eNews Newswire Stories

Mental health awareness is gaining momentum, especially in construction, where high stress, long hours, and physical demands create significant challenges. Workers in this industry face unique pressures, including physically intense tasks, tight deadlines, rising costs, and dangerous conditions. This mix often leads to heightened stress, anxiety, burnout, decreased productivity, and compromised safety if left unaddressed.  … Continue reading Mental Health in Construction: Building a Resilient Workforce

One of the biggest questions that companies and organizations face is how to show more appreciation for employees. Most companies and organizations recognize the many benefits. Appreciation and gratitude have been associated with: Increased work engagement and better performance (Lee, Bradburn, Johnson, Lin, & Chang, 2019). Improved team creativity (Pillay, Park, Kim, & Lee, 2020). … Continue reading Gratitude in the Workplace

Q&A with Chris Thach Role: Information Technology Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I help everyone who interacts with companies be more efficient and accurate when accomplishing the tasks they need to do.  Q: What skills or experiences have prepared you … Continue reading Q&A with Chris Thach

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year again…the time of year to start thinking about refreshing your capabilities statement, of course! A capabilities statement is a one-page document that is completely focused on marketing your business to a government agency as a potential client. It neatly summarizes who you are, what products and/or services you … Continue reading Important Capabilities Statement Updates and Trends

One of our favorite times of the year is here! ‘Tis the season to remind everybody that there are awesome Iowa-made products to give as gifts! 1. Perfect for a winter home makeover! Custom quartz countertops from Quartz Impressions add elegance and durability, transforming any kitchen or bathroom. 2. Pamper your furry friends with a … Continue reading 9th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List

Q&A with John Michel Role: Government Contracting Specialist Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I am referred to as a Government Contract Specialist, however, I feel counselor is more appropriate for what we do on the APEX Accelerator team. The reason … Continue reading Q&A with John Michel

The Iowa OSHA Consultation Program offers small – and medium-sized businesses top priority to use this no cost consultation service. The OSHA consultants can help employers reduce their injury and illness rates and help lower the workers’ compensation rates by assisting employers improve their safety and health management system. Most importantly though, Consultation can help … Continue reading Iowa OSHA On-Site Consultation Program

This month, CIRAS celebrated Mike Ralston, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) and long-standing member of the CIRAS Advisory Board, for his many years of dedicated service. Ralston’s leadership, commitment, and deep understanding of Iowa’s business landscape have played a pivotal role in ensuring that business leaders have the climate, connections, … Continue reading Celebrating Mike Ralston’s Service to CIRAS

Dawn Ealy joins CIRAS as the new Workforce Services Director. For the past 13 years, Dawn has worked in consulting, with the last four years dedicated to running her own consulting business. Within this practice, she specialized in systems design, process improvement, strategic planning facilitation, and delivering training in project management, process improvement, meeting facilitation, … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Dawn Ealy

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

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

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

We are excited to announce that Emily Betz has been appointed Assistant Director of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) and Process Improvement Project Manager. In this role, she will assume expanded leadership responsibilities, guiding the strategic direction of the ILC. Tracy Schuster, Executive Director of the ILC, shared, “Emily’s new role accurately reflects her leadership … Continue reading Emily Betz Takes on Expanded Role with the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC)

Q & A with Jake Behrens  Role: Engineering Team Lead and Project Manager Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I have two roles within CIRAS: Engineering Team Lead and Project Manager. Our team is fantastic and I’m lucky to have them and … Continue reading Q & A with Jake Behrens

Q & A with John Roberts  Role: Industry Extension Specialist IV Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. My CIRAS job has evolved over the past 27 years. Working initially as a student doing AutoCAD to my current position of providing direct … Continue reading Q & A with John Roberts

As an industry already familiar with implementing advanced technology, Iowa’s manufacturing sector is one to watch as everything from robotic and automation technologies to solutions powered by artificial intelligence become more sophisticated and companies must decide where to invest resources.

Members of the CyLaunch team headed back to Huntsville, Alabama, in April for the NASA Student Launch Competition. There, the team showcased their skills and resilience. Their participation was marked by both triumphs and challenges, highlighting the intense nature of the competition.   CyLaunch is a student rocketry team at Iowa State University that designs … Continue reading CyLaunch Rockets to Success at NASA Student Launch

John Michel joined CIRAS as a Government Contracting Specialist with the APEX Accelerators, serving clients in Western Iowa. John brings over seven years of expertise in public procurement and contracting, specializing in various commodity areas, including scientific, medical (veterinary), construction, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations). In his past duties as a Senior Procurement Agent, … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet John Michel

In Iowa’s competitive job market, enhancing the leadership capabilities of a company’s management team is crucial for drawing and keeping the best manufacturing professionals. Local enterprises must maximize the productivity of their existing workforce. To aid in this endeavor, CIRAS has appointed Steve Wilson as a dedicated project manager, who will assist Iowa companies in … Continue reading Q & A with Steve Wilson

AMES, Iowa – For Cassandra Swacker, engineering is a way to help people. Majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in biomedical engineering at Iowa State University equipped Swacker with the skills to design and manufacture personalized utensils and devices for people with traumatic brain injuries. Her quest to help others through engineering began while she was in high school, … Continue reading ISU graduate’s engineering expertise helps patients recover from brain injuries

Drew Forster joined CIRAS as the Construction Industry Strategic Advisor. He brings extensive experience from his service in the U.S. Air Force’s Civil Engineering Squadron on foreign and domestic soil, owning a new home general contracting company, and as a project manager at a commercial construction company. With a PMP certification, an MBA, and a … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Drew Forster

CIRAS welcomed Ally Kuehl as a Business Administrator. With over a decade of experience in fiscal management and operations, including roles at Iowa State University Recreation Services and as an office manager at a dermatology clinic, Ally brought valuable expertise. She is skilled in third-party process management, financial management, and regulatory reporting. Ally has demonstrated … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Ally Kuehl

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

Q & A with Mary Zimmerman  Role: DBE Support Services Program Manager Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I work with small construction companies, listening to their unique challenges and goals. This enables me to connect them with tailored resources and … Continue reading Q & A with Mary Zimmerman

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

In the landscape of federal contracting, cybersecurity compliance has become a critical focus for companies aiming to secure and maintain contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. These cybersecurity requirements, particularly the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), can be daunting. However, understanding these requirements is crucial for companies seeking to … Continue reading Navigating Cybersecurity in Federal Contracting: Insights and Strategies

Due to an aging and limited workforce, Iowa’s small to medium-sized companies are experiencing the not-so-unique pain points of repetitive injuries, lower productivity caused by fatigue, decreased efficiency, and turnover. Exoskeletons are emerging as a significant advancement in workplace ergonomics, thus addressing these pain points. They offer a blend of human intelligence and robotic strength … Continue reading Empowering Workforces: The Transformative Potential of Exoskeletons in Industry

Q & A with Kira Kistner  Role: Manufacturing Research Strategist, External Services Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. In my role as a Manufacturing Research Strategist, I am responsible for connecting Iowa State University researchers and Iowa industry representatives in the … Continue reading Q & A with Kira Kistner

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

Steve Forbes joined CIRAS as a Process Improvement Project Manager. Steve Forbes brings a rich background in Lean thinking and methodologies from various manufacturing environments. His most recent role was as the Lean Training Specialist for Iowa Prison Industries (IPI), where he co-developed the Prison Industries Manufacturing and Management System (PIMMS). PIMMS is a Toyota-based … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Steve Forbes

  The Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program, managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, offers financial support to enhance small-scale meat processing operations, including licensed custom lockers and mobile slaughter units. The program targets businesses seeking to expand, refurbish, or establish new facilities, providing grants of up to $100,000 with a one-to-one matching requirement. For … Continue reading Enhance your meat processing capabilities with the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Program

Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. I like to say, I help companies solve their problems. This can mean I help them identify a new supplier or it can mean, I connect them to a resource either at CIRAS or external … Continue reading Q & A with Melissa Burant

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

Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. As an Event Manager at CIRAS, I oversee in-person events led by my colleagues. I coordinate the event’s overall logistics to ensure companies have an enjoyable experience when attending our events. We know that companies … Continue reading Q & A with Jennifer Garcia

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

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

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 

Join us May 14-16, 2024 in Lexington, KY, for an immersive experience blending Lean leadership workshops, site visits to industry leaders like Toyota and Safran Landing Systems, and fun networking opportunities with other ILC members.   Led by the author of “Toyota Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way,” Mike Hoseus, this learning experience … Continue reading Elevate your Lean learning and development – be part of the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour 2024!

Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB Role: Team Lead, APEX Accelerator, Government Contracting Specialist  Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper.  I advise Iowa businesses on how to prepare for government contracting, including subcontracting with prime contractors. Helping Iowa businesses with … Continue reading Q & A with Kelly Freel, CPPB 

One of our favorite times of the year is here! ‘Tis the season to remind everybody that there are awesome Iowa-made products to give as gifts! Stay well-equipped on and off the road with a new Truck Topper from Black River. Celebrate your special moments with custom photos and printed home decor from Photosynthesis. Give … Continue reading 8th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List

The original content was generated from The Industry Iowa Podcast, recorded on June 30, 2022. Q: Can you share your background and how you became involved with Iowa State and CIRAS? A: I started around 2006 after working as a chemist and obtaining a degree in chemistry from Iowa State University (ISU). After that, I … Continue reading Q&A with CIRAS Project Manager Brian Muff

Members of the CyLaunch team were just months away from the competition they had been preparing for throughout the 2022-2023 school year when they learned their original plan to utilize tools from a local facility one of the members was interning at was not an option. The team was directed to CIRAS for assistance, still … Continue reading CIRAS Supports CyLaunch

In the competitive business landscape, building customer trust is paramount. To instill this confidence, businesses require visibility and a clear understanding of their offerings. Acknowledging this challenge, CIRAS is proactively addressing it. Our upcoming ‘Meet the Buyers’ event in Sioux City next month offers businesses and government entities a vital platform to connect.  Government procurement … Continue reading Meet the Buyers Event Facilitates Business-Government Connections

Jayna Grauerholz has joined CIRAS as a government contracting specialist on the APEX team. Jayna brings a wealth of experience and expertise in government contracting.  She is an experienced RFP writer and evaluator, contract drafter, negotiator, and manager, and is experienced in many other areas of government contracting. She previously worked for the Ames National … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Jayna Grauerholz

 Are you eager to find inspiration and keen to explore techniques to drive continuous improvement and growth for you and your company? If so, we invite you to secure your spot for the 2023 Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference on October 26 at the Meadows Conference Center in Altoona.  This event will unite hundreds … Continue reading Are You Ready to Learn and Improve? Register Today for the ILC Annual Conference

Ben Drescher has joined CIRAS as a Food and Feed Quality and Safety project manager. Ben holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Iowa State University and a Master of Sciences in Agricultural Science from Murry State University.   Before joining CIRAS, Ben spent nine years as the Animal Science Farms Director at Iowa … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Ben Drescher

On October 6, 2023, and throughout the month, manufacturers, community colleges, and universities will warmly welcome young talents to explore diverse and promising careers in manufacturing to celebrate Manufacturing Day (MFG).   While the challenges in the supply chain are gradually improving, the workforce in the industry remains a significant concern. MFG Day is not just … Continue reading 2023 Annual MFG Day

Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery had a problem: its packaging equipment was inefficient, took up too much space, and required too many people to operate. Replacing the outdated machinery would cost more than $150,000. Murphy Quint, head distiller and chief of operations at Cedar Ridge, knew the Iowa Economic Development Authority had a program to … Continue reading Networking Helps Cedar Ridge Solve Equipment Needs

Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. A: As a member of the Strategic Advisor team, we are the sales force of CIRAS.  We are calling on and developing relationships with the leaders at our Iowa manufacturing companies so that we can … Continue reading Q&A with Strategic Advisor, Derek Thompson

The spark ignited at a recent workforce conference still burns for four CIRAS employees who attended the event. “We’re excited to take some of the information and best practices presented there and fit them into our program,” said Mary McGraw, project manager. McGraw, Brenda Martin, workforce program director, Pam Lane, project manager, and Mayra Ramirez, … Continue reading CIRAS Attends Conference Focused on Workforce Solutions

Members of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) waited four years for the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour but by all accounts, the trip was worth the wait. “I’ve read the books and studied the practices but the presentations and tours gave me insights on how to apply lean principles that I couldn’t have gotten any other … Continue reading Reflecting on the ILC Kentucky Lean Tour

Mica Paul has joined CIRAS as a full-time event manager. Mica holds a bachelor’s degree in Event Management from Iowa State University and a Master’s in Strategic Communication from the University of Iowa. Prior to joining CIRAS, Mica served as the Executive Assistant to the Vice President of ISU Extension and Outreach and the Vice … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Mica Paul

Hory Chikez has joined CIRAS as a Supply Chain Project Manager. Hory will act as the CIRAS lead for national supplier scouting and optimization services in this role. Hory will build and maintain a supply chain optimization and intelligence network, lead the execution of projects to map and understand supply chains and lead the execution of … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Hory Chikez

We are often asked to help a company understand what their contract compliance requirements are regarding cybersecurity in federal contracting.  One way to understand those requirements is to look at your contract or solicitation and identify what cyber clauses are included.  Below is a quick guide to identifying those clauses and understanding what obligations they … Continue reading Cybersecurity Contract Clauses Explained

Q. Tell me about your role at CIRAS and the type of clients you work with?   A. I lead the CIRAS Business Team, which offers services in the areas of marketing, supply chain, and other non-technical business functions.  As part of that team, I serve as a project manager focused on marketing strategy, and … Continue reading Q & A with Marketing and Growth Project Manager, CJ Osborn

AMES, IA— The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University has announced the appointment of Mike O’Donnell as its director, effective June 16. With a distinguished background in manufacturing and engineering, O’Donnell brings a wealth of knowledge and exemplary leadership experience to this position. O’Donnell’s professional journey encompasses over two decades in … Continue reading New Director Named for the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University

Nearly 7,200 Iowa businesses are slated to receive a wage survey this year—with mailings starting in May—and officials at Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) have a plea: Help us help you by completing it. The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey gathers employment information and wages paid for nearly 800 job titles. Donna Burkett, bureau … Continue reading Businesses Encouraged to Respond to IWD Wage Survey

  CIRAS is set to welcome the 2023 summer interns to the team. CIRAS hosts interns throughout the summer, offering students professional networking opportunities that will contribute to their professional connection and interest in pursuing manufacturing. The goals of the internship program are as follows: Expose talented young professionals to manufacturing Provide students with opportunities to … Continue reading CIRAS Welcomes 2023 Summer Interns

Participants who recently completed the first-ever Construction Diversity Accelerator class led by Turner Construction and CIRAS agree: The event was a rousing success. “It was engaging and well organized,” said Perlla Esturilho from Southeast Constructors, one of 30 people who participated in the five-week course. “It’s hard to do a one-size-fits-all program but they did … Continue reading Turner Construction, CIRAS Cohort is Big Success

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the sixth consecutive month. Indicators were generally split between contracting and growing, as the rate of contraction slowed from … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: May 2023

Q: Tell me about your role at CIRAS and the type of clients you work with. A: I am currently serving as the Program Director for the APEX Accelerator program that assists businesses with selling their products and services to government agencies.  I primarily support a team of government contracting specialists that provide one-on-one counseling, training events and … Continue reading Q & A With CIRAS Government Contracting Director, Jodi Essex

Ivy Sales Innovation Summit to feature Principal CEO Dan Houston (Ames, Iowa) — Registration is now open for the second annual Ivy Sales Innovation Summit, which will take place on May 17 at the Iowa State University Alumni Center. Designed for leaders seeking best practices in sales, the one-day conference will focus on strategies to … Continue reading Ivy Sales Innovation Summit to feature Principal CEO Dan Houston

 Q: Tell me about your role at CIRAS and they type clients you work with? A: I lead our automation team of four, which includes myself, Eric Higgins, Kirk Haaland, and Ty Hill.  We generally work with manufacturers, helping them understand what’s possible with automation and helping them prioritize and justify specific automation opportunities.  We … Continue reading Q & A With CIRAS Automation Leader, Andrew Friend

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the fifth consecutive month. All indicators on the national scale registered as contracting, although most were near neutral. Mid-American … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: April 2023

Not many small businesses have staff who can spare several hours a week pursuing government contracts. It can be time-consuming to determine which government agencies to contact, to research their needs and protocols, and to prepare a sales pitch. It’s even a challenge just to find the right person in the right department—and to get … Continue reading Meet the Buyer Events Lead to Immediate Results

This blog is part of a series for Women’s History Month to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. Tell us a little about yourself and your work. Hello, My name is Brenda (Vande Voort) Martin. I’m employed with the Iowa MEP (CIRAS) at Iowa State University of Science and Technology in Ames, … Continue reading Brenda Martin: Create a vision of what an industry’s future could become with you involved.

