Month: January 2023

CIRAS Looks Forward to 2023

It’s been a wild and wooly economy the past three years, but CIRAS is looking forward to the upcoming year with new ways to help Iowa businesses manage oncoming challenges. “2023 is going to be a year where we learn a lot about where the economy and industry is going in the next three to … Continue reading CIRAS Looks Forward to 2023

CIRAS Strategic Advisor named one of Corridor Business Journal’s 250 Most Influential Business Leaders

Rachel Hahn, CIRAS Strategic Advisor, is named one of Corridor Business Journal’s 250 Most Influential Business Leaders. This annual publication is an exhaustive year-long research initiative by the newsroom of the Corridor Business Journal, delivering a personal, engaging look at the region’s most influential business leaders across major industries. From the publication:  Illinois native Rachel … Continue reading CIRAS Strategic Advisor named one of Corridor Business Journal’s 250 Most Influential Business Leaders

Staff Update: Meet Ty Hill

Ty Hill has joined CIRAS as a Project Manager on the Industry 4.0 team. Ty received his Master of Engineering (Systems Engineering) from Iowa State University. He has over 20 years of engineering experience across numerous manufacturing processes, including automation, process improvement, quality, and safety. In this role, Ty will help companies make significant impacts … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Ty Hill

Staff Update: Meet Pamela Lane

Pamela Lane joined CIRAS as a Project Manager on the workforce team. Pam is a certified Human Resources professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in management communications & human resources. Her experience includes HR leadership positions in manufacturing, specializing in strategy, recruitment, and employee relations. Pam’s role will include supporting Iowa businesses with workforce-related … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Pamela Lane

APEX Accelerator: A New Name for PTACs

The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), formerly managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, changed hands on October 1, 2022, and is now under the direction of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).  The PTAP program was authorized by Congress in 1985 to expand the number of businesses capable of participating … Continue reading APEX Accelerator: A New Name for PTACs

Watching Iowa’s Economy: January 2023

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the second consecutive month. Most measures indicate a general slowing; however, employment grew in December. Mid-American Index Midwest manufacturing … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: January 2023