Business

 Clickstop, a leader in e-commerce and great workplace culture, was recognized today as a 2023 Fastest Growing Company by the Corridor Business Journal (CBJ). This year marks the 15th year of the annual Fastest Growing Companies list which honors the region’s top 25 most dynamic companies making significant contributions to the strength of the local economy.

by Mindy Brissey, Great Plains Regional Administrator,U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)The strength of any nation, in many respects, lies in the vibrancy of its economy, which in turn, is largely driven by the energy of its small businesses. As we navigate the complexities of a post-pandemic world, it is essential to recognize the crucial role that veteran-owned small businesses play in our economy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the opening of a new Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Omaha, Nebraska. This comprehensive center serves the veteran communities of Nebraska and Iowa, fostering small business growth and entrepreneurial success.This new VBOC stands as a testament to the SBA's commitment towards veteran entrepreneurship.

The Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University will host the 2023 Wine Grape Field Day on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station near Ames.The field day will run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the morning in the vineyard at the Horticulture Research Station and the afternoon in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State.

Meetings to focus on improved understanding and increased communication with farm leasesIowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting multiple farmland leasing meetings during July and August at various times and locations throughout the state. The annual meetings are offered to address questions that Iowa landowners, tenants or other interested individuals have about leasing farmland.

 Fareway Stores, Inc. is partnering with Variety - the Children’s Charity to conduct the seventh annual Round Up at the register from July 3 - 22 at all 136 store locations. Customers will have the opportunity to round up to the next dollar or provide an additional donation on their grocery bill to help fund Variety’s mission. Dollars raised through the Round Up will provide mobility equipment to children living with special needs, as well as fund and deliver effective programs and grants to care for children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs.

Free, searchable online listing connects Iowa sellers with in-state or out-of-state buyers The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship offers a free, searchable online directory to connect Iowa farmers who have hay or straw to sell with buyers who are interested in purchasing it.Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging farmers or those with hay or straw to sell to update their listing at least once per year or as they have new inventories to offer.

Talk about a busy schedule!While last month was mostly Private Events, July offers many dates open to the public for you to catch us.July 6th will be our first of three trips to The Midnight Gem in Swisher. Maddie Poppe from American Idol will be playing there in the evening.Tickets are still available at the following link: Maddie Poppe at The Midnight Gem Tickets, Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM | EventbriteHiawatha for their "Food Truck Fridays", look for us there on the 14th.

"Growing Connections" is the theme of the 17th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny on August 3. The 2023 conference will explore challenges posed by agriculture's current economic and environmental climate: the 2023 Farm Bill, marketing scenarios, soil and water quality initiatives, financial outlook, social media advocacy, transition/succession planning strategies, and the roles of ag women in this dynamic and growing industry.