This blog is part of a series for Women’s History Month to highlight women who are making an impact on the manufacturing industry. View the original blog post here.  Sarah Dvorak didn’t originally plan on a career in manufacturing, but her first career was not a good fit. Luckily, the opportunity to be part of a volunteer … Continue reading Sarah Dvorak: Manufacturing is for Anyone Who Wants to Solve Problems and Serve Customers

CIRAS intern Cassandra Swacker was nationally recognized at the Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine in November 2022 for projects she completed with CIRAS. Swacker’s main project was in collaboration with On With Life, a nonprofit organization that works primarily with individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries, to design and produce custom life aids to increase … Continue reading CIRAS Intern Nationally Recognized

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the fourth consecutive month. Inventories and prices continued to grow, while most other measures remained contracted moderately. Mid-American Index … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: March 2023

Employee Retention Credit: Warnings and Wisdom By Jennifer Rohen While almost all COVID relief programs have run their course, it’s worth your time to keep an eye on the employee retention credit (ERC) — whether you’ve already claimed the benefit, are considering it, or even brushed it off thinking it didn’t apply due to limited … Continue reading Employee Retention Credit: Warnings and Wisdom

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the third consecutive month. Most measures continue to indicate moderate general slowing in manufacturing, except employment and inventories, which … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: February 2023

You must understand the needs, expectations, and desires of your current and future workforce before deciding what changes to make. Your company can identify areas of potential strength you can build on and weaknesses you may want to address by using a new assessment offered by CIRAS In collaboration with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), … Continue reading New Tool Available to Help Companies with Workforce Strategy

It’s been a wild and wooly economy the past three years, but CIRAS is looking forward to the upcoming year with new ways to help Iowa businesses manage oncoming challenges. “2023 is going to be a year where we learn a lot about where the economy and industry is going in the next three to … Continue reading CIRAS Looks Forward to 2023

Ty Hill has joined CIRAS as a Project Manager on the Industry 4.0 team. Ty received his Master of Engineering (Systems Engineering) from Iowa State University. He has over 20 years of engineering experience across numerous manufacturing processes, including automation, process improvement, quality, and safety. In this role, Ty will help companies make significant impacts … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Ty Hill

Pamela Lane joined CIRAS as a Project Manager on the workforce team. Pam is a certified Human Resources professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in management communications & human resources. Her experience includes HR leadership positions in manufacturing, specializing in strategy, recruitment, and employee relations. Pam’s role will include supporting Iowa businesses with workforce-related … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Pamela Lane

The Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), formerly managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, changed hands on October 1, 2022, and is now under the direction of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).  The PTAP program was authorized by Congress in 1985 to expand the number of businesses capable of participating … Continue reading APEX Accelerator: A New Name for PTACs

Interim Director Named for the Center for Industrial Research and Service at Iowa State University AMES, IA— Assistant Director and Operations Manager Leah Barton has been appointed interim director for the Center of Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS). Following 25 years as CIRAS director, Ron Cox will step down from that role and join the … Continue reading Interim Director Named for CIRAS

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted for the second consecutive month. Most measures indicate a general slowing; however, employment grew in December. Mid-American Index Midwest manufacturing … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy: January 2023

Watching Iowa’s Economy: December Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Manufacturing contracted last month, the first reported contraction since May 2020.  Inventories and production grew last month. Mid-American … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – December

CIRAS Director Ron Cox is retiring after more than 25 years at CIRAS. We sat down with him to discuss what he has seen develop over the past quarter of a century and where he thinks things might be headed.   Q: How did you get your start at CIRAS? A: I was returning to … Continue reading Q&A with Retiring CIRAS Director Ron Cox

In need of some last-minute gift ideas? We’ve compiled a short list of Iowa-manufactured products that make great gifts! Upgrade their truck with accessories from Putco or their semi from Iowa Customs Help kids discover physics while having fun with race tracks using Blu Track Gift some of Tiefenthaler’s skinless brats! Give your favorite athlete … Continue reading 7th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List

An international construction company is partnering with CIRAS to increase the participation of underrepresented contractors on its projects. Turner Construction, the largest domestic contractor in the U.S., and the CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are offering a free five-week program designed to enhance the ability of Underrepresented Business Enterprises (UBEs) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises … Continue reading 1st Annual Construction Diversity Accelerator – Hosted by Turner Construction & CIRAS

The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) continues to draw large crowds to its annual conference. More than 95 companies and organizations were represented at the 11th annual event held October 24 and 25; 300 people participated in-person and online. The goal of the conference was to reconnect attendees with each other, share practical suggestions for improving … Continue reading 11th Annual ILC Conference Provides Education & Community

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators for Iowa. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post. Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Indicators were mixed, all remaining close to neutral. Mid-American Index Prices continued sharp increases along with strong growth in new orders in … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – November

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators, our assessment of Iowa’s industrial economy, and recommendations for you as a business leader. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post.   Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Nearly all indicators remained above neutral, demonstrating continued moderate growth … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – October

Attending a tradeshow can pay big dividends for even small companies. The right show can provide networking opportunities, give insights on competitors, and update you on developments in your industry. But tradeshows can be overwhelming, especially if you decide to attend a large-scale event. To maximize the experience, consider these suggestions from CIRAS staff members: … Continue reading Getting the Most from Tradeshows

On October 7 (and throughout the month), manufacturers, community colleges, and universities around the nation will open their doors to show the next generation the amazing careers available in manufacturing as part of MFG Day. This is a big deal. Today’s manufacturers face two major issues: workforce and supply chain. While we can’t predict exactly … Continue reading 2022 MFG Day

Registration remains open for the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 25, at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona. The conference is the state’s largest event for continuous improvement professionals. It includes pre-conference workshops and tours on Monday, October 24, followed by a full day of keynote speakers, networking opportunities, and break-out … Continue reading New Ticket Options Available for ILC Annual Conference

Being a one-person show hasn’t stopped Eduard Mato from securing multiple federal contracts for his musical instruments and music education business. From his office in Centerville, Eduard Mato runs U.S. Music, an international business that provides musical instruments, music lessons, and coordination of performing arts events. A highly trained professional musician himself, Mato started the … Continue reading One-Person International Music Business Benefits from CIRAS Research, Contract Expertise

Cardinal and gold pride was on full display when Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen toured a Stellar Industries plant in Mason City this past August. The company, which manufactures hydraulic truck-mounted equipment, accessories, and specialty trailers, invited employees who were ISU graduates and current interns to join the tour, giving President Wintersteen a chance … Continue reading ISU President Tours Mason City Plant

Every product or service has features and benefits, but did you know that you should never mention a feature without explaining the benefit of that feature?  Why?  Because not every feature is a benefit to your target customer.  For example, if your target customer lives in Florida, heated seats (the feature) of a product would … Continue reading Did You Know? Agencies Buy Benefits Not Features

Here is CIRAS’s quick look at major economic indicators, our assessment of Iowa’s industrial economy, and recommendations for you as a business leader. For an introduction and a description of the indicators used, see our first post.   Indicator Status Underlying Data Notes ISM Manufacturing PMI® Strong data with indications of price easing and availability … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy – September

During the past couple of years, we have seen major disruptions and changes in how we conduct business. It’s not a stretch to claim that all of us have experienced some impact from supply chain disruptions, whether professionally or personally. In 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic, CIRAS and other Manufacturing Extension Partnership … Continue reading CIRAS Supplier Scouting Program: A Year of Reflection

When Marlene Hernandez graduates from Iowa State University next spring, she’ll do so with newfound self-confidence and a resume packed with experience. As an intern with CIRAS, Hernandez delved into everything from employee compensation issues to safety and health. “It has made me feel more confident in my capabilities and has helped me develop professional … Continue reading Internships Key to Recruiting Young Talent

The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, signed into law on August 9, will inject up to $280 billion in critical and emerging technologies. The bill provides more than $52 billion to subsidize semiconductor manufacturing, including tax benefits and other incentives to encourage U.S. businesses to build new chip manufacturing plants in the U.S. The … Continue reading Impact of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022

Emily Betz has joined CIRAS as a project manager specializing in process improvement. Emily has over 10 years of experience using Lean principles to help companies solve their business challenges. She has helped hundreds of organizations examine their processes to gain efficiencies and improve productivity. Emily has worked in multiple sectors including manufacturing, construction, finance, … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Emily Betz

The Iowa Lean Consortium’s (ILC) Annual Conference, the state’s largest event for continuous improvement professionals, will return this year on October 25, 2022 at the Meadows Event Center in Altoona. This year’s ILC conference will be a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend sessions, network, and engage with vendors in-person or virtually. The keynote addresses … Continue reading ILC Annual Conference Announces Keynote Speakers

To say that the current economy is unpredictable is an understatement. One of the most frequent questions we get from businesses in Iowa is whether we are going to have a recession. There are countless approaches to analyzing the economy and whether there will be a recession. Even highly technical approaches have a lot of … Continue reading Watching Iowa’s Economy

Written by CIRAS Workforce Programs Manager, Brenda Martin The workforce shortage isn’t a recent phenomenon. It’s 20 to 30 years in the making and may worsen in the coming years. The CIRAS workforce team has identified 7 Top-Tips in making employees a better offer: Invest in technology. Automation reduces the need for employees to do … Continue reading For Employers Experiencing a “Labor Shortage,” There is a Simple Solution: Make Workers a Better Offer

By: Justin Niceswanger In past years, federal agencies have established contracting goals to award at least 5% of their prime contract spend to small disadvantaged businesses.  In December of last year, the Biden Administration announced the goal would substantially increase. How much was the increase?  Can your company qualify as a small disadvantaged business, and … Continue reading Did You Know? The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program

We’re at a rare inflection point that will change the landscape of American manufacturing over the next 50 years: the transition from internal combustion engines to electrified motors in vehicles. As the automotive industry transforms, very few hardware manufacturers will be unaffected. In 2016, just under 300,000 electrified (battery, plug-in, and hybrid) vehicles were produced … Continue reading The Powertrain Supply Chain is Transforming. Are you ready?

The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) is seeking presenters for breakout sessions for the 2022 Annual ILC Conference, which will be held Tuesday, October 25, in Des Moines. The ILC Annual Conference draws hundreds of continuous improvement practitioners and teams from all sectors of our economy. We are seeking presentations that engage, inform, and provide actionable … Continue reading Call for Breakout Presenters – 2022 Annual ILC Conference

A new cybersecurity risk with direct impacts on most manufacturers has recently been discovered. The Department of Energy (DOE), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a joint Cybersecurity Advisory (CSA) on Wednesday. The CSA warns that specific advanced persistent threat (APT) actors have … Continue reading NEW Cyber Threat Hacking Industrial Control Systems: Take Action Today to Protect Your Business

Innovation At Work is a series of stories, photos, videos and audio highlighting the new approaches Iowa State University is taking to big challenges that affect Iowa’s communities and landscape. A new entry in the series will be published every Tuesday between April 5 and May 3. To learn more about the impact CIRAS and … Continue reading Innovation at Work: Strengthening Iowa Communities

Most companies use computers to manage at least some part of their business operation so ensuring that data remains safe is a priority. Data breaches that expose sensitive, confidential, or proprietary information can be costly…and not just in terms of the immediate monetary impact on productivity and sales revenues. Additional damage to intangible assets like reputation … Continue reading Protecting Your Business From a Cyberattack

The ongoing pandemic has contributed significantly to disruptions and changes in the global supply chain. Many small and medium manufacturers (SMMs) have been harder hit by these interruptions than larger companies because SMMs rarely have the leverage and market presence to access supplies and transportation when resources are constrained. While there is no single answer … Continue reading White Paper: Managing Supply Chain Risks

Selling your products or services to government agencies begins with building a network of potential buyers. CIRAS can help with that with “Meet the Buyers” events that offer opportunities for both sides of the government procurement process to learn about each other. Government procurement officials and federal prime contractors will describe what they buy and … Continue reading Connecting with Government Buyers

Adam Lathrop has joined CIRAS as an account manager for southwestern Iowa. Adam has a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Drake University. He joins CIRAS with a wide variety experience. Most recently Adam has worked with business and industry across the state to improve their … Continue reading Staff Update: Meet Adam Lathrop

Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) members can still renew their membership for 2022. Members of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) have the opportunity to learn through tours, workshops, webinars, and networking events. In addition, the ILC has increased the offerings in the on-demand library, which includes past webinars, workshops and conference breakout sessions from previous years. … Continue reading Act Now! There is Still Time to Renew Your ILC Membership

Mark Facile has joined CIRAS as a project manager specializing in productivity. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering from Iowa State University and a master of business administration from Drake University. He joins CIRAS after spending more than 27 years in manufacturing, using his broad engineering experience to improve process efficiencies and drive … Continue reading CIRAS News: Meet Mark Facile

A networking group launched seven years ago by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry in partnership with CIRAS continues to help its members learn from people who do the same work they do. MarketWise provides marketing and sales leaders opportunities to expand their skills through education, shared experiences, and best practices with their peers. … Continue reading Marketwise Helps Leaders Face Challenges Together

With all the uncertainty of global supply chains, 2021 is the year to buy local and buy early. So, we’re excited to offer our 6th annual CIRAS holiday gift list! Keep warm with an insulated jacket from Dickson Industries. Take up a new sport with Party Boy Skateboards. Complete your backyard with a kids picnic … Continue reading 6th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift List

Eric Higgins is the most recent addition to the CIRAS staff, and he will be working alongside the Industry 4.0 team. Over his career, Eric has gained experience surrounding automation implementation by working with industrial scale manufacturers. He has a background in Lean management and facilitation, which makes him a valuable member of our ever-growing … Continue reading CIRAS News: Meet Eric Higgins

Kelly Freel has recently started as the newest counselor for the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) at CIRAS. Most recently, she worked with ISU Purchasing as a Senior Contract Manager, where she helped to procure medical and scientific equipment for a number of federal research projects. Considering her background with state procurement practices and federal acquisition regulations, is … Continue reading CIRAS News: Meet New Hire Kelly Freel

The work done by CIRAS to strengthen businesses and communities across Iowa has generated an economic impact of over $3 billon in the past five years alone. Since 2016, CIRAS and its partners have helped more than 4,100 businesses in every Iowa county with solutions that have led to new or retained sales, new investments, … Continue reading CIRAS Generates Economic Impact of Over $3 Billion

A CIRAS government contracting specialist will soon have an expanded role. Samantha Ferm will take over the territory covered by Melissa Burant, a counselor in the CIRAS Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) since 2014, is transitioning into a new position leading strategic supply chain initiatives. Ferm has been with CIRAS as a PTAC counselor … Continue reading PTAC Counselor Expands Territory Southeast Iowa

