Author: gmallen

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

Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Avenues for Innovation in Government Markets

If you have an innovative product or service, several avenues exist to help grow and expand your innovation into the government and other markets.  Some avenues are more appropriate for fully developed technologies, while others are better suited for technologies under development.  Some offer funding assistance, while others help you bypass the red tape involved … Continue reading Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Avenues for Innovation in Government Markets

2024 Year in Preview

At CIRAS, we take pride in being ready to help you solve your toughest problems. As we enter 2024, we’re excited to build on our foundation with a range of initiatives designed to support your growth and success, fostering collaboration, promoting informed technology adoption, and maximizing access to world-class expertise. Building a Smarter Construction Industry: … Continue reading 2024 Year in Preview

Our Approach to ArtificiaI Intelligence at CIRAS

Progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) was probably the number one topic in the business world in 2023. As we move into 2024, the big question seems to be: now what? CIRAS is approaching AI just like all other technologies: as an enabler of solutions. We help Iowa industry solve your toughest challenges, applying technology when … Continue reading Our Approach to ArtificiaI Intelligence at CIRAS

Iowa DOT Training Opportunities and CIT Funding for Contractors

Amidst a period where projects may have experienced a slowdown, it is opportune to explore the training opportunities provided by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). The Iowa DOT Technical Training and Certification Program offers a variety of training formats, accommodating both in-person and virtual sessions. Construction in Training (CIT) funding is available for DBE … Continue reading Iowa DOT Training Opportunities and CIT Funding for Contractors

Steps for Reimbursement from CIT funding

Submit the “CIT Funds Pre-Approval Request Form” to Danny Wagener, Iowa DOT Compliance Officer: Wagener@iowadot.us It MUST be pre-approved to obtain CIT Funds reimbursement. Note: Any changes to the date, type of training, and/or cost of an already pre-approved, then needs to be re-communicated and pre-approved with the DOT staff administering the CIT Program prior … Continue reading Steps for Reimbursement from CIT funding

CIRAS Secures 5-Year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa Construction Sector 

The U.S. Department of Economic Administration has chosen CIRAS to continue its role in the national University Center program. This designation, along with a five-year grant, will provide CIRAS with the resources needed to enhance its support for the construction industry in Iowa.  As part of the new initiative, CIRAS will undertake four specific activities: … Continue reading CIRAS Secures 5-Year EDA Grant to Benefit Iowa Construction Sector