Guest column's stories

Beyond the big check: How your business can make a real impact
One of my favorite episodes of The Office is “Fun Run,” where Michael Scott launches a corporate charity event to fight rabies – then promptly wastes a third of the money on a giant ceremonial check. It’s hilarious but also…
Where did Iowa’s local COVID-19 relief funds go?
The COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, yet the federal government took over a year…
When an entrepreneur learned to ride a bike
I have vague memories of learning how to ride a bike. Many of my friends…
Work Based Learning a rewarding workforce option
IowaWORKS can help businesses connect with Work Based Learning (WBL) opportunities that could benefit both…
Welcoming refugees essential to Iowa’s economic future
Though it’s a long drive on I-80 between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs, our regional…
Ensuring nonprofits are prepared for the future
Is your nonprofit planning for the future or are you stuck in an endless loop…
Will we relive the stagflation of the 1970s?
The world economy is facing slowing growth and rising inflation, raising concerns of a return…
Summer headlines highlight power concerns
Recent headlines have warned of electricity reliability problems this summer. The 2022 Summer Reliability Assessment…
NFIB supports antitrust legislation to level digital economy
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) sent a letter of support to the U.S.…
Louisa County supervisor supports Duane Arnold Solar project
During my tenure, the Louisa County Board of Supervisors was responsible for the zoning of…
How to freeze your credit to protect your identity
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 20,000 Iowans reported being the victim of…
An Iowa business property tax switch-up
Attention Iowa business property owners: Changes are coming. On May 2, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed…
How to (properly) use a QR code
In 2014, I wrote a blog that advised not using QR codes for business until…
Employers encouraged to complete Kirkwood’s Skills Talent Report
In February 1999, the “Skills 2000 Commission Report: Assessment of Major Employers’ Skill and Employment…
Deep customer knowledge key to marketing success
With so many dramatic shifts in marketing over the last decade, the goal of influencing…
Labor shortages killing many industries
In May 2022, after 70 years of operations, the nation’s last Howard Johnson restaurant closed…