Drew Forster joined CIRAS as the Construction Industry Strategic Advisor. He brings extensive experience from his service in the U.S. Air Force’s Civil Engineering Squadron on foreign and domestic soil, owning a new home general contracting company, and as a project manager at a commercial construction company. With a PMP certification, an MBA, and a … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Drew Forster
CIRAS welcomed Ally Kuehl as a Business Administrator. With over a decade of experience in fiscal management and operations, including roles at Iowa State University Recreation Services and as an office manager at a dermatology clinic, Ally brought valuable expertise. She is skilled in third-party process management, financial management, and regulatory reporting. Ally has demonstrated … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Ally Kuehl
By Angie Hunt, News Service Lunch break is ending and the rhythms of the manufacturing floor at Stellar Industries begin to pick up as forklifts deliver materials from one point of assembly to the next and welding sparks illuminate the frames of service truck bodies. The individual rhythms are distinct and yet flow together in a … Continue reading 2024 Innovation at Work: Industry engagement supports local economies
Q & A with Mary Zimmerman Role: DBE Support Services Program Manager Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I work with small construction companies, listening to their unique challenges and goals. This enables me to connect them with tailored resources and … Continue reading Q & A with Mary Zimmerman
There has never been a more critical time for small and mid-sized manufacturers to maximize the productivity of their labor force and production equipment. This goes beyond purchasing high-dollar equipment that can run at faster cycle times, hiring more people, or adding shifts in a tight labor market. Oftentimes, the first best step is simply … Continue reading How Preventative Maintenance & CIRAS Technologies Propel Manufacturing Productivity
We are excited to announce a new collaborative opportunity for ILC members. Starting July 1, 2024, CIRAS will assume the mission of the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF). This integration will provide ILC members access to enhanced sustainability and process improvement programs; we believe continuous improvement and sustainability are inherently interconnected and complement each other … Continue reading New Opportunity for ILC Members
The IA-IL Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is hosting the 15th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium and Matchmaking event on May 21st and 22nd 2024 at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL to give Defense Contractors working in our region valuable resources and opportunities in this field. Recent world events (State-sponsored Cyber-attacks, The … Continue reading Join us for the 15th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium
Safety in the construction industry is a #1 priority; however, there is another safety issue that goes beyond physical protection and equipment — the importance of addressing mental health. Companies should consider a holistic safety program that considers the well-being of workers’ minds, bodies, and spirits. I will be exploring further resources and ideas to … Continue reading Building Bridges: Connecting Safety and Mental Health in Construction
Are you contemplating exploring opportunities beyond those offered by the DBE set aside? If so, you might want to consider leveraging the support provided by organizations like APEX Accelerators. APEX Accelerators specialize in assisting small businesses in navigating government contracting across various levels – city, county, state, and federal. Their services come at no cost … Continue reading Unlocking Government Contracting: Beyond DBE Set Asides
This is a friendly reminder regarding the annual DBE certification renewal process. The annual eligibility review, mandated by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), is a crucial step to maintain your certification status. The anniversary month of your DBE certification prompts you to complete your renewal. To comply, fill out the form entitled “Affidavit of … Continue reading Keep Your Certification Current: Iowa DBE Renewal Process Guidelines