Retaining Talent and Expanding Capabilities Collaboration for Workforce Excellence and Facility Innovation

• micapaul

For more than a decade, Walsh Door & Security has relied on CIRAS as a trusted partner, leveraging its expertise to enhance operations, improve employee retention, and design innovative solutions tailored to the company’s evolving needs. That has been Walsh Door & Security’s experience with CIRAS. They’ve found CIRAS to be an ideal one-stop shop, … Continue reading Retaining Talent and Expanding Capabilities Collaboration for Workforce Excellence and Facility Innovation

Mid-States Steel Overcomes Critical Equipment Failure with CIRAS Support

• micapaul

Attending a lab tour of the CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab Powered by Alliant Energy proved invaluable for Mid-States Steel Corporation when they faced a critical equipment issue. “It was a great use of our time,” said Duane Vander Weff, purchasing manager. “The tour exposed us to technologies we wouldn’t usually encounter, which proved crucial when … Continue reading Mid-States Steel Overcomes Critical Equipment Failure with CIRAS Support

ILC Annual Conference Delivers Continued Success

• micapaul

The Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) Annual Conference remains Iowa’s premier event for continuous improvement professionals. Three hundred forty attendees from 96 organizations participated in this year’s event on October 24 in Altoona. Organizers attribute the event’s continued success to three key factors: engaging keynote speakers, breakout sessions led by national experts and local members, and … Continue reading ILC Annual Conference Delivers Continued Success

ExporTech: Building a Strategic Path for Export Success

• micapaul

For Iowa companies ready to expand internationally, having a strategic export plan is essential for effectively reaching new markets. CIRAS offers ExporTech, a structured 12- week program equipping companies with insights and resources to grow exports in a targeted, intentional way. ExporTech provides companies with a blueprint to enter or expand their presence in international … Continue reading ExporTech: Building a Strategic Path for Export Success

Iowa State University Students Drive $3.1 Million in Improvements for Nestlé Purina

• micapaul

Nestlé Purina, a manufacturer of dog and cat food and treats located in Clinton, was ready to address some long-standing factory improvement needs. They chose a path that has proven beneficial for many CIRAS clients: a capstone project involving Iowa State University College of Engineering students. “Having new perspectives to review our processes was beneficial, … Continue reading Iowa State University Students Drive $3.1 Million in Improvements for Nestlé Purina

Mental Health in Construction: Building a Resilient Workforce

• jmearp

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

Navigating Construction Industry Training (CIT) Funding Reimbursement: A Step-by-Step Guide

• gmallen

The construction industry and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) understand the importance of maintaining qualified employees in the construction workforce. Better trained and more qualified workers produce a higher quality product. Experienced workers retire and skilled people to replace them are difficult to find. As a result, training employees working on Iowa DOT let … Continue reading Navigating Construction Industry Training (CIT) Funding Reimbursement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gratitude in the Workplace

• jmearp

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

Selected Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs 

• gmallen

Mentor-protégé programs offer numerous benefits to both mentors and protégés. These programs are designed to foster the development of small businesses by pairing them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, support, and valuable resources. For protégés, the benefits include increased access to government contracting opportunities, enhanced business development, and improved technical and management skills. … Continue reading Selected Small Business Mentor Protégé Programs 

Q&A with Chris Thach

• jmearp

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

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