MetaBank has filed a petition to foreclose on land owned by Boesen Hickman LLC at 9943 Hickman Road in Urbandale. According to documents filed in Polk County District Court, the late Edward Boesen owes nearly $4.8 million plus interest in outstanding loans to MetaBank. The bank seeks to take possession of the property, appoint a receiver to collect rents and other income from the property and eventually sell the land. It also wants to override a few mechanic’s liens against Boesen and the property, including those filed by Kinzler Construction Services Inc. (for $25,395.12), Professional Contracting Services Inc. (for $11,104.70) and A-C Contractors Inc. (for $19,936). Islanders Spa Inc., Boesen the Florist Inc. Iowa/Nebraska Primary Care Association, Primary Health Care Inc., Brightwell’s Boathouse Inc., Iowa Tire Inc., Modern Wall Systems LLC and Prichard Auto Co. are believed to occupy that land.

United Way of Central Iowa has set a $26.25 million campaign goal for its 2008 fund-raising campaign, said Jim Noyce, campaign chair, at a kickoff event at Principal Park this morning. The goal is up 5 percent from last year’s record-setting $25 million. The event drew nearly 500 people for a photo shoot and was the start of the annual United Way Day of Caring, where more than 3,000 corporate volunteers will complete service projects throughout the community. United Way of Central Iowa has the fastest-growing United Way campaign in the country, with a 68 percent increase in donations over the past seven years. This year’s pacesetter companies, which pledged to complete their United Way campaigns early and increase their contributions by 15 percent are the city of Altoona, Bankers Trust Co., Belin Law Firm, Drake University, Holmes Murphy & Associates, Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, Ryan Cos. and Willis Auto Campus.

Tradeshow Week has ranked Des Moines as the most affordable U.S. cities in which to hold trade shows. Des Moines’ hotel rates and restaurant prices contributed to the top ranking, as well as the city’s location at the intersection of Interstates 80 and 35, which makes travel easier and more affordable. “As word spreads, we anticipate more calls and more bookings,” said Greg Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, in a release, “meaning more money will flow into our local economy.” For the complete story, click here.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, speaker and diversity consultant Joe Gerstandt will present “Working With Humans: Diversity, Inclusion and Collaboration,” a three-hour interactive workshop. The cost is $45.10, with group discounts available. The event is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at La Quinta Inn, 1390 N.W. 118th St., Clive. Learn more or register at desmoineswwh.eventbrite.com.

Broadlawns Medical Center has opened its new primary care clinic and already has a waiting list of several hundred patients seeking medical services. The new clinic will focus on developing long-term patient-provider relationships that will encourage regular visits and adherence to treatment programs. Services provided by the primary care clinic include well visits and physicals, treatment for acute conditions, such as the flu, sinusitis and seasonal allergies, chronic disease management and minor procedures such as skin surgery. The clinic is located on the second floor of the Broadlawns building.

Ankeny, Altoona, Des Moines and Pleasant Hill are teaming up to host “Creek Sweep,” a volunteer cleanup effort of the Four Mile Creek area on Saturday, Sept. 20. Volunteers are needed to help clean up trash along stream banks or the water in a tributary of Four Mile Creek that runs from Northeast 18th Street to the south and east of Northeast Elementary School and eventually east of Northeast Delaware Avenue. The event will go until the work is finished or no later than noon. To register, call 248-6380 or e-mail CHLeauCourtright@dmgov.com. For more information, go to www.dmparks.org.