A key part of the workforce solution for Iowa businesses is building a pipeline of talent. Taking that first step can be overwhelming for small businesses. “Companies recognize that engaging with high school students can help build a future workforce, but most lack a focused strategy on how to effectively reach younger people,” said Mayra … Continue reading Building The Workforce of The Future
Year: 2023
CIRAS Marks 60 Years of Service
This year the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) celebrates its 60th anniversary. The Board of Regents and Iowa legislature established CIRAS in 1963 to counsel industry on special problems, advise on appropriate procedures for growth, and conduct research and testing programs where necessary. In the last 10 years alone, CIRAS has had a … Continue reading CIRAS Marks 60 Years of Service
ALMACO Preserves Heritage with Advanced Technologies
Sometimes it takes the latest technology to restore some of the oldest things. CIRAS recently partnered with ALMACO in Nevada to recreate ornate metalwork on Nevada’s Briggs Terrace-Evergreen Lane house, which was built in 1879 and is on the National Historic Register. During the 2020 derecho, a tree fell into the front porch, damaging its … Continue reading ALMACO Preserves Heritage with Advanced Technologies
Climbing the Government Contract Ladder
ePATHUSA, an Iowa software consulting and staff augmentation firm, has achieved remarkable success as a federal contractor, securing the 2023 National Small Woman-Owned Business of the Year award from the National 8(a) Association and HUBZone Contractors National Council. They are now well positioned to pursue contracts with the Department of Defense. Graduating from their … Continue reading Climbing the Government Contract Ladder
Networking Helps Cedar Ridge Solve Equipment Needs
Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery had a problem: its packaging equipment was inefficient, took up too much space, and required too many people to operate. Replacing the outdated machinery would cost more than $150,000. Murphy Quint, head distiller and chief of operations at Cedar Ridge, knew the Iowa Economic Development Authority had a program to … Continue reading Networking Helps Cedar Ridge Solve Equipment Needs
SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
Are you a small business that needs some practical guidance in the government contracting space, from a company that’s experienced in the Federal market? If so, and you know a large Prime contractor that could be a good partner, then the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé (MPP) program might be perfect for you! First of all, why would … Continue reading SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program
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
O’Donnell Is New CIRAS Director
Mike O’Donnell is the new director of CIRAS. O’Donnell has been part of the CIRAS team since 2008. For the past decade, he has led the CIRAS Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program, a private-public partnership focused on equipping small and medium-sized manufacturers with the essential tools and resources for achieving success. O’Donnell also led efforts … Continue reading O’Donnell Is New CIRAS Director
Kentucky Lean Tour Worth the Wait
After multiple pandemic-related delays, several members of the CIRAS Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) finally made it to Kentucky, and by all accounts the trip was worth the wait. “It was a very well-rounded experience with classroom training, tours, and social and networking time,” said Ryan Swartz, vice president of operations at Medical Solutions. “I’ve been … Continue reading Kentucky Lean Tour Worth the Wait
Businesses Connect at Matchmaking Events
Companies use CIRAS matchmaking events to help secure government contracting work, connect with subcontractors, and meet potential suppliers. “Getting in front of a large manufacturer can be difficult for smaller companies, and sifting through thousands of company profiles for a subcontractor can be daunting for original equipment manufacturers,” said Melissa Burant, CIRAS project manager. “Our … Continue reading Businesses Connect at Matchmaking Events