The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) poured millions of dollars into Iowa’s unemployment system and boosted the Iowa recovery by directly infusing more than $314 million into the state economy during 2009, Iowa Workforce Development said today in a news release. A report from the Iowa Fiscal Partnership on the benefits of ARRA unemployment benefits funding found an economic boost of more than $500 million and 3,727 jobs saved or created last year in Iowa.

Paul Schickler, president of Johnston-based Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., has accepted an invitation to join the Iowa Business Council. Council membership consists of the top executives of 20 of Iowa’s largest employers, the three state universities and Iowa’s largest banking association.

Metro Waste Authority and Growing Green Communities have awarded $25,000 in grants to improve, enhance and sustain watersheds. The Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District received $10,000 grant for the Summerbrook Park Rain Garden in the Four Mile Creek watershed. The Drake Neighborhood Association received a $15,000 grant for work on the Witmer Parkway ravine, which lies in the Closes Creek watershed.

The Des Moines Arts Festival is seeking volunteers for its June event. Volunteer opportunities include artistic relations, the jazz and wind pavilion, ice distribution, information kiosks, Interrobang Film Festival, the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and more. The event will be held June 25-27. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt, a snack and beverages. To sign up, go to www.desmoinesartsfestival.org or e-mail Molly Kotval at mkotval@downtowndesmoines.com.