Despite a global recession, Aviva plc reported a 5 percent increase in worldwide sales of 10.3 billion pounds for the first quarter. North American sales, which include revenues from Des Moines-based Aviva USA, were up 84 percent to 1.9 billion pounds; on a local currency basis, sales were up 33 percent. Compared with fourth quarter 2008, sales were flat on a sterling basis and down 12 percent in terms of local currency. North American annuity sales rose 152 percent to 1.75 billion pounds, or 83 percent on a local currency basis, from first quarter 2008. To moderate the annuity business, Aviva has reduced broker commissions and increased pricing of the products (*This sentence corrected). Life product sales, which include indexed and non-indexed universal life and term insurance products, were down 3 percent on a local currency basis to 177 million pounds, due to a slowdown in the overall life sales market. For the complete report, go to www.aviva.com.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose more than 12 points to 39.2 in April from March, the highest level since November and well above economists’ expectations of 29.5, the Associated Press reported. Still, the index remains far below last year’s level of 62.8. The Expectations Index, which measures shoppers’ outlook on the economy for the next six months, jumped to 49.5 from 30.2 in March, offering a sign that people believe the economy is nearing bottom. The consumer confidence survey showed that the portion of people expecting business conditions will worsen in the next six months declined to 25.3 percent from 37.8 percent in March and the percentage of consumers anticipating fewer jobs declined to 33.6 percent from 41.6 percent.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Thursday in Arlington, Va., to discuss insurance companies’ use of credit scoring and how it affects consumers. The agenda will be posted at www.NAIC.org once it is finalized. Click here for a related story at www.businessrecord.com.

Des Moines-based MidAmerican Energy Co. has declared an intent to integrate into Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. (Midwest ISO). It expects to join one of the largest energy markets in the world by Sept. 1. The change allows MidAmerican access to one of the largest markets for buying and selling power, increasing system reliability and achieving greater efficiencies. In exchange, MidAmerican will incorporate about 7,000 megawatts of generation capability into the network and turn over functional control of its transmission system to Midwest ISO. MidAmerican also will benefit from Midwest ISO’s regional planning efforts, which identify the most effective locations and means for upgrades in generation, transmission and equipment.

Wells Fargo & Co.’s stock price was down about 2 percent in morning trading after two industry analysts downgraded their ratings on the company in recent days, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. On Saturday, Rochdale Securities analyst Richard Bove lowered the bank’s rating to “neutral” from “buy,” citing concerns about the bank’s stretched capital position. NAB Research analyst Nancy Bush downgraded Wells Fargo to “hold” from “buy” yesterday, saying that although she expects the bank to continue reporting strong results, the company will probably have to elevate loss provisions to cover troubled home loans during the next few years.

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) has signed a $20,000 deal with El Segundo, Calif.-based iRise as part of a $20 million project to modernize its state tax system for unemployment insurance. The new Web-based application replaces a mainframe system designed to help employers, accountants and payroll firms manage unemployment insurance tax accounts. The new system also gives IWD employees an easier way to access and manage the system. (*Corrected April 30).

Broadlawns Medical Center announced today that Karen Ellis has resigned from the board of trustees. She was elected in 2006. Her resignation creates an open position on the board, which may be filled by appointment by the remaining members of the board. Any citizen interested in serving on the board should submit a letter of interest and/or curriculum vitae before June 1 to Lori Wahman, board manager, 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa 50314.

In honor of community banking month, Bankers Trust Co. will hold a celebration tomorrow at all of its branches. It also will offer free shredding of confidential items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Workforce Development and Right Management have launched Net2Work, designed to help recently unemployed professionals network, research and connect with a new job opportunity. The first Net2Work program will be held May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Des Moines Botanical and Environmental Center. It will be held every other Monday throughout the summer or until demand for the service subsides. For more employment resources, go to www.desmoinesmetro.com/employment.

National philanthropist Mary Stranahan will lead a roundtable discussion today on why philanthropic dollars for community organizing and civic engagement are the best investments now in the health and well-being of communities. The roundtable discussion is from 3 to 5 p.m. at Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement’s office, 2001 Forest Ave., Des Moines.

*Editor’s note: Tickers updated as noted above on April 28 and April 30.