America’s Cultivation Corridor: Why Iowa? Five Questions with Mike O’Donnell

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Mike O’Donnell brings a background in engineering and global manufacturing to his role as director of the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University. Since 1963, CIRAS has been focused on helping Iowa industry improve. The center’s team of experts brings first-hand practical experience to their roles in helping Iowa companies solve complex … Continue reading America’s Cultivation Corridor: Why Iowa? Five Questions with Mike O’Donnell

Preparing for Tariff Impacts on your Supply Chain – Gain Insights from CIRAS. 

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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 business and what you can do to adapt. Rather … Continue reading Preparing for Tariff Impacts on your Supply Chain – Gain Insights from CIRAS. 

Q&A with Bruce Janvrin

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Role: Materials Q: Tell me about your job and how it contributes to the overall goals of CIRAS to help companies prosper. A great deal is working with a company to tease out the data behind their problem or processes. Sometimes, this means conducting a fully detailed study with defined questions to answer. Q: What … Continue reading Q&A with Bruce Janvrin

Supporting Iowa’s Meat Processing Industry: Choose Iowa Butchery, Innovation, and Revitalization Grant Program

• micapaul

The Choose Iowa Butchery, Innovation, and Revitalization Grant Program, managed by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), offers up to $100,000 in grants to support the enhancement of Iowa’s meat processing industry. Designed to promote growth and innovation, this program requires businesses to provide a one-to-one financial match and meet strict eligibility … Continue reading Supporting Iowa’s Meat Processing Industry: Choose Iowa Butchery, Innovation, and Revitalization Grant Program

Cybersecurity Essentials for Government Contractors: Understanding CMMC Requirements

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In today’s digital world, companies face escalating challenges in protecting sensitive information. One critical tool for managing this responsibility is the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), a framework that ensures adherence to essential cybersecurity practices. What is the CMMC? The CMMC is a framework that was developed to assess and verify that companies in the … Continue reading Cybersecurity Essentials for Government Contractors: Understanding CMMC Requirements

Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo: A Catalyst for Growth and Government Collaboration

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The second annual Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo, held in Ames on August 6, was a major success for Iowa’s small business community. Supported by Senator Joni Ernst, CIRAS APEX Accelerator, and America’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the event connected local entrepreneurs with government contracting opportunities and federal innovation programs. Jodi Essex, CIRAS APEX Accelerator … Continue reading Senator Ernst’s Entrepreneur Expo: A Catalyst for Growth and Government Collaboration

ILC Membership Renewal

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It’s time to renew your organization’s commitment to excellence with the Iowa Lean Consortium! Here’s why you should renew your membership: Exclusive Access and Reduced Event Fees: Gain entry to members-only events, workshops, and webinars. Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders and peers to share insights, challenges, and best practices. Resources and Tools: Use our … Continue reading ILC Membership Renewal

From Dream to Success: How Apex Helped A Family Business Thrive

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For Sam and Karissa Hunt, working with the CIRAS APEX Accelerator program has been a family affair. Sam is the owner of Hunter Quality Contracting, a mulching, land-clearing, and timber maintenance company. He connected with Julie Fagle, an APEX government contracting specialist, three years ago for assistance. She proved to be so helpful that he … Continue reading From Dream to Success: How Apex Helped A Family Business Thrive

Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance

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Sometimes, finding the best solution requires first identifying what isn’t the solution. That was the case at Paper Systems in Des Moines. Paper Systems manufactures liquid bulk packaging— cleverly designed bags enclosed in recyclable, disposable cardboard boxes, making the transport of nonhazardous liquids more convenient and economical. The company aimed to streamline the box-laminating process … Continue reading Paper Systems Automates In-house Process, Saves $118,000 Annually with CIRAS Guidance

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