Innovation
How Iowa’s workforce, location and infrastructure keep manufacturers coming
Manufacturing accounts for 17% of Iowa’s gross domestic product, contributing $35 billion annually to its economy and making it the state’s largest industry, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The state’s central location, skilled workforce and network of…
Marion’s Central Plaza earns top Main Street Iowa honor
Marion’s Central Plaza in City Square Park received the Signature Project Award during the 2026…
Holmes Murphy awards $140,000-plus in grants to 21 nonprofits, including Cedar Rapids’ Retrieving Freedom
Holmes Murphy, a Waukee-based insurance brokerage, has announced more than $140,000 in philanthropic grants to…
Eastern Iowa Airport lands $6 million FAA grant for baggage handling improvements
The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids has received a $6 million grant from the…
IEDA board approves $9.8 million in tax credits for Sub-Zero expansion in Cedar Rapids
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) board has approved tax credits of more than $9.8…
NextEra Energy, Dominion Energy announce all-stock merger to create world’s largest regulated utility
NextEra Energy, Inc. and Dominion Energy, Inc. have agreed to combine in an all-stock transaction…
NFIB small business optimism index barely budges in April; Iowa director cites inflation drag
The National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index edged up 0.1 points in…
Linn‑Mar, ESCO Electric partner for hands‑on construction project
A partnership between Linn-Mar Community School District and Marion-based ESCO Electric is addressing workforce shortages…
NewBoCo announces $15,000 prize pool for ENTREFest pitch competition
NewBoCo has announced a $15,000 prize pool for the ENTREFest Pitch Competition at the annual…
UPDATE: ‘Core’ mixed-use project expected to propel development of downtown presence in Hiawatha
Hiawatha officials are hoping plans for the “The Core,” a mixed-use development planned near the…
Southeast Middle School students to paint murals for Iowa City’s South of 6 neighborhood
Studio art students at Southeast Middle School are creating four original murals this week for…
Iowa tourism professionals receive $40,000 in scholarship funding for 2026
Iowa Travel Industry Partners and the Iowa Tourism Office have announced the final round of…
Greater Iowa City launches annual survey to gauge business climate across Johnson County
Greater Iowa City, Inc. has opened its 2026 Business Retention and Expansion Survey, inviting Johnson…
Cedar Rapids-based Van Meter breaks ground on Minnesota distribution center expansion
Van Meter held a groundbreaking ceremony April 29 for a major expansion of its regional…
GreatAmerica executives featured in Cannata Report video interview series
Cedar Rapids-based GreatAmerica Financial Services is the subject of a multi-part video interview series published…
Iowa nuclear energy sales tax bill heads to governor
Lawmakers in the Iowa House and Senate have reached agreement on a measure providing tax…