Rachel Hahn has joined CIRAS as the account manager for the food industry. Rachel has a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa. She joins CIRAS after spending the past decade in food and food ingredient manufacturing. She has extensive experience in plant maintenance and capital equipment, including leading cross-functional teams on … Continue reading CIRAS News: New Hire Rachel Hahn

Jake Behrens, who has worked with the CIRAS Technology Group on Industry 4.0 services, will now take on the role of capstone project manager. He replaces Carey Novak, who recently retired from the position. Behrens’ previous industry experience will ease the transition of roles within CIRAS. The work he has done on Industry 4.0 provides … Continue reading Jake Behrens Takes on Capstone Project Manager Position

After eight years, Carey Novak has retired from CIRAS as a project manager, where his work focused on serving Iowa State University’s College of Engineering Capstone program. Carey came to Iowa State from Bradly University, and has previous experience at Iowa State supporting companies with technology transfer. Throughout his career, Carey’s work has been beneficial … Continue reading Retirement of Capstone Project Manager, Carey Novak

The Iowa Lean Consortium’s Annual Conference will be coming to all corners of the state this fall, as CIRAS expands its efforts to make Lean management techniques more accessible in an Iowa facing severe concerns about workforce availability.

The Annual Conference, traditionally the ILC’s largest and most extensive yearly opportunity for Lean advocates to network and learn, was shifted online in 2020 because of the pandemic.

This year, as the world restarts itself in the wake of COVID-19, availability of people has become the number one discussion topic among Iowa leaders. How do you support growing businesses while Iowa’s population growth continues to be lower than the national average and statewide unemployment already is rapidly approaching pre-pandemic levels? How can you grow if there simply are no more people?

This fall will mark the second anniversary of the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy, and we’re still growing.

We opened the lab in September 2019 as to experiment with ways to de-risk technology adoption for Iowa manufacturers. Since then, we have served the Industry 4.0 needs of many businesses in Iowa via in-person events, counseling sessions and projects.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 kept most people out of the lab last year. But we haven’t been dormant. Instead, CIRAS used the opportunity to expand our technology partnerships, upgrade our technology, and evolve our services from in-person to virtual engagements.

It’s a common misconception among many manufacturers that assisted and augmented reality technology are outside their reach – mystical, gimmicky technology that really has no place on their production floor.

We get it. We’ve all read science fiction novels and seen the movies. These technologies are portrayed as “space-age” bits of hardware and software that certainly cost a fortune and probably require a PhD to operate. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Augmented and assisted reality (AR) technology is so accessible that it might already be something you use every day.

Let’s break it down.

Two longtime CIRAS employees are taking on new roles in an attempt to serve Iowans better.

They saying goes, “The only constant in life is change.” If you have been working in the federal contract market during the past couple of years, there seems to be no truer statement.

The long-awaited, much-anticipated integration of SAM.gov and beta.SAM.gov occurred on May 24.

As of May 24, legacy SAM.gov, as you know it, was retired. Its registration, excluded parties listing, and other functionalities were moved to beta.SAM.gov. But the “beta” also went away, and it is now called SAM.gov. This is an entirely new, consolidated system.

CIRAS has received a $133,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT)to help economically and socially disadvantaged businesses develop as companies so they are better able to compete for highway construction projects and other DOT-funded projects.

As part of the grant, CIRAS will provide one-on-one assistance to companies who qualify as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) – generally defined as small business that are at least 51 percent owned by women or minorities – about the best ways to position themselves for government bidding opportunities and market themselves to prime contractors and government agencies

The Iowa Lean Consortium’s Annual Conference will take a step closer to its familiar format this fall – but this time, it will be as part of a new hybrid model designed to accommodate a variety of different comfort levels related to COVID-19. The Annual Conference, traditionally the ILC’s largest and most extensive yearly opportunity … Continue reading ILC Annual Conference to offer Virtual, In-Person Options this Fall

For Immediate Release:

As business and industry evolve at an ever-increasing pace, the next wave of change in the form of digitalization and automation, known as “Industry 4.0,” will require new processes for businesses and new skills for employees. Today, Iowa’s Community Colleges and the Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) announced a new consortium to support the manufacturing sector in adapting to these changes. The training and awareness initiative includes partners from across the state.

“Iowa has the right mix of relationships and resources to help our manufacturers remain competitive through a global technology revolution that is transforming factory floors and jobs,” said Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “This important partnership addresses a critical need identified in the state’s Manufacturing 4.0 strategic plan by uniting key education and industry stakeholders in a comprehensive effort to prepare workers with the skills they need in an increasingly digital economy.”

Are you ready to gain valuable insights that can help your business? If so, CIRAS recommends that you plan to attend the annual Taking Care of Business Conference next month in Coralville. The yearly conference, which is hosted by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, is a valuable way for Iowa manufacturers to invest … Continue reading ABI Taking Care of Business Conference is June 8-10

Tim Miller has joined CIRAS as a manufacturing engineering project manager.   Tim has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a graduate certificate in system design and management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He comes … Continue reading CIRAS Staff News: Meet Tim Miller

Do you have a Continuous Improvement story to tell? If so, we want to hear about it.

The Iowa Lean Consortium is pleased to issue a call for presentations for our 2021 Annual Conference to be held on October 26-27.  This will be a hybrid event, with the main conference taking place Prairie Meadows Events & Conference Center in Altoona. There will be satellite locations throughout the state for smaller gatherings, and there will be a virtual option.

A 165-year-old Des Moines lumber company has gained new efficiencies, better customer service, and a tangible reduction in injuries after its employees embraced continuous improvement. Rick Kyser, operations manager at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company, said company leaders have seen a massive cultural shift since the lumberyard took its first steps toward Lean management at the end … Continue reading Gilcrest/Jewett Finds Success in Bringing Lean to Lumber

Government contracting can be an excellent path for a business to diversify its customer base and build a stable source of revenue. But the pool of available opportunities can expand dramatically when large prime companies team with small businesses. How do companies of different sizes with complementary capabilities find each other? To help with that, … Continue reading Virtual Matchmaking Session on April 8

Spring is here, and that means summer won’t be far behind. Is your summer workforce where it needs to be? If not, Engineering Career Services at Iowa State University is eager to work with any company interested in hiring engineering interns during the coming summer. As of April 5, registrations are still being accepted in … Continue reading Have You Hired Your Summer Engineering Intern?

April showers in Iowa quickly can turn dangerous thanks to flash flooding.

CIRAS wants to take this opportunity to remind you yet again about the potential peril that can come with severe weather season. Are you ready?

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us, Iowa companies always come out better when they plan for the worst and take steps ahead of time to identify what should happen if trouble strikes

CIRAS, like most of the rest of the world, called a halt to in-person educational events last year when the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold. We didn’t like it. We didn’t want to. But we did what we thought was best for your health and the health of our staff – and in the process, we launched hundreds of detailed video webinars that since have been viewed by thousands of Iowa business people.

Now, as vaccines roll out and the case counts fall, we’re starting to ponder what the future will look like for CIRAS events

Jeff White has joined CIRAS as an account manager for southeastern Iowa.

Jeff has a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa. He joins CIRAS after 30 years in marketing, business development, and sales, primarily in Iowa manufacturing.

COVID-19 has taught Iowa companies many things about their businesses – from the importance of understanding their supply chains to the strengths and limitations of Zoom. You’ve learned to be flexible, to plan ahead, and to lean on your employees. But is your business ready for what comes after the pandemic?

To help you focus on the future, CIRAS is launching a new Business Resiliency webinar series.

Researchers at the Occupational Safety program at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University are looking into how stress is affecting decision making on safety in manufacturing. The results from this study will be used to assist in developing programs and policies to reduce the negative impact that stress has on … Continue reading Participants Needed for Study on Stress & Safety at Work

Iowa State University’s Digital Manufacturing Lab is adding new tools to give Iowa companies more minimal-risk ways to experiment with new technology. Chris Hill, director of the CIRAS Technology Assistance Program (TAP), said two new 3D printers will give the lab greater flexibility to produce detailed prototypes for Iowa companies looking to experiment with new … Continue reading Digital Lab: New Tech Brings New Possibilities

Government agencies spend an enormous amount of money each year on construction projects for the public. These projects follow their own particular lifecycle and pose unique challenges for contractors when it comes to issues things such as site conditions, scheduling changes, or wage requirements.

