There’s no such thing as an overnight success. Anything that results in sustainable growth requires patience and persistence. But the payoff can be substantial. That’s the lesson learned by Black Cat Wear Parts, a company that started working with CIRAS four years ago and is now poised to see increased sales of more than $2 … Continue reading Patience and Persistence Key to Potential $2 Million Sales Growth
Iowa State’s CIRAS Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy continues to invest in technologies that fit the needs of Iowa manufacturers. “Technology can change rapidly through software, hardware, or material improvements,” said Chris Hill, CIRAS program director. “A key to the continued success of the digital lab is to ensure we have access to … Continue reading Digital Manufacturing Lab Adds New Technologies
A Sioux City construction company now handles a majority of its accounting work in-house thanks to the help it received from the Iowa Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. I&A Construction’s primary focus is flat concrete work like sidewalks, driveways, trails, and curbs and gutters, as well as cast-in-place intakes. I&A Construction is DBE certified, which … Continue reading Connections Help Business Assume Financial Management
Iowa manufacturers are turning to CIRAS with questions on how to maintain productivity and profitability when workforce is in short supply. Depending on the application, the answer can be automation or using robotics instead of humans to perform tasks like machine-tending. “Machinists are high-skilled employees, but some of the tasks they perform do not require … Continue reading Using Automation to Bridge Labor Gap
Iowa Prison Industries (IPI) credits membership in the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC) with broadening opportunities for the people it serves. IPI is a division of the Iowa Department of Corrections that provides training to incarcerated men and women. IPI staff are ILC members through the State of Iowa’s organizational membership. “The networking relationships we’ve developed … Continue reading IPI Finds Benefit in ILC Membership
A Marion assembler of wire harnesses and control boards started looking at new ways to address its labor shortage after its CEO attended a CIRAS presentation on workforce challenges. Tom Pientok, CEO of Timberline Manufacturing Company, was present at one of the first workforce talks given by CIRAS director Ron Cox. He later arranged for … Continue reading Company Takes Creative Approach to Workforce Shortage
If you are experiencing challenges with your SAM registration – You are not alone. On April 4, 2022 the U.S. government transitioned from DUNS numbers to Unique Entity IDs, also known as a UEIs. Many companies are experiencing challenges and delays in getting their SAM registrations renewed, preventing the government from being able to issue … Continue reading Did You Know? Updates to SAM.gov
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 Samantha Ferm If you’re a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and have applied for the SBA’s WOSB certification in the past, you might have been aware of the odd requirement a limited number of NAICS codes were even applicable to be considered as a ‘woman-owned small business.’ This eliminated hundreds of possible NAICS codes across … Continue reading Did You Know?” The SBA Has Expanded WOSB NAICS Codes
A Davenport business owner who turned to CIRAS for assistance with securing government contracts has already seen dividends in the form of new work. Jeno Berta owns Halberd Security, a company that installs, repairs, and services security systems that protect buildings, infrastructure, and technology. Berta launched his company in 2019 with business partner Chris Chonto. … Continue reading Security Company Credits PTAC with Recent Growth