The Iowa National Guard will field an Agribusiness Development Team that is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in the fall of 2010. The 60-person teams are designed to provide expertise, advice and training in agricultural related specialties and businesses to Afghan universities, provincial-level ministries and local farmers and agribusinesses. Nearly 85 percent of Afghanistan’s economic activity is related to agriculture and the hope is the teams can help play an important role in helping to stabilize the country’s overall economy.

The Salvation Army in Des Moines exceeded the goal of its Red Kettle campaign. The drive totaled $704,156, which was $4,156 more than its goal of $700,000. The 57 Red Kettles in Des Moines collected a total of $294,036 between Nov. 13 and New Years Eve. Donations were lagging behind by Christmas Eve, so the campaign was extended through New Year’s Eve. Donations to the Kettles were up 17 percent from the year prior.

Foundry Coworking, a shared workspace at 1312 Locust St., Suite 204, Des Moines, has announced it will offer a free one-day pass during January that will allow entrepreneurs, freelancers and startup companies to take advantage of the advantages of a shared workspace and give them a taste of what Foundry Coworking has to offer. For more information contact Alexander.Grgurich@foundrycoworking.com.

Gymnast Shawn Johnson, players from the Des Moines Buccaneers, Mercy Cancer Center employees and LIVESTRONG Army Des Moines will be at “Unite Against Cancer” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Jordan Creek Town Center. The event is designed to open up conversation about cancer awareness and health issues associated with cancer care, treatment and prevention.