Wouldn’t you like some help navigating the complexities of this complicated world?

The Iowa Lean Consortium would thank all of our members who have renewed for 2021. We’re extremely grateful for your support and for recognizing the value we provide.

Food manufacturing is complicated. Wouldn’t you like a place where you can get a little help?

We thought so. That’s why CIRAS next month is launching Food Talks, a new roundtable discussion to give food manufacturers a place where they can collaborate and exchange ideas.

COVID-19 wrought havoc on America’s economy in 2020, but the new year and new vaccines are bringing new hopes for return to normal in 2021.

However, Iowa experts have two messages for business leaders who are looking over the horizon and anxiously awaiting their shots: Start planning now, and be prepared for things to change.

This month, the Iowa Lean Consortium is offering you a week’s worth of intensive learning – and you won’t even have to leave your desk.

Written by Tracy Schuster
ILC Program Director

The ILC’s 2021 Webinar Week begins on January 19 – the day after Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday – and includes four days of intensive presentations covering various aspects of Lean. The webinar topics will include:

COVID-19 upended nearly all American businesses in 2020. Now that 2021 is here, where do you stand in dealing with the pandemic? Do you have a good handle on how the coronavirus has impacted your business and what might lie ahead in 2021?

CIRAS is urging any Iowa company with lingering questions about COVID-19 to start the new year off on a good foot by checking with us to see how CIRAS can help.

Iowa Lean Consortium members need to act before January 15 to renew their memberships for 2021. After that date, membership benefits will begin to be removed for anyone who hasn’t yet renewed.

What does COVID-19 have in common with influenza? The foundation for keeping both from overwhelming your workplace starts with education, regular disinfection, and keeping a close eye on your employees so you can spot any outbreaks quickly.

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That was the message to Iowa manufacturers in November when Emily Law, infection prevention coordinator at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, spoke to participants in the weekly CIRAS Roundtable for Iowa manufacturers.

Offshoring your components can come with a great deal of cost and risk. This is true now more than ever in the middle of a pandemic. Iowa manufacturers understand the difficulties that can come with managing an unpredictable supply chain.

CIRAS would like to help. Together with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Iowa Area Development Group, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership, we’re sponsoring a one-hour webinar on December 10 explaining the benefits of bringing your production home.

It is time for our 5th annual CIRAS holiday gift list!

This year buying products made right here in Iowa carries even more significance as it supports our businesses and their employees that have kept our economy running through the pandemic. Here are just some of the great Iowa gifts you can give:

Good leadership should be purposely developed in yourself and others by building strong relationships with those on your team, an Iowa-born Army colonel told more than 200 Iowa business leaders in October.

Col. Candice Frost was the keynote speaker for this fall’s first-ever Annual Virtual Conference by the Iowa Lean Consortium. The event, customarily the largest single educational event put on by the ILC, was held online in 2020 for the first time due to COVID-19.

The Iowa Lean Consortium announced changes to its membership model in mid-September. The new model is intended to give your organization more choice when it comes to your ILC membership. All the details were explained in an email that was sent around September 18 to the contacts we have listed for ILC organizational members. If you missed that email, you can read the contents here.

Current members need to review the new model and complete a new application for 2021.  You can choose to pay via invoice or credit card during the application process. Renewals are due by January 15, but we request that you renew now so that we can effectively onboard everyone before the new year begins.

A Garner-based maker of hydraulic truck equipment has found an unexpected benefit to pandemic-imposed limitations on its factories – by taking a valuable Lean management tool online. Brad Tiedemann, manufacturing engineer manager at Stellar Industries, said the company discovered more efficiency and smoother problem solving after COVID-19 restrictions forced Stellar to create an alternative to … Continue reading Gemba Goes Virtual as Stellar Response to COVID-19

A Sioux City electrical firm landed more than $190,000 in state contracts after their owners followed CIRAS advice to register as a vendor with the Iowa Department of Homeland Security.

Stephanie Schramm, office manager at Schramm Electric, said her company has a long history of dealing closely with the CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Center. So that was the first place the Schramm family looked for answers in early 2020 when they had questions about how to register for business with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

Time is running out to register for the Iowa Lean Consortium’s Virtual Annual Conference, a new cyberspace version of the ILC’s popular yearly event for continuous improvement practitioners throughout the state.

The goal for 2020 is to provide another quality, daylong learning and networking opportunity – but this time, in a format that can be accessed without leaving your desk.

Iowa State University uses a wide variety of equipment and technology for testing and scientific research. With proper coordination, this same equipment and personnel can be used to help Iowa companies test or analyze their products – but first you have to know what’s possible.

Throughout October, CIRAS experts will be leading a series of four virtual tours to help Iowa manufacturers get more familiar with the tools and capabilities available in various Iowa State labs.

If your company works anywhere within a Department of Defense supply chain (or hopes to), the new CMMC cybersecurity standard will soon be part of your life. Are you confused by the alphabet soup and uncertain about what it all means?

Here’s what you need to know:

It’s been six months since COVID-19 forced CIRAS to temporarily halt in-person educational events. Since then, we’ve been working hard to meet your educational needs in cyberspace, opening up roundtable discussion groups and hosting more than 80 webinars involving thousands of people.

Recently, to help you better, we made some changes in how we’ll handle webinars and roundtables going forward.

We’re inviting you to learn more about a major part of CIRAS programming.

Ninety-four Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), including CIRAS, form a nationwide network of more than 600 dedicated professionals who work to help local businesses sell their products and services to government agencies.

If you’d like to know more about the network, we invite you to join a special webinar on Wednesday, September 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to celebrate National PTAC Day.

Like most responsible companies navigating a pandemic, Larson Manufacturing worked hard to secure its Lake Mills manufacturing facility against COVID-19. Among other things, the company posted signs, upgraded its cleaning procedures, and installed social distancing barriers. ut was that enough?

To make certain, Larson this summer became one of Iowa’s first companies to receive a free CIRAS virtual COVID-19 Preparedness Assessment.

Attention continuous improvement practitioners!

Get ready to take advantage of another quality, daylong learning and networking opportunity, this time without leaving your desk.

Registration is now open for the Iowa Lean Consortium’s Annual Virtual Conference – the ILC’s first attempt at taking its popular yearly educational conference and reformatting it for cyberspace.

The call came toward the end of March. The state of Iowa was projecting that it would come up at least 500,000 face shields short of what was needed to provide front-line medical workers with personal protective equipment in the battle against COVID-19.

Would Adam Gold be willing to help?

Gold, president of The Dimensional Group, a Mason City custom packaging company, soon found himself in a flurry of CIRAS-arranged calls, emails, and meetings. A plan quickly formed to pair Gold’s company, which had no previous experience producing medical equipment, with Ottumwa-based Angstrom Precision Molding. Within two months, the team would produce more than 1.3 million medical face shields.

See you (in person) next year.

As a response to COVID-19 and the still-spreading pandemic, CIRAS has decided to cancel all in-person events through the remainder of 2020. We simply don’t believe it’s practical to schedule face-to-face events in the current environment.

However, that doesn’t mean we intend to stop educating Iowa businesses.

Notice: Here is a perfect opportunity to get your organization’s name and logo in front of hundreds of Lean practitioners.

The Iowa Lean Consortium is searching for companies to sponsor this fall’s Virtual Annual Conference. This is a great opportunity to place your brand in front of continuous improvement professionals who are dedicated to building Lean cultures in their organizations.

Iowa State University’s Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is hosting a virtual open house on Wednesday, August 5, so interested companies can learn more about the technology available on campus.

