Family Issues

The Business News Headlines 17 March 2022

The economic data and the jobs data today were surprising even in light of what is going on in Ukraine and with oil. Also, stick around because for the interview you're going to learn about the amazing story of Kemin Industries that has grown from a very modest start up to a family owned multi-national. There is so much to unpack and we've done that.  Meanwhile in the news:
Unemployment rolls are the smallest in 52 years;
Several other economic data points moved the markets;
Oil prices climbed above $100 a barrel again;
The sad Russian Oligarch who doesn't know how to live;
Texas Republicans are mad at Citigroup and why;
Amazon now owns a fabled movie studio;
And, the company may have to re-hire a fired worker;
Starbucks to phase out paper cups;
The Minnesota governor wants to give back tax money;
The Wall Street Report
And, we know what you're really doing on Tuesday at work.
Those stories and a conversation with global communications director Lauren Burt about Kemin Industries. Over the past sixty-one years this company has grown from very humble beginnings (like in the living room of a modest home) to a multi-national corporation that is still family owned but responsible for global food supplies. You can hear that amazing story...here. 
Thanks for Listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 
 

The Business News Headlines 3 March 2022

While we're not much for numbers this episode of the business news marks the 4,100th such report. You might say we've been doing this for some time.  Today, on this third day of March this is what we've got for you:
Retail is experiencing a rush toward unions;
Stocks tumbled again today and why;
What might you buy if you had the price of a barrel of oil?
We think you'll enjoy that piece;
This furniture store shutting down all Russian locations;
Fewer Americans applying for first time unemployment;
A look at the nations economic growth;
The Wall Street Report;
The cost of a "cheap date" in many cities in the world.
Those stories plus you'll meet Steve Havemann who sits on the National Board of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. A chance meeting allowed this to happen and it's quite the story. Plus, Steve is the grandson of famed speaker and author Joe Batten. That and so much more is right here!
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

Making a Global Difference - The Society of St. Vincent DePaul

They say that being "in the moment" is important because you never know what opportunity might pop up. That is exactly what happened when I answered an email sent to our city by Steve Havemann from the Society of St. Vincent DePaul. Several years ago I spoke to a local chamber and met a volunteer of the organization so I was somewhat aware of what they do...but wanted more. Steve is the Executive Director of the Des Moines Society and also sits on the national board so we take a broad view of their work and then talk about his famous grandfather, Joe D. Batten the author of the amazing book "Tough Minded Leadership" and others. Here is a link to those books...and the final one co-written by Steve.  What a great story from all sides and grateful I was paying attention. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

Out to Lunch with Admiral Mike Franken - Politics & Business

The last time we did "Out to Lunch" with a thought leader was March of 2020. COVID came and took us out until we recently revived the event. This segment features Admiral Mike Franken who is seeking to become the next U.S. Senator from the State of Iowa. Here we talk about a host of issues both business and political. It's a deep dive into what makes Admiral Franken tick and we think you'll learn much about the man, his global experience and his ability to articulate what he sees as critical for moving Iowa and the United States forward. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 14 December 2021

When it comes to the business news it's always something and the "something" today was the Fed. Welcome to the business news headlines for Tuesday the 14th of December and stick around for our Small Business Spotlight featuring Schmidt Machine of Upper Sandusky, Ohio.  But first:
Two things about the markets today;
OPEC says oil consumption will increase;
The International Energy Agency says the opposite;
Jobs, Money and Divorce...it seems there is a link;
Even 6-Figure earners are having trouble finding a home;
$35 billion going all in on battery cars says the largest automaker;
A deeper dive into the Fed Meeting;
The Wall Street Report;
"West Side Story" ain't producing...some thoughts.
Those stories plus in our Small Business Spotlight you'll meet Kevin Schmidt who leads a family company in business since 1928. The Schmidt Machine Company story is right here.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Meet Schmidt Machine with Kevin Schmidt

Over the years we've interviewed hundreds of business owners. Some that are in a brand new business and others that have taken over a company that's been around for decades. Today we're visiting with Kevin Schmidt whose grandfather, back in 1928, started Schmidt Machine based in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. For a family owned company to have been around that long is a testament to hard work and quality products. Schmidt Machine specializes in creating aftermarket ag parts and does business world-wide.  Meet Kevin...who also does a bit of "standup comedy" when he's not running the business and, yes, he offers up a sample.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 3 December 2021

It's been a wild week on Wall Street compounded by the new variant and the threat of a government shutdown. Whew... And, because it is Friday stay with us because after the news we're riffing about Bitcoin Machines as well as "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro with Jeff Pitts from Cityview. But...first the news:
The jobs report and the unemployment rate;
Produce and maple syrup made the news;
She asked, "Why are beef prices so high?"
Another retail giant to close stores in January;
That Bass Pro/Sportsman's Warehouse deal...off;
The Wall Street Report;
Don't get rid of that home office...yet.
Those stories plus find out what Jeff's wife thinks about him shelling out $7,000 for a "Bitcoin Machine that spits out money". Sure we also talk about stuff to do in the greater Des Moines Metro but the "Bitcoin Machine" has us going.  You can hear all of that by clicking here.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

The Business News Headlines 1 December 2021

We've been doing this newscast for a very long time but I can't remember another day in which the Dow did a nearly 1,000 point turnaround in just...hours. That story and more plus stay with us as we talk with Congresswoman Cindy Axne of Iowa about fixing the supply chain troubles that are impacting...everything. But first the news:
The Dow and the Turn and Why;
Bad corporate experience? Try...Twitter;
Burger King to change it's menu and you won't believe why;
Toys R Us is back with brick & mortar in the U.S.;
GM, Korea and EV's;
The Wall Street Report;
And, "The Rock" is rockin' Netflix.
For the interview it's Congresswoman Cindy Axne of Iowa in to talk about fixing the supply chain crisis with a number of legislative efforts she is pushing in Congress. Actually fixing something rather than leading the charge on wedge issues? Refreshing and to listen to that conversation click here. 
That's a wrap and thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.
 

The Business News Headlines 23 November 2021

Our top story today will depress the heck out of my granddaughter...the Dollar Store is officially dead as Dollar Tree today raised their prices by a whopping 25%.  Also today you'll meet Rep. Ras Smith a Iowa House member who has announced his intention to become the next governor of this state. The intersection of business and politics today.
The Dollar Store Story;
President Biden and oil;
Are gas prices historically high?
Walmart ain't going back to 24/7;
Best Buy and organized crime;
Retailers betting on Black Friday foot traffic;
The Wall Street Report;
He will take his salary in...Bitcoin.
Also today you'll meet Rep. Ras Smith (D-Waterloo) and his really interesting story. Rep. Smith is running to become the next Iowa governor so we talk about business, education, hunting and so much more. To listen, click here.
Thanks for listening! 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.

Ras Smith - A Conversation About Iowa

While we don't do "politics" on the Business News Hour we do realize that politics and business are greatly linked. Employers want highly skilled bright workers and those workers must come from world class classrooms. Many women have left the workforce because there is a lack of reliable child care and the list goes on. Today you'll meet Rep. Ras Smith (D-Waterloo) who has announced his candidacy for governor. You're just a click away from a whole host of issues that impact every person and business in the State of Iowa. Go...
Thanks for listening! 
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour.