Economic Development

Iowa Waterways and Economic Development

We met Staci Williams at a recent Walnut Creek Watershed Celebration in Windsor Heights and asked her to come by the studio to talk about the economic development opportunities that some communities are finding when it comes to our streams and rivers. Staci is with ISG who works closely with communities and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in finding new ways to use our natural resources in rural and urban settings. Listen in and see our waterways in a whole new light. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Economic Development in Corpus Christi, Texas

We talk about economic development here in the Midwest on a regular basis so when we had the opportunity to sit down with Iain Vasey the President/CEO of the Corpus Christi Regional Development Corporation we took it. Here you'll learn more about their economy, what makes it vastly different than here, who is responsible for their economic success and a touch on the hospitality industry and more. There is also a "shout out" to the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association who will be heading there this coming January.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Empower Tanzania with Phil Latessa

If you have never heard of Tanzania it's not much of a surprise to us. Tasmania yes. Tanzania, not so much. That is about to change. Meet Phil Latessa the Executive Director of a non-profit called Empower Tanzania. Here you will learn more about this very poor nation in east Africa, what this organization does with and for the people, how Phil works with village leaders, tribal leaders and government officials to assist with medical care, education and economic development. Why Tanzania? We asked and got an answer and think you should know more.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Ideas to Become a "Smart City"

What is a "Smart City"? Is it the people who guide the government? The people who serve on boards and commissions? The voters or the non-voters? How about the people who desire a better life? Meet Mark Modzelewski (he knows...so call him Mark!) from Treeline who says it's not about giving away the farm to capture the new and bright shinny thingy for economic development. Mark says you can build a strong a vibrant economy for your town, city, county and state by focusing on what you already have. The people who  create, drive business and will build your economy. It's pretty...smart.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

TrustBelt 2017 & Why It Matters - Ron Starner

There is a resurgence in manufacturing, jobs and the economic success of business in what was formally known as "The Rust Belt". Here we talk to the founder of the TrustBelt Conference, Ron Starner the Executive Vice President of Conway, the company that publishes Site Selection magazine, about what is going on and how this region pivoted from heavy industrial manufacturing to a diverse economy in everything from small entrepreneur efforts to large IT and knowledge-based businesses. Enjoy! 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Entrepreneurship, Jobs, Flint and More with Congressman Kildee

This week TrustBelt 2017 by Conway Global came to Des Moines. Think of this event as a two day look at manufacturing, the new economy, jobs, technology and ground breaking ideas to enable economic growth in the 16 states that had been called the Rust Belt. Here we sit down with Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) who represents the cities of Flint, Saginaw, Bay City and others and talk about everything from water in Flint to Shinola in Detroit. We think you'll enjoy his progressive, straight forward attitude about economic development there...and here. Besides, it was great to hang out with a fellow Michigander for a bit.
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Outlets of Des Moines - New in the Metro with T.J. Just

Opening later this month is Outlets of Des Moines a new shopping area in Altoona. Here we visit with General Manager, T.J. Just about the effort, employment, consumers shopping habits, brick & mortar, promotion and the upcoming charity preview night on the 19th. The back-story of something new in the Des Moines Metro. Have a listen: 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Foundry - A Media Peek

The media was invited to an event at The Foundry a very unique (for the Des Moines Metro) mixed-use redevelopment project that will transform a 25,000 square foot 19th Century railroad maintenance building into three distinct sections. The Hall - A food and beverage restaurant and beer venue. The Distillery - A commercial production facility and The Kitchen - A non-profit commissary kitchen with a social mission to fight hunger, homelessness and provide skills training. Here we visit with Jorgen Jensen of the Foundry Project about the history behind the building and what they uncovered during the multi-million dollar renovation and then some information from Scott Bush the man behind the Foundery Distilling Company. This is...very...cool with a "hat tip" to Invision the architects of the project. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Immigration and The Greater Des Moines Partnership

Here we visit with Mary Bontrager, Executive Vice President of Talent Development for the Greater Des Moines Partnership about DACA (Dreamers), Immigration Laws, Congress, Regional Jobs, the Economy and a group known as The New American Economy. What is the impact of foreign born workers here in the Des Moines Metro and why have so many moved to our region?  All asked and answered...
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Ever Changing Job Market, Business and Technology with Brian Waller

Everything is changing and at a rapid pace. Here we explore how technology has invaded every aspect of our lives and our businesses. How that change has altered how we market, advertise and learn. Brian Waller is the President of the Technology Association of Iowa and we talk about all of those issues and the lead role Iowa has in the world of transformational technology. Truly interesting radio. 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business broadcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday starting at 5:00pm on AM-940. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications through a business relationship with The Des Moines Radio Group. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.