Q&A with Ally Kuehl Role: Business Administrator Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. My role at CIRAS is on the operational wing and is split into three parts revolving around Finance, Reporting, and Third-Party Resources. My goal is to assist … Continue reading Q&A with Ally Kuehl
Author: micapaul
Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success in Compliance
The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, a key part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law on November 15, 2021, stipulates domestic preference for materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects. Understanding the BABA Act BABA requires that all the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure … Continue reading Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success in Compliance
Mental Health in Construction: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Wellbeing
The construction industry is no stranger to safety challenges, but the conversation around worker well-being must go beyond physical hazards. Mental health is crucial in overall safety, productivity, and job satisfaction. Stress, fatigue, substance use, and the high-pressure nature of construction work can contribute to serious mental health concerns, including an increased risk of suicide. … Continue reading Mental Health in Construction: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Wellbeing
Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – Updates Since February 4
Navigate Tariff Changes with Confidence – February 13 Update Tariff changes can create uncertainty for Iowa companies, but there’s no need to panic—there are steps you can take to manage these changes. CIRAS is here to help. Learn from Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he breaks down how tariff shifts could affect your … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – Updates Since February 4
Preparing for Tariff Impacts on your Supply Chain – Gain Insights from CIRAS.
Tariff changes can create uncertainty for Iowa companies, but there’s no need to panic—there are steps you can take to manage these changes. CIRAS is here to help. Learn from Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he breaks down how tariff shifts could affect your business and what you can do to adapt. Rather … Continue reading Preparing for Tariff Impacts on your Supply Chain – Gain Insights from CIRAS.
Supporting Iowa’s Meat Processing Industry: Choose Iowa Butchery, Innovation, and Revitalization Grant Program
The Choose Iowa Butchery, Innovation, and Revitalization Grant Program, managed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), offers up to $100,000 in grants to support the enhancement of Iowa’s meat processing industry. Designed to promote growth and innovation, this program requires businesses to provide a one-to-one financial match and meet strict eligibility … Continue reading Supporting Iowa’s Meat Processing Industry: Choose Iowa Butchery, Innovation, and Revitalization Grant Program
Cybersecurity Essentials for Government Contractors: Understanding CMMC Requirements
In today’s digital world, companies face escalating challenges in protecting sensitive information. One critical tool for managing this responsibility is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a framework that ensures adherence to essential cybersecurity practices. What is the CMMC? The CMMC is a framework that was developed to assess and verify that companies in the … Continue reading Cybersecurity Essentials for Government Contractors: Understanding CMMC Requirements
Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo: A Catalyst for Growth and Government Collaboration
The second annual Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo, held in Ames on August 6, was a major success for Iowa’s small business community. Supported by Senator Joni Ernst, CIRAS APEX Accelerator, and America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the event connected local entrepreneurs with government contracting opportunities and federal innovation programs. Jodi Essex, CIRAS APEX Accelerator … Continue reading Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo: A Catalyst for Growth and Government Collaboration
Launching a New Meat Market That’s a Cut Above
The northwest Iowa town of Sioux Center welcomed a flavorful addition in December with the opening of Member’s Cut, a specialty retail meat market featuring premium cuts of pork and beef raised by local producers. Farmers Cooperative Society (FCS) opened the new store after working closely with CIRAS to determine if this new distribution channel … Continue reading Launching a New Meat Market That’s a Cut Above
ILC Membership Renewal
It’s time to renew your organization’s commitment to excellence with the Iowa Lean Consortium! Here’s why you should renew your membership: Exclusive Access and Reduced Event Fees: Gain entry to members-only events, workshops, and webinars. Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and peers to share insights, challenges, and best practices. Resources and Tools: Use our … Continue reading ILC Membership Renewal