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
Author: eknudsen
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
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
Recruiting More Women into Manufacturing
Women make up nearly half of the working population, but they remain underrepresented in manufacturing. According to recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women account for more than 57% of the overall workforce but only about 29% of the manufacturing workforce, a statistic that’s been largely unchanged for years. Addressing this gender disparity can benefit … Continue reading Recruiting More Women into Manufacturing
Bringing Marketing In House
Jennifer Eden stepped into the marketing role at Original Saw knowing one thing for certain: she needed some help. Years spent as an elementary school teacher, stay-home mom, and a sort of “jack-of-all trades” at the company had prepared her for many things—but not for marketing. “I didn’t have any marketing experience and neither did … Continue reading Bringing Marketing In House
Capstone Projects Help with Innovation
Bob Recker has a complicated business challenge and Iowa State capstone students are helping him solve it, bit by bit. Recker owns Cedar Valley Innovation (CVI) in Waterloo, which works with farmers to create planting configurations for maximum profitability and optimal soil and water quality. He travels to fields in a specially outfitted trailer, which … Continue reading Capstone Projects Help with Innovation
Partnership with APEX Pays Off
Bryan Christopherson, Midwest regional manager at Floodproofing.com, attended the 2022 Small Business Industry Day at Rock Island Arsenal hoping to learn more about doing business with the federal government. It didn’t take him long to connect with Julie Fagle, a government contracting specialist with CIRAS. With her guidance, Floodproofing.com was eventually awarded a $236,000 … Continue reading Partnership with APEX Pays Off