The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines has awarded an $110,000 grant through its Affordable Housing Program to the Kansas City Habitat for Humanity KC 2008 Development Subsidy Project. The grant was announced yesterday by Missouri State Rep. Emanual Cleaver and accounts for only a portion of the total $2.6 million that Missouri will receive for its eight projects across the state.

Meredith Corp. announced today the hiring of Lauren Stanich to oversee MORE magazine and multimedia brand ReadyMade, two of the company’s fastest growing brands. Stanich, who will be a senior vice president in the Meredith Publishing Group, will start her new duties July 21.

The Iowa Department of Economic Development’s Technology and Commercialization committee recently approved a grant of $50,000 to underwrite a new venture capital event focusing on the food industry. The first American Food Venture Forum will be held in Des Moines October 13-14, 2008.

The Samueli Foundation and the National Hockey League Anaheim Ducks organization contributed $10,000 to the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation’s Flood Relief and Recovery Effort. The funds will be used to support the flood relief effort in the Des Moines and surrounding area.

The Iowa Civil Rights Commission will be renaming its offices the Edna Griffin Offices on July 7 at 2 p.m. in honor of the former Iowa civil rights activist. Events will continue through the evening, including theatrical performances at 7 p.m. and a march at the Fort Des Moines Museum. Both events are free and open to the public and will include presentations by local dignitaries and friends of Edna Griffin.