This Good Read starts out in a city in Ohio, but it may as well be looking at Iowa or Greater Des Moines. Low unemployment. High need for skilled workers. Business owners seeking ways to improve or grow their operations. Our area has a 2.3 percent unemployment rate, meaning there are few workers to fill open jobs. We hear and report regularly that companies of all sizes are in need of skilled workers (see this Insider piece on the “war for talent.” And we have businesses looking to grow and wondering how to get there. In Iowa, we’ve got programs, incubators, accelerators, entrepreneurs and innovators thinking and working on these matters. The bottom line of this article and what seems to be the need here: How do we raise productivity? (There is a benefit to employees.) The New York Times writes: “Rising productivity — whether through better technology, more educated workers or smarter business strategies — is why people’s economic fortunes, on average, improve over time. When productivity growth is strong, companies can afford to pay workers more without eating into their own profit margins, letting a rising tide lift all boats.” This story details how one manufacturer is training unskilled workers to meet his needs  — and he’s finding success there. Another turned to robotics. Sounds like things that are happening in our area. It’s worth a look if you’re dwelling on these matters. If you’ve got ideas or a need to raise productivity here, I’d welcome hearing from you.