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
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
Every year, without fail, there are disaster declarations in Iowa and other states, and our APEX team helps businesses prepare to do business with the government to help in recovery efforts. Our goal is to prepare your business now to be able to respond to disaster contracting opportunities in the future. Below are some basic … Continue reading Disaster Contracting in Iowa
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
There has never been a more critical time for small and mid-sized manufacturers to maximize the productivity of their labor force and production equipment. This goes beyond purchasing high-dollar equipment that can run at faster cycle times, hiring more people, or adding shifts in a tight labor market. Oftentimes, the first best step is simply … Continue reading How Preventative Maintenance & CIRAS Technologies Propel Manufacturing Productivity
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