Author: gmallen

2024 Innovation at Work: Industry engagement supports local economies

By Angie Hunt, News Service Lunch break is ending and the rhythms of the manufacturing floor at Stellar Industries begin to pick up as forklifts deliver materials from one point of assembly to the next and welding sparks illuminate the frames of service truck bodies. The individual rhythms are distinct and yet flow together in a … Continue reading 2024 Innovation at Work: Industry engagement supports local economies

New Opportunity for ILC Members

We are excited to announce a new collaborative opportunity for ILC members. Starting July 1, 2024, CIRAS will assume the mission of the Iowa Sustainable Business Forum (ISBF). This integration will provide ILC members access to enhanced sustainability and process improvement programs; we believe continuous improvement and sustainability are inherently interconnected and complement each other … Continue reading New Opportunity for ILC Members

Join us for the 15th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium

The IA-IL Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) is hosting the 15th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium and Matchmaking event on May 21st and 22nd 2024 at Vibrant Arena in Moline, IL to give Defense Contractors working in our region valuable resources and opportunities in this field. Recent world events (State-sponsored Cyber-attacks, The … Continue reading Join us for the 15th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium

Building Bridges: Connecting Safety and Mental Health in Construction

Safety in the construction industry is a #1 priority; however, there is another safety issue that goes beyond physical protection and equipment — the importance of addressing mental health. Companies should consider a holistic safety program that considers the well-being of workers’ minds, bodies, and spirits. I will be exploring further resources and ideas to … Continue reading Building Bridges: Connecting Safety and Mental Health in Construction

Unlocking Government Contracting: Beyond DBE Set Asides

Are you contemplating exploring opportunities beyond those offered by the DBE set aside? If so, you might want to consider leveraging the support provided by organizations like APEX Accelerators. APEX Accelerators specialize in assisting small businesses in navigating government contracting across various levels – city, county, state, and federal. Their services come at no cost … Continue reading Unlocking Government Contracting: Beyond DBE Set Asides

Keep Your Certification Current: Iowa DBE Renewal Process Guidelines

This is a friendly reminder regarding the annual DBE certification renewal process. The annual eligibility review, mandated by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), is a crucial step to maintain your certification status. The anniversary month of your DBE certification prompts you to complete your renewal. To comply, fill out the form entitled “Affidavit of … Continue reading Keep Your Certification Current: Iowa DBE Renewal Process Guidelines

Get Involved with Rock Island Arsenal and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

By Troy Robbins, Deputy for Small Business Programs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rock Island Arsenal One of the Iowa APEX Accelerator’s best Federal friends is at Rock Island Arsenal in the Small Business office for the Army Corps of Engineers…Troy Robbins! Troy is a huge advocate for small businesses, regularly sends out updates … Continue reading Get Involved with Rock Island Arsenal and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Elevating Business Success through Cultural Transformation

The term ‘culture’ is used in different ways with many different interpretations. When it comes to a business and its workforce though, I prefer describing culture as the personality of a business. Just like people, those personalities have benefits and drawbacks. Energetic businesses are busy coming up with new innovative ideas, they are social, adventurous … Continue reading Elevating Business Success through Cultural Transformation

Mapping Your Supply Chains Helps Prioritize Risks, Actions

This blog was produced by Industry Week in partnership with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. View the original blog post here.  As a manufacturer you understand that supply chain disruptions happen all the time. What you don’t know is when or how they will impact your operation and business. But assessing your supply chain risks and implementing … Continue reading Mapping Your Supply Chains Helps Prioritize Risks, Actions

Manufacturing Internships Expand the Talent Pipeline

This blog was produced by the Manufacturing Innovation Blog Powered by the Manufacturing Extension Partnership. View the original blog post here.  Manufacturing internships are one of the most effective methods for building your company’s talent pipeline. In my role as project manager for workforce programs at Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS), I help manufacturers … Continue reading Manufacturing Internships Expand the Talent Pipeline