Interested businesses can participate in three 40-minute sessions covering Industrial Technology, Ag Engineering and Ag Systems Technology, and Biosystems Engineering.

Career fairs at Iowa State University are going digital this fall.

University officials say the change is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides an option that still will allow employers to network with many students and alumni during the events. It also eliminates the time and expense of travel.

As the pandemic continues to evolve, we wanted to remind you of some of the many additions we’ve made over the last few weeks to the CIRAS COVID-19 website.

CIRAS is committed to bringing you the best information possible to help you make necessary decisions about your business. Toward that end, we’ve been regularly adding content and refocusing our efforts to answer the questions that Iowa businesses tell us they’re concerned about.

In case you missed it, we want to remind you that leadership is changing hands at the Iowa Lean Consortium.

Tracy Schuster took over as program director of the Iowa Lean Consortium in May.

July marks the fifth month without any in-person CIRAS gatherings on the CIRAS schedule. We cancelled our entire schedule of educational trainings in March as part of a nationwide effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As of now, that cancellation runs through the end of July. But we just wanted to remind you that … Continue reading Help CIRAS Plan the Future of Live Events

Attention CIRAS News readers:

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all corners of Iowa industry. CIRAS exists to help Iowa companies overcome problems like these, and our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.

Toward that end, we have decided to only send an electronic version of the spring 2020 edition of CIRAS News so you can download it on your schedule and hopefully, share it with others you think may benefit from the content.

This is a complicated world we’re living in, but Lean practices require us to say it simply:

The ILC Annual Conference that was scheduled to take place October 27-29 in Des Moines has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, we will deliver a Virtual Annual Conference online on October 28.

After more than two months of reeling from the effects of a deadly pandemic, many Iowa communities are now on their way back to work. But what exactly should that look like?

CIRAS experts suggest you focus on two things as you press to get back to normal – going in phases and being thorough.

The Iowa Lean Consortium’s annual event focusing on continuous improvement in government is moving online.

Lean management techniques have the power to transform a variety of industries, but the process can face different obstacles depending on the industry involved. Government and nonprofit entities face unique challenges within their Lean journeys. The ILC created this event several years ago as a way to help you overcome them.

It’s the same Lean Coffee conversation you’re used to, only a lot closer to your kitchen.

Last month, as part of the CIRAS response to COVID-19, the Iowa Lean Consortium was forced to cancel all in-person Lean Coffee events through the end of July. Instead, we’ve moved the discussions online to offer a robust virtual forum for anyone interested in sharing ideas and personal experiences with Lean.

April was a disruptive time for Iowa businesses, and the challenges are not yet finished.

CIRAS has been honored to play roles in many of your COVID-19 stories over the past month. We wanted to take this chance to remind you that we’re still here to help you as those stories continues to develop. CIRAS has added new services in recent weeks to help with your pandemic response and recovery needs, and, as a part of the MEP National Network, we’re offering our traditional services in new ways to help your company get through this disaster.

Thousands of face shields are scheduled to be delivered to Mary Greeley Medical Center this month as part of a CIRAS-coordinated effort to help Iowa manufacturers meet this state’s tremendous demand for personal protection equipment.

That’s just one of many instances where Iowa industry is coming together to overcome COVID-19.

A federal disaster has recently been declared for the State of Iowa, allowing local, state and tribal authorities in Iowa to receive federal funding in response to COVID-19.  This leaves many businesses wondering how they can get in on the action and provide goods/services during a disaster.

MARCH 1, 2020 — As COVID-19 proliferates across our nation, the crisis continues to negatively impact our economy and spark concerns for the future for small- to medium-sized businesses. CIRAS, with a mission to enhance the performance of Iowa industry, has been conducting a phone survey so we can better understand the needs of Iowa companies and better connect them to appropriate resources.  

Here is what we’ve learned so far:  

May 27, 2020

At CIRAS, our mission is to Enhance the performance of industry through applied research, education, and technical assistance. During times of crisis, we do everything we can to continue serving Iowa industry while ensuring the health and safety of our team and your team.

In order to serve you while minimizing risk to our team and Iowa industry, we are operating with some changes to our services:

It’s an Internet world out there, but it’s not easy. Those page views, clicks, and online sales don’t just happen automatically when you turn on your company’s computer.

Are you sure your website is actually working?

Roughly one month after the outbreak of coronavirus began, authorities now estimate that more than 75,000 people have been infected and more than 2,000 are dead. Thousands of manufacturers across China have struggled to reopen after travel restrictions prevented employees from returning from Lunar New Year holiday. With work delays still uncertain, large sectors of the U.S. economy seem to be holding their collective breath waiting for additional shoes to drop. In manufacturing, the impacts to the complex global supply of parts are not fully understood, but the slowdown seems likely to impact the demand for U.S. products in China.

We’re looking for a few good Lean stories.

The CIRAS Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) is pleased to issue a call for presentations for our 2020 Annual Conference to be held October 27-29 in Des Moines. This conference is the ILC’s largest annual gathering, and we’re pleased to hold it once again as part of our continuing effort to promote the exchange of information and resources among continuous improvement professionals.

Government contracting is about relationships. You have to know which government entities are in the market for the particular product or service that you provide, and they have to know you – where you are and exactly how you’re capable of helping them.

But how do you get in the game if you don’t understand the players?

Sometimes, you just want to see for yourself.

If you’ve ever had a moment of curiosity about how Lean is practiced at the company that helped create it, then CIRAS has a trip that should fan the flames of your interest.

We would like to announce that two new faces joined CIRAS at the end of 2019. (And watch this space for more staffing news in the days to come.)

Here are your brief introductions to the new CIRAS additions:

Iowa’s leading organization of construction contractors will hold its annual meeting next month, and CIRAS plans to be there helping companies learn how to advance their businesses.

CIRAS is a sponsor of this year’s Annual Winter Conference of the Master Builders of Iowa (MBI). Founded in 1912, MBI is one of 89 chapters of the Associated General Contractors of America, the most influential and widely respected construction association in the country. The Iowa chapter’s annual gathering is scheduled for February 24-26 at the Prairie Meadows Event and Conference Center in Altoona.

One of our favorite times of the year is here!

‘Tis the season  to remind everybody once again that there are awesome Iowa-made products to give as gifts!

Internships can feed the talent pipeline for many small- to medium-sized manufacturers facing serious workforce gaps as their senior employees near retirement. But internship success (finding, engaging, and retaining talent) requires strategy and planning to locate and groom qualified job candidates. As the Program Manager of Apprenticeship and Workforce at the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), I … Continue reading Develop Talent through Internships

Once every other month for five years, Donna Bruesewitz has taken a day away from her office and driven somewhere to learn from others who do what she does.

Bruesewitz is one of five original members who still attend regular meetings of MarketWise NE. The northeast Iowa business networking group was founded five years ago by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) in partnership with CIRAS.

ABI launched the group—along with others such as LeanWise, the CFO Roundtable, and the Operations Excellence Roundtable—by partnering with CIRAS and numerous other experts across the state. The goal was to help functional managers develop through the sharing of experiences, lessons, and best practices with colleagues just down the road.

Government contracting is a complicated and detailed process with many precise steps that must be followed. For companies that are new to the government sector, it sometimes can be overwhelming.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to practice before you submitted that first bid?

We thought so, too.

Now that our Annual Conference has ended, it’s time to being planning for next year:   It’s almost time to renew your Iowa Lean Consortium Membership! 

No one will buy your product or service until they become convinced that it will meet their needs. But before that can happen, potential customers have to somehow learn that you exist and what you can offer. CIRAS wants to help with that. Next month’s “Meet the Buyers” event in Johnston is designed to be … Continue reading “Meet the Buyers” Builds Relationships

Colleen Brabec believes CIRAS has made her smarter about government contracting. Brabec owns Mobilis Home Medical Equipment, a 17-person Council Bluffs company that sells wheelchairs, scooters, and related equipment throughout western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Mobilis used to deliver equipment for U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals in Iowa and Nebraska, but the company lost that contract … Continue reading CIRAS Advice Makes Mobilis Home Medical Self-sufficient

Dozens of Iowa manufacturers got their first glimpse of a path to new technologies on September 26, as CIRAS formally opened its new Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy.

