COVID-19 Causing Increased Sales in Some Industries

• Jeff Eckhoff

It’s no surprise that there is a major boost in the procurement of personal protective equipment and medical supplies amid the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the COVID-19 report on federal spending data from the Federal Procurement Data System, other industries are seeing an uptick in demand as well. The $2.2 trillion stimulus is allocating various agencies additional funds to address needs related to the pandemic, and it’s not all for medical supplies.

CIRAS Survey UPDATE: Business Impacts of COVID-19

• Jeff Eckhoff

May 22, 2020 — As COVID-19 proliferates across our nation, the crisis continues to negatively impact our economy and spark concerns for the future of small and medium-sized businesses. CIRAS has been conducting a phone survey so we can better understand the needs of Iowa companies and better connect them to appropriate resources.

Here is what we’ve learned so far:

CIRAS Shifting Personnel to Expand Workforce Offerings

• Jeff Eckhoff

CIRAS Director Ron Cox today announced two changes designed to help the center improve its ability to serve Iowa businesses during challenging times.

Effective immediately, Teresa Hay McMahon is stepping down as program director of the Iowa Lean Consortium (ILC). McMahon instead will take on an urgent new assignment expanding CIRAS workforce-related programming under the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center program.

Tracy Schuster, assistant director of the ILC and a part of the consortium team since 2012, will take over as ILC director.

CIRAS Survey UPDATE: Business Impacts of COVID-19

• Jeff Eckhoff

May 15, 2020 — As COVID-19 proliferates across our nation, the crisis continues to negatively impact our economy and spark concerns for the future of small and medium-sized businesses. CIRAS has been conducting a phone survey so we can better understand the needs of Iowa companies and better connect them to appropriate resources.

Here is what we’ve learned so far:

Did You Know?…Woman-Owned Small Business Certification Updates Coming This Summer

• Jeff Eckhoff

Last year, the SBA advised it had some changes in the works for the Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and the Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certification programs. The full scope of those changes are scheduled to be announced June 30, but they will not go into effect until 30 days after that announcement. So keep an eye out for actual certification changes towards the very end of July 2020.

CIRAS Survey UPDATE: Business Impacts of COVID-19

• Jeff Eckhoff

May 8, 2020 — As COVID-19 proliferates across our nation, the crisis continues to negatively impact our economy and spark concerns for the future of small and medium-sized businesses. CIRAS has been conducting a phone survey so we can better understand the needs of Iowa companies and better connect them to appropriate resources. Here is what we’ve … Continue reading CIRAS Survey UPDATE: Business Impacts of COVID-19

CIRAS Survey UPDATE: Business Impacts of COVID-19

• Jeff Eckhoff

May 1, 2020 — As COVID-19 proliferates across our nation, the crisis continues to negatively impact our economy and spark concerns for the future of small and medium-sized businesses. CIRAS has been conducting a phone survey so we can better understand the needs of Iowa companies and better connect them to appropriate resources.  

Here is what we’ve learned so far:

Twice-Weekly Roundtables Help You Talk Through COVID-19

• Jeff Eckhoff

Do you have specific, industry-related COVID-19 questions you’d like to have answered? Would you simply like to chat with others who are struggling to adapt to a global pandemic? CIRAS is hosting twice-weekly online roundtables to share the latest coronavirus response information. Our experts will walk you through an overview of what we know about … Continue reading Twice-Weekly Roundtables Help You Talk Through COVID-19

ILC Virtual Lean Government Exchange is June 2

• Jeff Eckhoff

The Iowa Lean Consortium’s annual event focusing on continuous improvement in government is moving online.

Lean management techniques have the power to transform a variety of industries, but the process can face different obstacles depending on the industry involved. Government and nonprofit entities face unique challenges within their Lean journeys. The ILC created this event several years ago as a way to help you overcome them.

Pandemic Places Lean Coffees Online

• Jeff Eckhoff

It’s the same Lean Coffee conversation you’re used to, only a lot closer to your kitchen.

Last month, as part of the CIRAS response to COVID-19, the Iowa Lean Consortium was forced to cancel all in-person Lean Coffee events through the end of July. Instead, we’ve moved the discussions online to offer a robust virtual forum for anyone interested in sharing ideas and personal experiences with Lean.

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