Month: October 2024

Q&A with John Michel

Q&A with John Michel Role: Government Contracting Specialist Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I am referred to as a Government Contract Specialist, however, I feel counselor is more appropriate for what we do on the APEX Accelerator team. The reason … Continue reading Q&A with John Michel

Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program

The Iowa OSHA Consultation Program offers small – and medium-sized businesses top priority to use this no cost consultation service. The OSHA consultants can help employers reduce their injury and illness rates and help lower the workers’ compensation rates by assisting employers improve their safety and health management system. Most importantly though, Consultation can help … Continue reading Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program

Celebrating Mike Ralston’s Service to CIRAS

This month, CIRAS celebrated Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and long-standing member of the CIRAS Advisory Board, for his many years of dedicated service. Ralston’s leadership, commitment, and deep understanding of Iowa’s business landscape have played a pivotal role in ensuring that business leaders have the climate, connections, … Continue reading Celebrating Mike Ralston’s Service to CIRAS

CIRAS Staff News: Meet Dawn Ealy

Dawn Ealy joins CIRAS as the new Workforce Services Director. For the past 13 years, Dawn has worked in consulting, with the last four years dedicated to running her own consulting business. Within this practice, she specialized in systems design, process improvement, strategic planning facilitation, and delivering training in project management, process improvement, meeting facilitation, … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Dawn Ealy

How Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) Can Destroy Your Business 

Similar to cyber breaches, our foreign adversaries are trying to gain a competitive advantage by gaining inside access, control, or influence over U.S. businesses, and the damage they can cause to a business is devastating.  They may gain access through various means, such as through joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, obtaining board seats, or planting/targeting … Continue reading How Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) Can Destroy Your Business