Faces of Iowa Industry Newswire Stories

With a career of more than 40 years in the manufacturing industry, I can look back now and see that I was greatly influenced by my father, who worked for an engineering firm. He shared his vast mechanical know-how with me. The two of us worked on many projects together, including rebuilding my car’s engine … Continue reading Making it Happen in a Man’s World

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

Rachel Hahn, CIRAS Strategic Advisor, is named one of Corridor Business Journal’s 250 Most Influential Business Leaders. This annual publication is an exhaustive year-long research initiative by the newsroom of the Corridor Business Journal, delivering a personal, engaging look at the region’s most influential business leaders across major industries. From the publication:  Illinois native Rachel … Continue reading CIRAS Strategic Advisor named one of Corridor Business Journal’s 250 Most Influential Business Leaders

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

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

From time to time, CIRAS likes to tell you a little bit about some of the people who make Iowa business better.

Jim Long worked his way up from a regional salesman to become the president and CEO of Cline Tool in Newton. He believes in hiring good people, and he’d like to see more good businesses coming to Iowa.

Every so often (starting now), CIRAS intends to take a moment and tell you a little bit about the people who make Iowa businesses better:

Michele Oswood has owned the Cedar Rapids franchise of Express Employment Professionals since February 2016, but she worked in several industries before she bought the company. She believes in creative thinking and in valuing every person who walks through the door.

Every so often, CIRAS likes to take a moment and tall you a little bit about the people who make Iowa businesses better:

Max Droste runs manufacturing at Schumacher, a maker of farm equipment, and he’d like to see industry and education work together.

Every so often, CIRAS likes to take a moment and tell you a little bit about the people who make Iowa businesses better:

Freda Sojka was already retired when she turned her Columbus Junction candle shop into a popular maker of all-natural bug repellent. Here’s what’s buzzing through her mind:

Every so often (starting now), CIRAS intends to take a moment and tell you a little bit about the people who make Iowa businesses better:

Joe Meier started out as a sea-savvy machinist and worked his way to becoming vice president of operations for fast-growing Geater Machining & Manufacturing Co. in Independence.  Below you’ll find his secret to success and what he’d improve about Iowa industry if he could.