In a business environment where adoption of technology is increasingly important—but also increasingly overwhelming—CIRAS is helping Iowa businesses identify the best systems and reduce the risk of adopting those systems. A case in point is Osmundson Manufacturing in Perry. Osmundson makes agricultural tillage equipment. It is a constant challenge to prevent soft-tissue injuries and the … Continue reading Technology Solves Workforce Challenges
Year: 2023
Connections Cultivate Value-Based Actions
Cruise down 350th Street in Osage and eventually you will drive past an eye-catching swath of land vibrant with wildflowers and butterflies. This 34-acre spread is the Jiri-Rita Prairie Park, which was developed by Valent BioSciences with support from CIRAS. The park symbolizes the value of connections: an Iowa company’s connection to its corporate values; … Continue reading Connections Cultivate Value-Based Actions
Team Effort Yields Big Savings
Lakeside Products has seen a substantial drop in the cost of producing door flaps for its pet doors despite the ever-increasing cost of raw materials. The savings is the result of a team effort involving the company, their mold supplier, and CIRAS. “Our injection molding partner has had some challenges with the quality of a … Continue reading Team Effort Yields Big Savings
Broadening Intern Applicant Pool Results in a Big Win for JEDA
Out-of-the-box thinking prompted by CIRAS helped a northeast Iowa manufacturer significantly increase interest in its intern program. JEDA Polymers, a Dyersville company that makes engineered resins, went from a few intern applicants to more than a dozen after the CIRAS workforce services team assisted the company with refining its recruiting process. CIRAS helped JEDA develop … Continue reading Broadening Intern Applicant Pool Results in a Big Win for JEDA
Solar Cell Manufacturer Turns to Iowa State Students for Bright Ideas
In the world of technology research and development, it’s all about gathering the best and brightest ideas and then synthesizing them so a product can take the next step forward. That’s why PowerFilm Solar turned to CIRAS. PowerFilm designs and manufactures custom solar modules and power solutions—including lightweight, flexible, waterproof solar-powered battery chargers. They’re used … Continue reading Solar Cell Manufacturer Turns to Iowa State Students for Bright Ideas
Digital Authenticity: How True Workplace Excellence Meets Online Marketing
In today’s competitive business landscape, attracting top talent is as crucial as attracting customers. For small and medium businesses, this can be a real challenge. So how do you make your company the top pick for job seekers? Before diving into digital strategies, it’s essential to understand one fundamental principle: authenticity is key. If your … Continue reading Digital Authenticity: How True Workplace Excellence Meets Online Marketing
ILC Conference: Growing and Giving Back
Interest in the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) annual conference is stronger than ever. Three hundred people from 97 organizations attended this year’s event held October 25 and 26 in Altoona. Organizers credit the event’s success to knowledgeable keynote and breakout speakers who delivered actionable insights. “It was a privilege to bring people together who are … Continue reading ILC Conference: Growing and Giving Back
Ready for Government Work
A small central Iowa agency specializing in marketing, advertising, and website development has taken a big step toward bidding on government contracting work thanks to its relationship with CIRAS. Andi Fagen, president and creative director of Creative DSM in Des Moines, met Kelly Freel at the Central Iowa Business Conference earlier this year. During a … Continue reading Ready for Government Work
CIRAS Staff News
Ben Drescher joined CIRAS as a Food and Feed Quality and Safety project manager. Ben Drescher recently joined CIRAS as a Food and Feed Quality and Safety project manager, contributing to implementing food quality and safety practices in Iowa’s agriculture and manufacturing sectors as part of the CIRAS partnership with ISU Extension’s Grain Quality Initiative. … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News
CIRAS Secures Five-year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa’s Construction Industry
The U.S. Department of Economic Administration has chosen CIRAS to continue its role in the National University Center program. This designation, along with a five-year grant, will provide CIRAS with the resources needed to enhance its support for the construction industry in Iowa. As part of the new initiative, CIRAS will undertake four specific activities: … Continue reading CIRAS Secures Five-year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa’s Construction Industry