Iowa companies looking to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their current and future workforce now have a valuable tool offered by CIRAS. The Job Quality Assessment online self-assessment enables companies to identify their strengths and opportunities. Using the assessment results, companies can work with CIRAS advisors to develop effective workforce strategies that improve … Continue reading Online Assessment Supports Workforce Attraction and Retention
Year: 2024
Revolutionizing Custom Quartz Designs with CIRAS Expertise
David and Aaron Bush wanted to take their custom quartz countertop designs to the next level, but as Aaron noted, “We didn’t even know what questions to ask to get started.” The father-son duo, along with founder Pat Malloy, own Quartz Impressions, an Iowa-based company that stands out as a leading source in the country … Continue reading Revolutionizing Custom Quartz Designs with CIRAS Expertise
APEX: Your First Call for Government Contracting Support
The general manager of an Iowa cleaning company was ready to throw in the towel on government work until someone suggested connecting with CIRAS. “I was passed from person to person and organization to organization until someone finally mentioned CIRAS,” said Brent Hugen of Absolute Cleaning Systems. “I decided I’d make one more call, and … Continue reading APEX: Your First Call for Government Contracting Support
How the CIRAS-Ivy Partnership Impacts Iowa Companies
CIRAS routinely connects Iowa companies with technical and business capabilities at Iowa State University, including faculty, research laboratories, and students. One example is the highly collaborative relationship between CIRAS and Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business. Both focus on similar business interests, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, human resources, marketing, and international … Continue reading How the CIRAS-Ivy Partnership Impacts Iowa Companies
Changing the trajectories of Iowa manufacturers
Step into the Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy and it isn’t long before Chris Hill is unpacking an exoskeleton.This model, he explains, straps on like a backpack and with pulleys, cables and levers helps workers lift their arms with 8 pounds of offsetting support. Think about that if your job involves repetitive arm … Continue reading Changing the trajectories of Iowa manufacturers
Manufacturing 4.0 Funding: New Opportunity for Iowa Companies
CIRAS and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in partnership with the 4.0 Manufacturing Group and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), recently hosted a webinar led by Amy Lask, vice president of Business and Community Solutions at NICC. The webinar highlighted the upcoming Manufacturing 4.0 funding set to open in early 2025. The grant will … Continue reading Manufacturing 4.0 Funding: New Opportunity for Iowa Companies
CIRAS Staff News: Meet Heath Reimers
Heath brings over 20 years of industry experience across several sectors, including specialty steel and off-road equipment manufacturing. His areas of expertise include design, process specification control, CAD/CAM design, and prototyping. Heath is also skilled in implementing process improvements, optimizing tooling, and adopting digital solutions to enhance production efficiency. Heath joins CIRAS from John Deere, … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Heath Reimers
CIRAS Staff News: Meet Jordan Joynt
Jordan Joynt joined CIRAS as a Marketing Project Manager with the Business Team. Jordan brings a robust skill set to CIRAS, with expertise in digital marketing, marketing strategy, content development, and print marketing. His experience includes creating and executing effective marketing plans, enhancing brand visibility through targeted campaigns, and crafting compelling content across various platforms. … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Jordan Joynt
Emily Betz Takes on Expanded Role with the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC)
We are excited to announce that Emily Betz has been appointed Assistant Director of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) and Process Improvement Project Manager. In this role, she will assume expanded leadership responsibilities, guiding the strategic direction of the ILC. Tracy Schuster, Executive Director of the ILC, shared, “Emily’s new role accurately reflects her leadership … Continue reading Emily Betz Takes on Expanded Role with the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC)
Q & A with Jake Behrens
Q & A with Jake Behrens Role: Engineering Team Lead and Project Manager Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I have two roles within CIRAS: Engineering Team Lead and Project Manager. Our team is fantastic and I’m lucky to have them and … Continue reading Q & A with Jake Behrens