Year: 2023

Q and A: Is “Made in America” back?

Content was generated for: the Iowa Association of Business and Industry | Manufacturing packs punch in Iowa’s economy In 2020, the pandemic’s strain on supply chains served as a wake-up call to Americans, highlighting our dependence on imported products and an intricate web of global logistics. Public support for manufacturing noticeably shifted. Businesses across the country also … Continue reading Q and A: Is “Made in America” back?

Are You Ready to Learn and Improve? Register Today for the ILC Annual Conference

 Are you eager to find inspiration and keen to explore techniques to drive continuous improvement and growth for you and your company? If so, we invite you to secure your spot for the 2023 Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference on October 26 at the Meadows Conference Center in Altoona.  This event will unite hundreds … Continue reading Are You Ready to Learn and Improve? Register Today for the ILC Annual Conference

2023 Annual MFG Day

On October 6, 2023, and throughout the month, manufacturers, community colleges, and universities will warmly welcome young talents to explore diverse and promising careers in manufacturing to celebrate Manufacturing Day (MFG).   While the challenges in the supply chain are gradually improving, the workforce in the industry remains a significant concern. MFG Day is not just … Continue reading 2023 Annual MFG Day

Becoming Even More Competitive

Kirkland “Bubba” Davidson credits DBE certification with helping him better compete for subcontracting work. Kirkland “Bubba” Davidson, owner of the Des Moines-based Dirty 30 Trucking & Excavating, built his company from the ground up, relying mostly on his own skills and research. He was successful in securing independent contracts as well as subcontracting jobs, both … Continue reading Becoming Even More Competitive

Did You Know: Training Offered for the New Regulatory Adjustments on the Davis-Bacon Regulations Act

The Department of Labor’s recently published final rule updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations – the first comprehensive Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) regulatory review – in nearly 40 years. Originating in 1931, the DBRA mandates that laborers and mechanics receive prevailing wages and fringe benefits when engaged in federally funded contracts exceeding $2,000. … Continue reading Did You Know: Training Offered for the New Regulatory Adjustments on the Davis-Bacon Regulations Act

Investing in Iowa’s Supply Chain Resilience: CIRAS Receives Funding to Expand Supply Chain Services

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce, has recently granted approximately $400,000 to each of its MEP National Network™ (MEPNN) Centers across the United States and Puerto Rico. CIRAS, Iowa’s MEP center, was awarded the funding to help build … Continue reading Investing in Iowa’s Supply Chain Resilience: CIRAS Receives Funding to Expand Supply Chain Services