At a Glance Company: Country Maid, Inc. (West Bend, Iowa) Founded: 1991 Employees: 125 Impact: Implemented a phased improvement plan that increased production efficiency, and reduced downtime, resulting in stronger cross-departmental leadership alignment and a more resilient, growth-ready operation with an economic impact of $22,540,000.00. Overview: Country Maid partnered with CIRAS to improve leadership alignment … Continue reading Country Maid Boosts Leadership Alignment and Production Efficiency with Help from CIRAS
Year: 2026
Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting
Through a CIRAS supplier scouting project conducted for Blue-9, Lomont Molding gained new business after being identified and selected as a plastics manufacturing partner. The project highlights how CIRAS connects Iowa companies using data-driven insight and internal collaboration to strengthen local supply chains. Company Overview Lomont Molding LLC, based in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a … Continue reading Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting
Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive
Each year, CIRAS connects Iowa companies with bright, motivated students ready to tackle real-world challenges. For interns, it is a chance to apply classroom learning to make a tangible impact. For CIRAS and its clients, it is an opportunity to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline while advancing projects that help companies grow and succeed. This year’s … Continue reading Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive
DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa
In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule removing race- and sex-based presumptions from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a result, Iowa DOT was required to place previously certified DBE firms on hold while a new reevaluation process was developed. That transition period has now ended. As of … Continue reading DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa