Branson AirExpress, which will be operated by ExpressJet Airlines, announced today it will be providing service five days a week between Des Moines International and Branson Airport in Missouri. The new service will commence on May 17. Currently prices are $41.93 before taxes for a one-way flight to Branson from Des Moines. Book a flight or learn more, by clicking here.

The King Pavilion addition to the Iowa State University College of Design became the first higher education building in Iowa to be awarded LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The $6.6 million, 23,735-square-foot King Pavilion achieved the highest LEED rating possible. “The King Pavilion stands as a testament to the commitment that Iowa State University has made to becoming a model “green’ university, in our daily operations as well as in our teaching, research and outreach programs,” said ISU President Gregory Geoffroy in a release.

Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines has been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for knee and hip replacement by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. More than 1,600 centers carry that designation in the United States. The selection criteria used to evaluate facilities were developed with input from a panel of expert physicians (see the criteria here).

Village at Reed’s Crossing in West Des Moines, a site developed by Ankeny-based Kimberley Development Corp., has been selected as the site for HomeShowExpo 2010. “As a developer, having your project selected for the Expo is a coveted honor, and we know this beautiful neighborhood will provide a perfect location for area builders to feature the finest in new home trends and products,” said Bill Kimberley, president of Kimberley Development Corp. The show, which is presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines, is in its 35th year and is scheduled for late July.

William Kerr, a Principal Financial Group Inc. board member, has resigned and will leave the board Wednesday, BusinessWeek.com reported. Kerr was named president and CEO of Arbitron Inc. on Jan. 11; he has been a board member there since 2007. Kerr has been a director at Principal Financial since 2001 and at Principal Life since 1995. He was the CEO of Meredith Corp. until June 2006 and continued to serve as its chairman until he asked the company to find his replacement in January. Read more.

IowaPolitics.com reported the Iowa Senate gave final legislative approval for the so-called “puppy mill bill” with a 41-9 vote late Monday afternoon. The bill would increase fees for the state’s 400 licensed dog breeders for the first time since 1992 and allow state inspections of those that receive complaints. House File 2280 would increase fees from the current $20 to $75 for pounds, shelters and research facilities, and $175 for all other pet breeders. The state would use the money to hire five inspectors within the Iowa Department of Agriculture who would respond to complaints of animal mistreatment. The bill exempts greyhound breeders.