The pace of disruption in industry hasn’t slowed. Global trade structures are being challenged on multiple fronts as digital technologies and artificial intelligence rapidly mature. Leaders are challenged like never before. Not because they don’t have ideas, but because every decision now carries more trade-offs. Increasingly, the real need isn’t an answer, but a partner … Continue reading Director’s Update: Looking at 2026 and Beyond
For more than 30 years, Country Maid has embodied Iowa’s entrepreneurial spirit, from Ken and Marlene Banwart’s family basement operation in West Bend, IA to a modern facility with 125 employees distributing frozen pastries and cake rolls nationwide, the company has remained grounded in its mission: Helping Others Help Each Other. When production efficiency began … Continue reading Country Maid Boosts Leadership Alignment and Production Efficiency with Help from CIRAS
Through a CIRAS supplier scouting project conducted for Blue-9, Lomont Molding gained new business after being identified and selected as a plastics manufacturing partner. The project highlights how CIRAS connects Iowa companies using data-driven insight and internal collaboration to strengthen local supply chains. Company Overview Lomont Molding LLC, based in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, is a … Continue reading Lomont Molding Gains New Business Through CIRAS Supplier Scouting
Each year, CIRAS connects Iowa companies with bright, motivated students ready to tackle real-world challenges. For interns, it is a chance to apply classroom learning to make a tangible impact. For CIRAS and its clients, it is an opportunity to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline while advancing projects that help companies grow and succeed. This year’s … Continue reading Future Talent in Action: CIRAS Interns Help Iowa Businesses Thrive
In October 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an Interim Final Rule removing race- and sex-based presumptions from the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. As a result, Iowa DOT was required to place previously certified DBE firms on hold while a new reevaluation process was developed. That transition period has now ended. As of … Continue reading DBE Reevaluation Process Now Underway in Iowa
As Insta-Pro International continued to grow its supplier base, the company partnered with CIRAS to implement a structured quality management system that improved internal processes, strengthened supplier communication, and saved an estimated $190,000. Company Overview Location: Polk County, lowa Founded: 1969 Employees: 45 Primary Products: Grain and bean processing equipment, extruders, oil processors, coolers, and … Continue reading Insta-Pro International Strengthens Quality Systems to Support Growth
As we wrap up another busy year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what our APEX clients accomplished — and the role CIRAS APEX was honored to play in their government contracting journeys. By the numbers, this year’s impact is impressive: 671 distinct Iowa clients counseled 82 of Iowa’s 99 counties served — reaching nearly … Continue reading APEX at CIRAS: Year in Review
The recent federal changes to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program have created significant uncertainty for firms seeking certification or renewal. With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Interim Final Rule (IFR) becoming effective on October 3, 2025, the national DBE certification process has entered a temporary holding pattern. Importantly, this pause applies to all DBE … Continue reading DBE Certification Update: All Firms Affected by Federal Rule Change
As the holiday season arrives, many of us start thinking about familiar winter flavors — cookies, cocoa, maybe even the occasional fruitcake. And while concrete might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture festive treats, a few creative industry colleagues recently reminded us that construction materials and holiday goodies have … Continue reading Concrete, Cookies, and a Dash of Holiday Fruitcake
If you’re looking for gifts that are practical, memorable, and proudly rooted in Iowa innovation, this year’s holiday guide is packed with ideas that check every box. From sweet treats and cozy home goods to shop-ready gear and everyday upgrades, these picks highlight the variety of products made right here in Iowa. Here is the … Continue reading 10th Annual CIRAS Holiday Gift Guide