The second annual Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo, held in Ames on August 6, was a major success for Iowa’s small business community. Supported by Senator Joni Ernst, CIRAS APEX Accelerator, and America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the event connected local entrepreneurs with government contracting opportunities and federal innovation programs. Jodi Essex, CIRAS APEX Accelerator … Continue reading Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo: A Catalyst for Growth and Government Collaboration
Year: 2025
Launching a New Meat Market That’s a Cut Above
The northwest Iowa town of Sioux Center welcomed a flavorful addition in December with the opening of Member’s Cut, a specialty retail meat market featuring premium cuts of pork and beef raised by local producers. Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) opened the new store after working closely with CIRAS to determine if this new distribution channel … Continue reading Launching a New Meat Market That’s a Cut Above
ILC Membership Renewal
It’s time to renew your organization’s commitment to excellence with the Iowa Lean Consortium! Here’s why you should renew your membership: Exclusive Access and Reduced Event Fees: Gain entry to members-only events, workshops, and webinars. Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and peers to share insights, challenges, and best practices. Resources and Tools: Use our … Continue reading ILC Membership Renewal
From Dream to Success: How Apex Helped A Family Business Thrive
For Sam and Karissa Hunt, working with the CIRAS APEX Accelerator program has been a family affair. Sam is the owner of Hunter Quality Contracting, a mulching, land-clearing, and timber maintenance company. He connected with Julie Fagle, an APEX government contracting specialist, three years ago for assistance. She proved to be so helpful that he … Continue reading From Dream to Success: How Apex Helped A Family Business Thrive
Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance
Sometimes, finding the best solution requires first identifying what isn’t the solution. That was the case at Paper Systems in Des Moines. Paper Systems manufactures liquid bulk packaging— cleverly designed bags enclosed in recyclable, disposable cardboard boxes, making the transport of nonhazardous liquids more convenient and economical. The company aimed to streamline the box-laminating process … Continue reading Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance
Iowa State Capstone Project Helps Manufacturer with Key Production Decision
Based in Peosta, Mi-T-M Corporation specializes in industrial equipment, including pressure washers, air compressors, and generators. Many parts go through a deburring process, which can cause production bottlenecks. Mi-T-M was considering purchasing an automatic deburring machine but needed assurance that it was the right financial move. They also wanted to know if it would help … Continue reading Iowa State Capstone Project Helps Manufacturer with Key Production Decision
Retaining Talent and Expanding Capabilities Collaboration for Workforce Excellence and Facility Innovation
For more than a decade, Walsh Door & Security has relied on CIRAS as a trusted partner, leveraging its expertise to enhance operations, improve employee retention, and design innovative solutions tailored to the company’s evolving needs. That has been Walsh Door & Security’s experience with CIRAS. They’ve found CIRAS to be an ideal one-stop shop, … Continue reading Retaining Talent and Expanding Capabilities Collaboration for Workforce Excellence and Facility Innovation
Mid-States Steel Overcomes Critical Equipment Failure with CIRAS Support
Attending a lab tour of the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy proved invaluable for Mid-States Steel Corporation when they faced a critical equipment issue. “It was a great use of our time,” said Duane Vander Weff, purchasing manager. “The tour exposed us to technologies we wouldn’t usually encounter, which proved crucial when … Continue reading Mid-States Steel Overcomes Critical Equipment Failure with CIRAS Support
ILC Annual Conference Delivers Continued Success
The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference remains Iowa’s premier event for continuous improvement professionals. Three hundred forty attendees from 96 organizations participated in this year’s event on October 24 in Altoona. Organizers attribute the event’s continued success to three key factors: engaging keynote speakers, breakout sessions led by national experts and local members, and … Continue reading ILC Annual Conference Delivers Continued Success
ExporTech: Building a Strategic Path for Export Success
For Iowa companies ready to expand internationally, having a strategic export plan is essential for effectively reaching new markets. CIRAS offers ExporTech, a structured 12- week program equipping companies with insights and resources to grow exports in a targeted, intentional way. ExporTech provides companies with a blueprint to enter or expand their presence in international … Continue reading ExporTech: Building a Strategic Path for Export Success