Exploring the Future of AI in Iowa: AI Summit Drives Industry Adoption

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and CIRAS is helping Iowa companies adapt to this new era. At the inaugural Iowa Artificial Intelligence Summit for Industry, CIRAS brought together more than 130 attendees and 24 speakers in collaboration with partners, including Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business, the Translational Artificial Intelligence Center, the Iowa … Continue reading Exploring the Future of AI in Iowa: AI Summit Drives Industry Adoption

ADA Enterprises Expands with Strategic Guidance from CIRAS

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The Northwood-based manufacturer of plastisol-coated steel products had strong sales but recognized that future growth was constrained by limited space and workforce availability. Their plans involved investing millions in land acquisition, a substantial building expansion, and integrating robotics. To ensure success, they sought guidance from CIRAS. “Turning to CIRAS was a natural choice,” said ADA … Continue reading ADA Enterprises Expands with Strategic Guidance from CIRAS

CIRAS Assists Lindblom Services in Supporting Community

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In June 2024, historic rainfall caused flash floods across northwest Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota, leading to record-breaking river overflows. Homes, farmland, and companies near the West Fork of the Des Moines River faced devastating impacts. State and federal response teams, including FEMA, mobilized quickly to address the crisis. Recognizing the urgent needs of Iowa … Continue reading CIRAS Assists Lindblom Services in Supporting Community

Barron Equipment Boosts Sales through Enhanced Digital Strategy

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A growing focus on digital transformation has helped Barron Equipment, a Davenport- and Des Moines-based material handling equipment company, significantly expand its reach and customer engagement. With support from CIRAS, Barron overhauled its online presence, achieving a sixfold increase in monthly leads and measurable growth in new markets. Barron specializes in industrial doors, truck equipment, … Continue reading Barron Equipment Boosts Sales through Enhanced Digital Strategy

Planning for Automation: Essential Steps for Success

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Automation addresses challenges such as workforce shortages, capacity limits, rising costs, and quality concerns. However, many companies face difficulties with implementation. Success requires careful planning, including defining your scope, building the right team, managing risks, and ensuring lasting success. Define the Scope: Focus on automating what makes the most sense. Avoid attempting to automate everything … Continue reading Planning for Automation: Essential Steps for Success

Q&A with Ally Kuehl

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Q&A with Ally Kuehl   Role: Business Administrator Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. My role at CIRAS is on the operational wing and is split into three parts revolving around Finance, Reporting, and Third-Party Resources. My goal is to assist … Continue reading Q&A with Ally Kuehl

Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success in Compliance

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The Build America, Buy America (BABA) Act, a key part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) signed into law on November 15, 2021, stipulates domestic preference for materials used in federally funded infrastructure projects. Understanding the BABA Act BABA requires that all the iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in infrastructure … Continue reading Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success in Compliance

Mental Health in Construction: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Wellbeing 

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The construction industry is no stranger to safety challenges, but the conversation around worker well-being must go beyond physical hazards. Mental health is crucial in overall safety, productivity, and job satisfaction. Stress, fatigue, substance use, and the high-pressure nature of construction work can contribute to serious mental health concerns, including an increased risk of suicide. … Continue reading Mental Health in Construction: Ensuring Workplace Safety and Wellbeing 

Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – Updates Since February 4

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Navigate Tariff Changes with Confidence –  February 13 Update Tariff changes can create uncertainty for Iowa companies, but there’s no need to panic—there are steps you can take to manage these changes. CIRAS is here to help. Learn from Marc Schneider, CIRAS Supply Chain Lead, as he breaks down how tariff shifts could affect your … Continue reading Stay Ahead of Tariff Changes in Your Supply Chain – Updates Since February 4

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