American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. achieved a long-standing goal of writing in excess of $3 billion in new annuity premiums in a single year, the company announced Wednesday. The company reported record 2009 third quarter operating income of $28.2 million, or 47 cents per share, up from $22.3 million, or 40 cents per share, a year ago. See the full release.

AirTran Airways announced new marketing partnership with SkyWest Airlines Inc., which will offer regional jet service between Milwaukee and six destinations: Des Moines, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Akron/Canton, Indianapolis and Omaha. Seats on the flights will be sold in conjunction with AirTran Airways flights with revenue shared on a pro-rated basis. SkyWest Airlines will offer 18 daily non-stop flights from Milwaukee to the six locations.

J. Douglas Reichardt will become chairman emeritus of Holmes Murphy & Associates effective Jan. 1, as part of the organization’s planned leadership perpetuation strategy, the company announced Wednesday. No other leadership changes have been announced. Read the full article.

Des Moines Area Community College President Rob Denson will join 10 other delegates from the Midwestern Governors Association and travel to Berlin, Germany, on Nov. 8-14 to discuss energy policies and new green industry initiatives. Denson is the only Iowan and educator in the delegation. The tour is called “Green Jobs – Green Growth: Opportunities Through Reindustrialization,” and will give the delegation the opportunity to see firsthand how Germany’s progressive energy and climate policies have led to the creation of more than 280,000 jobs and the transformation of industries.