A trusted partner helping meat processors grow, provide quality products

HOLSTEIN, Iowa – Jordan Bremer flips through pages of hand-written notes documenting the many flavor combinations she’s tested over the years at Tiefenthaler Quality Meats, pausing on a page of one of her award-winning creations. “This one, I did a nacho patty, and it was my grand champion innovative beef in 2018,” she said. “That … Continue reading A trusted partner helping meat processors grow, provide quality products

Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Calculating Small Business Status

Qualifying as a small business for purposes of federal government contracting requires a contractor to compare its average annual receipts or average employee count to the size standard associated with a particular North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. For contractors in the construction and service industries, which generally use receipts-based size standards, there are … Continue reading Avoiding Common Misconceptions About Calculating Small Business Status

Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – April 3 Update

Tariff shifts continue to impact Iowa companies, making it more important than ever to stay proactive in managing risks and adapting your supply chain strategy. CIRAS is committed to keeping you informed and providing actionable insights to help your business stay resilient. Join Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he breaks down the latest … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – April 3 Update

Road Construction Safety Tips for DBE Businesses

Now that the season for road construction has begun, safety is essential. Road construction projects are vital for infrastructure development but come with significant risks. For small Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), prioritizing safety not only protects workers but also helps prevent costly delays and ensures compliance. Here are key safety measures tailored for small DBEs: … Continue reading Road Construction Safety Tips for DBE Businesses

Building Strong Partnerships With Prime Contractors: Key Strategies for DBEs

Forming strong partnerships with prime contractors and other businesses is vital for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to secure contracts, expand capabilities, and enhance credibility. Success relies on strategy, persistence, and effective communication. Below are six recommended strategies DBEs should consider applying to position themselves as trustworthy partners and achieve sustainable business growth: Understand Prime Contractor … Continue reading Building Strong Partnerships With Prime Contractors: Key Strategies for DBEs

DBEs Expanding Opportunities: Getting Certified in Another State

For Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) aiming to broaden their opportunities, obtaining certification in another state can lead to new contracts and substantial business growth. Before pursuing interstate certification, a DBE must first secure certification in its home state. Although each state has its own specific requirements, the general steps for obtaining interstate certification typically include: … Continue reading DBEs Expanding Opportunities: Getting Certified in Another State

Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – March 14 Update

Tariff shifts continue to impact Iowa companies, requiring businesses to stay proactive in managing risks and adapting their supply chains. CIRAS is committed to keeping you informed and providing actionable strategies to help your business remain resilient. Join Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he shares the latest insights on: Recent tariff updates and potential future … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – March 14 Update

Q&A with Jason Armstrong

Jason Armstrong, CIRAS Strategic Advisor Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. As a primary point of contact for companies, I help identify areas for improvement and coordinate with the appropriate CIRAS team members to implement initiatives that drive growth and success. Q: … Continue reading Q&A with Jason Armstrong

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