Country Maid Boosts Leadership Alignment and Production Efficiency with Help from CIRAS

• mworley

At a Glance Company: Country Maid, Inc. (West Bend, Iowa) Founded: 1991 Employees: 125 Impact: Implemented a phased improvement plan that increased production efficiency, and reduced downtime, resulting in stronger cross-departmental leadership alignment and a more resilient, growth-ready operation with an economic impact of $22,540,000.00. Overview: Country Maid partnered with CIRAS to improve leadership alignment … Continue reading Country Maid Boosts Leadership Alignment and Production Efficiency with Help from CIRAS

Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting

• mworley

Through a CIRAS supplier scouting project conducted for Blue-9, Lomont Molding gained new business after being identified and selected as a plastics manufacturing partner. The project highlights how CIRAS connects Iowa companies using data-driven insight and internal collaboration to strengthen local supply chains. Company Overview Lomont Molding LLC, based in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a … Continue reading Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting

Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive

• mworley

Each year, CIRAS connects Iowa companies with bright, motivated students ready to tackle real-world challenges. For interns, it is a chance to apply classroom learning to make a tangible impact. For CIRAS and its clients, it is an opportunity to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline while advancing projects that help companies grow and succeed. This year’s … Continue reading Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive

DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa

• gmallen

In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule removing race- and sex-based presumptions from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a result, Iowa DOT was required to place previously certified DBE firms on hold while a new reevaluation process was developed. That transition period has now ended. As of … Continue reading DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa

Insta-Pro International Strengthens Quality Systems to Support Growth

• mworley

As Insta-Pro International continued to grow its supplier base, the company partnered with CIRAS to implement a structured quality management system that improved internal processes, strengthened supplier communication, and saved an estimated $190,000. Company Overview Location: Polk County, lowa Founded: 1969 Employees: 45 Primary Products: Grain and bean processing equipment, extruders, oil processors, coolers, and … Continue reading Insta-Pro International Strengthens Quality Systems to Support Growth

APEX at CIRAS: Year in Review

• gmallen

As we wrap up another busy year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what our APEX clients accomplished — and the role CIRAS APEX was honored to play in their government contracting journeys. By the numbers, this year’s impact is impressive: 671 distinct Iowa clients counseled 82 of Iowa’s 99 counties served — reaching nearly … Continue reading APEX at CIRAS: Year in Review

DBE Certification Update: All Firms Affected by Federal Rule Change

• gmallen

The recent federal changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program have created significant uncertainty for firms seeking certification or renewal. With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) becoming effective on October 3, 2025, the national DBE certification process has entered a temporary holding pattern. Importantly, this pause applies to all DBE … Continue reading DBE Certification Update: All Firms Affected by Federal Rule Change

Concrete, Cookies, and a Dash of Holiday Fruitcake

• gmallen

As the holiday season arrives, many of us start thinking about familiar winter flavors — cookies, cocoa, maybe even the occasional fruitcake. And while concrete might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture festive treats, a few creative industry colleagues recently reminded us that construction materials and holiday goodies have … Continue reading Concrete, Cookies, and a Dash of Holiday Fruitcake

Gregory Welding Strengthens DoD Contracting Capabilities with CIRAS APEX Accelerator Support

• mworley

Gregory Welding, a family-owned metal fabrication company in Sidney, Iowa, has expanded its ability to work with the Department of Defense thanks to guidance from the CIRAS APEX Accelerator. With support navigating new requirements and federal systems, the company is now confidently pursuing and winning defense contracting opportunities. Company Overview Gregory Welding is a family-owned … Continue reading Gregory Welding Strengthens DoD Contracting Capabilities with CIRAS APEX Accelerator Support

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