the role. Conrad began his new role Tuesday. He will also continue his role as director for…

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Iowa Business Council members expect flat growth, for the moment

The Iowa Business Council today released its latest member poll, the second quarter Economic Outlook Survey, which sits at 57.41, an increase of 0.27 points from the previous survey, and down 2.95 points from its historical average. Although the number is down, optimism could quickly buoy with positive news about taxes and tariffs. The report…

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Landus and Landwerx announce restructuring

Landus, an Iowa-based agricultural cooperative, has announced Landwerx, its agricultural innovation hub that launched in 2023, will now operate independently. The shift aims to allow both organizations to focus on different goals as Landwerx is looking to scale nationally, while Landus continues to focus on Iowa farmers, according to a news release. Since launching Landwerx has…

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Johnston-Grimes fire district appoints new fire chief

The Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District announced it has appointed Percy Coleman as its new fire chief, succeeding Jim Clark, who plans to retire Thursday. Coleman brings 29 years of experience in the Des Moines Fire Department and a commitment to improving public safety for the communities of Johnston and Grimes. His top priorities include fostering…

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70-plus organizations relaunch Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Greater Iowa City and Quad Cities Chamber are a few of more than 70 chambers of commerce and business organizations in over 30 states to relaunch the Business for Federal Research Funding Coalition. “The Alliance is proud to once again join the Business for Federal Research Coalition in our…

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Report analyzes potential economic benefits of new hands-free driving law

Iowa’s newly passed hands-free driving law went into effect Tuesday, and a report from Common Sense Institute Iowa says the new law could result in as much as $88 million in economic benefit to the state. The report looks at the historical and projected effects of the law. It uses data from Iowa and other states…