A growing number of employees prioritize supportive work environments equipped with the right tools for safe performance. Category 5 of the Baldrige Excellence Framework® highlights this trend, revealing a shift in employee preferences that, combined with Iowa’s population demographics, presents both challenges and opportunities for companies. To attract and retain employees, especially those beyond the … Continue reading Innovative Work Aids Reduce Physical Strain on Employees
Author: jmearp
Elevating Quality and Supply Chain Resilience
As Puck Custom Enterprises, a Manning-based manufacturer of liquid transfer equipment, continues to grow, they need to ensure their business practices continue to meet their needs. Recently, this meant upgrading their quality systems and their approaches to managing their supply chain. “We are always striving to produce a higher quality product, and after being in … Continue reading Elevating Quality and Supply Chain Resilience
Online Assessment Supports Workforce Attraction and Retention
Iowa companies looking to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their current and future workforce now have a valuable tool offered by CIRAS. The Job Quality Assessment online self-assessment enables companies to identify their strengths and opportunities. Using the assessment results, companies can work with CIRAS advisors to develop effective workforce strategies that improve … Continue reading Online Assessment Supports Workforce Attraction and Retention
Revolutionizing Custom Quartz Designs with CIRAS Expertise
David and Aaron Bush wanted to take their custom quartz countertop designs to the next level, but as Aaron noted, “We didn’t even know what questions to ask to get started.” The father-son duo, along with founder Pat Malloy, own Quartz Impressions, an Iowa-based company that stands out as a leading source in the country … Continue reading Revolutionizing Custom Quartz Designs with CIRAS Expertise
APEX: Your First Call for Government Contracting Support
The general manager of an Iowa cleaning company was ready to throw in the towel on government work until someone suggested connecting with CIRAS. “I was passed from person to person and organization to organization until someone finally mentioned CIRAS,” said Brent Hugen of Absolute Cleaning Systems. “I decided I’d make one more call, and … Continue reading APEX: Your First Call for Government Contracting Support
How the CIRAS-Ivy Partnership Impacts Iowa Companies
CIRAS routinely connects Iowa companies with technical and business capabilities at Iowa State University, including faculty, research laboratories, and students. One example is the highly collaborative relationship between CIRAS and Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business. Both focus on similar business interests, including business analytics, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, human resources, marketing, and international … Continue reading How the CIRAS-Ivy Partnership Impacts Iowa Companies
Manufacturing 4.0 Funding: New Opportunity for Iowa Companies
CIRAS and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), in partnership with the 4.0 Manufacturing Group and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), recently hosted a webinar led by Amy Lask, vice president of Business and Community Solutions at NICC. The webinar highlighted the upcoming Manufacturing 4.0 funding set to open in early 2025. The grant will … Continue reading Manufacturing 4.0 Funding: New Opportunity for Iowa Companies
CIRAS Staff News: Meet Heath Reimers
Heath brings over 20 years of industry experience across several sectors, including specialty steel and off-road equipment manufacturing. His areas of expertise include design, process specification control, CAD/CAM design, and prototyping. Heath is also skilled in implementing process improvements, optimizing tooling, and adopting digital solutions to enhance production efficiency. Heath joins CIRAS from John Deere, … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Heath Reimers
CIRAS Staff News: Meet Jordan Joynt
Jordan Joynt joined CIRAS as a Marketing Project Manager with the Business Team. Jordan brings a robust skill set to CIRAS, with expertise in digital marketing, marketing strategy, content development, and print marketing. His experience includes creating and executing effective marketing plans, enhancing brand visibility through targeted campaigns, and crafting compelling content across various platforms. … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Jordan Joynt
Empowering Leadership in Manufacturing: An Insightful Q&A with Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group
Leadership is a critical component of success in the manufacturing industry. In this Q&A, we speak with Mike Wagner of the White Rabbit Group, an expert in leadership development, who shares practical insights and strategies to help companies cultivate effective leaders and improve their overall performance. Q: Can you tell me about your background and … Continue reading Empowering Leadership in Manufacturing: An Insightful Q&A with Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group