Artificial intelligence isn’t just the future—it’s today’s competitive edge. Across industries, businesses are reimagining how they work, make decisions, and deliver value through AI. Yet for many Iowa companies, the first question isn’t what to do with AI—it’s where to start. That’s where CIRAS comes in. Executive AI Strategy, a new service designed to help … Continue reading Executive AI Strategy Turns Potential into Performance
Author: mworley
Collaboration Cohort Equips HR Leaders to Drive Results
When Iowa manufacturers reported workforce challenges as a top concern in the most recent CIRAS Manufacturing Needs Assessment, one theme stood out: Companies need human resource professionals who are not just administrators but leaders. Yet for many manufacturers, HR staff is often a one-person team, with few opportunities to connect, share, and learn. To address … Continue reading Collaboration Cohort Equips HR Leaders to Drive Results
Navigating Supply Chain and Tariff Challenges
CIRAS continues to help Iowa companies manage ongoing supply chain disruptions and navigate the challenges of changing tariffs. Through a growing library of webinars and resources, now totaling 11 sessions with more than 1,000 views, manufacturers have access to timely and easy-to-understand guidance. This work is part of the CIRAS “Managing your supply chain during … Continue reading Navigating Supply Chain and Tariff Challenges
Leveraging Market Insights to Guide Strategic Pricing
When Molded Products, located in Harlan, began planning the launch of a new medical device, company leaders knew pricing would be critical to success. The product, developed through significant R&D investment, was expected to replace a legacy offering and compete directly with other devices on the market. To guide its strategy, Molded Products contacted its … Continue reading Leveraging Market Insights to Guide Strategic Pricing
CIRAS Helps Two Companies Unlock the Value of Fertilizer Byproducts
What if waste wasn’t waste at all? That question led two Iowa companies—Ajinomoto and Valent BioSciences—to partner with Iowa State University to test whether industrial byproducts from their manufacturing operations could serve as effective alternatives to commercial fertilizers. Through the CIRAS Technology Assistance Program (TAP), CIRAS co-invested state appropriations with the companies to collaborate with … Continue reading CIRAS Helps Two Companies Unlock the Value of Fertilizer Byproducts
Director’s Update: Looking at 2026 and Beyond
The pace of disruption in industry hasn’t slowed. Global trade structures are being challenged on multiple fronts as digital technologies and artificial intelligence rapidly mature. Leaders are challenged like never before. Not because they don’t have ideas, but because every decision now carries more trade-offs. Increasingly, the real need isn’t an answer, but a partner … Continue reading Director’s Update: Looking at 2026 and Beyond
Country Maid Boosts Leadership Alignment and Production Efficiency with Help from CIRAS
For more than 30 years, Country Maid has embodied Iowa’s entrepreneurial spirit, from Ken and Marlene Banwart’s family basement operation in West Bend, IA to a modern facility with 125 employees distributing frozen pastries and cake rolls nationwide, the company has remained grounded in its mission: Helping Others Help Each Other. When production efficiency began … Continue reading Country Maid Boosts Leadership Alignment and Production Efficiency with Help from CIRAS
Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting
Through a CIRAS supplier scouting project conducted for Blue-9, Lomont Molding gained new business after being identified and selected as a plastics manufacturing partner. The project highlights how CIRAS connects Iowa companies using data-driven insight and internal collaboration to strengthen local supply chains. Company Overview Lomont Molding LLC, based in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a … Continue reading Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting
Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive
Each year, CIRAS connects Iowa companies with bright, motivated students ready to tackle real-world challenges. For interns, it is a chance to apply classroom learning to make a tangible impact. For CIRAS and its clients, it is an opportunity to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline while advancing projects that help companies grow and succeed. This year’s … Continue reading Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive
Insta-Pro International Strengthens Quality Systems to Support Growth
As Insta-Pro International continued to grow its supplier base, the company partnered with CIRAS to implement a structured quality management system that improved internal processes, strengthened supplier communication, and saved an estimated $190,000. Company Overview Location: Polk County, lowa Founded: 1969 Employees: 45 Primary Products: Grain and bean processing equipment, extruders, oil processors, coolers, and … Continue reading Insta-Pro International Strengthens Quality Systems to Support Growth