Representatives from CIRAS, Alliant Energy, and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) were joined by Iowa State University and Ames leaders for opening remarks and a tour.

More than 8,000 Iowans attended an estimated 150 events last October as the industry’s annual celebration of American manufacturing.

It’s not too late for Iowa businesses to get involved in the 2019 festivities.

Jonathan Heinz acknowledges that it took a while for his company to get moving on cybersecurity. But Metalcraft, a nameplate and ID tag manufacturer in Mason City, is now behind no longer.

Interns at ALMACO get much more than an overview of the company’s custom-built agricultural equipment. They become part of the team.

Brian Carr, ALMACO’s vice president of engineering, said student employees at the Nevada-based company get directly involved in completing projects—from initial design, through problem-solving challenges, to the eventual result.

 “We ask them to participate in every aspect of the development of a product,” Carr said. “It’s all collaborative engineering, and they’re just one more voice in the game.”

Are you anxious for inspiration? Excited to learn more about techniques that will help your company continuously improve and grow? Then you need to make plans to be in West Des Moines at the end of October.

According to a 2018 IBM-sponsored study by the Ponemon Institute, the global average for a data breach is $3.86 million. That breaks down to almost $150 per stolen record. If you’re a small or medium-sized manufacturer, you may not think statistics like these apply to you. But out of 17 industries represented in the report, the most impacted sectors were financial, service, and wait for it — manufacturing.

Northeast Iowa manufacturers struggling to modernize and grow will have the chance to learn new strategies designed to improve their bottom line in any economy.

Summer is ending, which means parents everywhere are beginning to shop for Back To School. Have you ever considered what may be on the school’s shopping list?

Iowa State University’s Polymer and Food Protec­tion Consortium has added a plastic manufactur­ing expert to help Iowa companies deal with their growing focus on the safety and effectiveness of food packaging.

A Davenport maker of robotic systems is rethinking how material flows through its factory after participants in a spring Lean Safety event outlined a list of ways that the company could improve.

A Des Moines commercial door and security company improved efficiency and shaved roughly $200,000 off its costs after CIRAS assistance helped the company upgrade its inventory handling.

Dave Hunt, hardware inventory control manager for Walsh Door & Security, said his company went from carrying roughly $600,000 worth of door hardware at its Des Moines warehouse to roughly $430,000. The difference was made possible by a 2017 CIRAS class that helped Walsh become more professional about calculating what the company really needed on hand to meet its customers’ needs.

Happy Birthday to us!

The end of June will mark the Iowa Lean Consortium’s first full year as a part of CIRAS, and we just wanted to give you plenty of warning so you can commemorate that anniversary properly. {Perhaps by attending one of the many Lean Coffee events across Iowa?)

Back by popular demand, author and Lean expert Jamie V. Parker is coming to Iowa in June for two events designed to help Iowa businesses take continuous improvement to the next level.

An eastern Iowa manufacturing company landed an important job providing parts for a railcar-cleaning robot after CIRAS helped the company prove its design under a tight deadline.

CIRAS project manager Joy Donald will be honored with the Iowa State University Professional and Scientific Outstanding New Professional Award at a campus ceremony on September 23.

April showers appear poised to linger in Iowa for a bit longer.

Every day we hear another story about a hack. Terms like ransomware, two-factor authentication, data breach, botnets sound like they are from a science fiction movie, not the shop floor. Small- to mid-sized manufacturers are among the most frequent targets of hackers, driven in part by the perceived ease of beating your systems.The solution to cybersecurity risks is a complex mix of IT solutions, processes, and new cultural norms. Where do you start?

Spring is a time of new beginnings – both for you and for your business.

Are you looking for new ideas or a new way to get excited about continuously improving your company? Would you like to take part in regular conversations and share ideas with others about the benefits of Lean?

One key step toward making Iowa buildings more energy efficient is to place them into the hands of people who know how to find savings. Toward that end, two CIRAS partners have joined forces to help Iowa companies interested in reducing their energy costs.

Theisen Cleaners was born in 2016 when Jamie Theisen, after many years spent cleaning houses for herself and various employers, decided to launch a new residential cleaning service. Her husband, Joe Theisen, eventually joined her. By 2017, the couple was thinking of expanding the effort, possibly by branching out and cleaning area businesses.

The government sector is a vast ocean of possibility for Iowa businesses, but the waters can run treacherous if you don’t understand how it works.

To help with that, CIRAS experts have created a daylong training event to help Iowa companies take a deep dive into the world of government contracting and delve into advanced teaming strategies for business development.

Portions of western and central Iowa were under flood watches and warnings Wednesday, with more rain expected though Thursday. Fast-moving ice jams also clogged the Des Moines River in Ottumwa on Tuesday, sparking fears that more low-lying and water-adjacent areas could face problems in the coming days, especially the Raccoon River near Des Moines.

Jennifer Meseke has joined CIRAS as finance and strategic projects manager.

Smart manufacturers are continuously searching for new ways to diversify their customer base, expand into new markets, and grow. Are you ready to see what the future holds? CIRAS can help you find the path.

So, you think Lean won’t work for you?

What if we showed you how it works behind bars?

CIRAS is on a journey to help Iowa manufacturers discover and implement the future of manufacturing.

Success in government contracting requires that you convince a government agency that you’re the best choice to fill any particular need. To get there, you have to know how the system works, who to deal with, what the rules are, and how to cast yourself in the best possible light.

CIRAS is planning a special event this spring to help you understand all of that.

A new year means it’s time for a new beginning and new resolutions about how we’d like to improve. Would you like to talk about that? Are you looking to connect with other Lean practitioners and share ideas about continuous improvement? 

If so, we think you should put “attend an ILC Lean coffee” on the top of your 2019 resolutions list. 

Dozens of times each day, the skilled workers at Miracle Tools America in Davenport must stop what they’re doing and clean. Making drill bits can be a dirty business, and the tiny water channels that are used to keep tools cool have a tendency to get clogged.

Hence, the company decided to begin experimenting with a new type of employee – one that wouldn’t mind the monotony.

One who is made of metal.

Every year around this time, we like to take a minute to remind everybody that we make great things here in Iowa.

Attention: Iowa Lean Consortium members! The renewal process for ILC memberships will operate differently this year. 

David Fierke still remembers the 30-year public works employee who looked him in the eye at one of the city of Fort Dodge’s first Lean events in 2009 and asked what Fierke, the then-relatively new city manager, really thought he was going to teach a veteran about filling potholes.

Probably not much, Fierke acknowledged. But after Fort Dodge employees spent several hours that day looking for waste in the city’s pothole-filling process, they nevertheless managed to make it better.

CIRAS Director Ron Cox was one 15 College of Engineering faculty and staff who received Iowa State University’s highest honors during an annual awards ceremony on September 14.

Nathan Meyer was no stranger to CIRAS, but he wasn’t fully aware of all the technical expertise available at Iowa State University until he took a CIRAS-led tour of campus research labs in the fall of 2017.

A quick five years after its journey began, a Holstein, Iowa, door-maker’s quest to find new alternatives for one of its products has morphed into a massive new business and a new company-owned recipe for producing fireproof doors.

AMES, IOWA – The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC), a nonprofit founded eight years ago to promote business efficiency throughout the Iowa economy, will be merging with Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) effective July 2.

Hari Nallure views his relationship with the CIRAS Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) sort of like he’s found a trusted advisor.

The reviews are in, and it appears to have been a hit: 
– “Broad range of information covered.  Wide variety of businesses represented” 
– “Got several ideas how to expand my business, the event opened up conversations and information in the tristate area” 
– “Tons of useful info” 
– “A very well balanced conference with a wide range of experts speaking candidly” 

Those are just a few bits of the feedback we received after the first Tri-State Procurement Conference held in Keokuk, IA this past spring of 2016.