CIRAS Innovation Summit to Map Future for Iowa Machinery Makers

• Jeff Eckhoff

Iowa machinery manufacturers have seen their share of U.S. machinery exports more than double since 2000, according to a CIRAS analysis of U.S. industry statistics. Now, manufacturers need to figure out how to build on that gain.

A CIRAS analysis, completed by Iowa State University economist Liesl Eathington for an April 2 summit on the state of machinery production in Iowa, shows that Iowans have a competi­tive advantage over the rest of the na­tion—especially when it comes to making agricultural and construction equipment.

CIRAS Digest: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015

• Jeff Eckhoff

Happy Tuesday. We reconvene CIRAS Digest today after some production difficulties stemming from the boss’ requirement that we spend Monday at the Iowa State Capitol.

Here’s what you might have missed along the way:

CIRAS Digest: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015

• Jeff Eckhoff

Happy Thursday. Mid-day meetings  out of the office mean you’re treated to an afternoon edition of CIRAS Digest.

You’ll have to decide for yourself whether it was worth the wait:

CIRAS Sets Table for Food Companies’ Success

• Jeff Eckhoff

For Iowa State University meat specialist Joseph Cordray, it all comes down to Americans’ changing demands for dinner.

Evolving societal preferences have created new opportunities for Iowa food companies, Cordray believes. Firms just need to innovate—or, if necessary, to find someone who’s willing and able to help them do it.

“Your spouse’s definition of a homecooked meal I guarantee is not the same as your grandmother’s definition of a home-cooked meal,” Cordray, a professor of animal science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Iowa State University, said of the changing consumer demand. “Your grandmother used to spend all day in the kitchen making it.”

Ten Myths of Government Contracting – by Beth White

• Jeff Eckhoff

Government Contracting, or stated more simply “selling to the government” at any level; Federal, State and Local, is enough to make many business owners cringe at the thought.  “Too much red tape, good ole boy’s club” are some common thoughts, but all in all it is many times thought of as being a market that is just not worth the perceived headache. 

While selling to the government, just like any business endeavor, may not be for everyone, it is certainly a market to consider if you want to diversify your revenue stream.  To assist in the initial consideration of the market, we would like to take a stab at some of the myths surrounding working with the government. Some are promoting working with the government, some provide a more “realistic view” and some are taken straight from the government’s mouth…but all will provide an honest perspective that will help you make informed decisions about working with these customers.

CIRAS Digest: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015

• Jeff Eckhoff

Happy Tuesday. Today, everything is focused higher – including the government, bankers, (if you read it wrong) high school students and Georgia manufacturing.

Here’s what we’re reading today: