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Altorfer CAT president Derek Altorfer stands in the service area of the company’s headquarters at 8400 Sixth St. SW in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

Focus on honesty continues to guide Altorfer CAT after nearly 70 years in business

“Tell it like it is” serves as more than a succinct tagline for Altorfer CAT — it continues to guide the company’s philosophy after nearly 70 years in business. Derek Altorfer, president of the Cedar Rapids-based heavy equipment dealer, said…

Geifman Group eyes more Iowa City expansion after early success

After a successful first venture into the Iowa City market, Bettendorf-based Geifman Group is looking…

The U.S. Bank building at 204 E. Washington St. in Iowa City. CREDIT CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD geifman

Russell father-daughter team raises the family business to new heights

In Eastern Iowa, Russell may be one of the most recognized businesses of its kind.…

Russell Chairman and CEO Jim Russell and President Caitlin Russell pictured in Russell’s Quad Cities office. CREDIT TODD WELVAERT

Mark Ironside is a busy man of many talents

Who is Mark Ironside? Well, Mr. Ironside was a two-time national champion wrestler at the…

Mark Ironside

Washington native Melanie Bimson brings winding road of experience to economic development role

For Washington Economic Development Group’s (WEDG) new executive director, Melanie Bimson, the road home has…

Melanie Bimson is shown on the square in Washington, Iowa. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

MercyOne heart pump program extends and improves patients’ lives

When Michael Griffin lived with severe heart failure, everyday activities like walking across a room…

heart pump heart failure

Ron Corbett’s four decades of Cedar Rapids leadership

Ron Corbett has spent virtually his entire career in the Cedar Rapids public eye. Just…

Ron Corbett shows off a few mementos collected over his eight years as mayor of Cedar Rapids. CBJ FILE PHOTO

Erickson Cab Co. takes Washington County riders where no Uber will go

Since Brittany Erickson opened her rural taxi service in October, her phone hasn’t stopped ringing.…

Brittany Erickson is shown with one of his cabs in downtown Washington, Iowa. CREDIT ANNIE SMITH BARKALOW

Heartlanders to sit out a season, but owner vows return to Coralville ice

Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series looking at the Iowa Heartlanders…

Iowa Heartlanders hockey team

Marion Mayor touts town’s growth, development

Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly painted a picture of a city on the rise Monday, March…

Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly delivers the State of the City Address Monday, March 9, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids.

Business report: Iowa economy resilient, but faces challenges

Iowa’s economy is poised for growth. The state’s tax climate has improved, and Iowa has…

Two Kernels veterans find their next act at Prospect Meadows

Jack Roeder needed his “security blanket.” Doug Nelson needed to get as far away as…

Prospect Meadows drone photo. CREDIT DENOVO MARKETING

How Tim Charles and other area leaders are redefining life after the corner office

When former Cedar Rapids Mercy Medical Center President and CEO Tim Charles retired at the…

Tim Charles, photographed by his wife, Janice, stands in front of one of his paintings.

Downtown Association leader: Retail development is a ‘numbers game’

Whatever the retail aspirations for a downtown area may be, one theme is clear: Retail…

Downtown Cedar Rapids

Will downtown Cedar Rapids see a retail renaissance?

Cedar Rapids business development leaders are under no illusions that the city’s downtown core will…

Hall Bicycle owner Kyle Moscrip stands for a portrait in the retail showroom of his bicycle shop in downtown Cedar Rapids. CREDIT KYLE MOSCRIP

Why more Iowa business owners are turning to ESOPs

For many business owners, retirement is not just a financial decision — it’s a personal…

ESOP