Family Issues

Two Stories - Iowa League of Cities Conference 2024

It is an honor to represent my community of Windsor Heights, Iowa as a City Councilor and it is a special treat to be able to attend the Annual Conference of the Iowa League of Cities. Each year the League brings together elected officials, city staff and vendors for education, training, networking and meet with vendors.  This year we were in Sioux City, Iowa far in the Northwest portion of the state.  Here you'll meet two very interesting people.  Alan Kemp is the longtime Executive Director of the League and we talk about this event, what the League is focused on regarding issues that matter and a bit about the 2025 conference. Then you'll meet Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns whom we believe is the youngest mayor in the state.  At 23 years-old she leads the tiny community of Clayton, Iowa population 45 which is located along the Mississippi River in far Eastern Iowa.  Her story is not only interesting but also generational. Enjoy...we did. 
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Tiny Homes: An Answer to the Housing Shortage? Maybe

Sitting down with Mike Stuart from Tiny Homes of Iowa was an adventure in how various communities in Iowa and beyond deal with housing issues.  Mike has been involved in creating homes with storage containers but that crumbled due to the cost of transporting them to the Midwest. Now he is building "tiny homes"  that average between 500 and 900 square feet.  The building of the home isn't the issue; getting permission from city governments...is. Here we talk about how Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City lead the way but more work needs to be done. The popularity of tiny homes has caught the interest of AARP as well as the Polk County Housing Trust Fund.  Meet Mike Stuart: 
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 23 September 2024

The Fed is celebrating the end of inflation….will consumers agree?  This is the business news headlines for Monday the 23rd day of September and welcome to Fall everybody….glad you’re here. A programing note…last week we did not air for several days.  One of my other jobs is serving as a City Councilor for the City of Windsor Heights, Iowa and I was at the Iowa League of Cities annual event in Sioux City, Iowa…now you know.  And, make sure you listen to the two conversations at the end of the newscast. First up is Alan Kemp the Executive Director of the Iowa League of Cities and then you'll meet Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns who we believe is the youngest mayor at age 23 leading the tiny town of Clayton, Iowa.  Population 45... Meanwhile,  if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
Consumers, Inflation and what we think;
Thinking of getting an in store credit card?
You might want to think...twice;
The 4-Day Work Week and why that matters;
The Wall Street Report;
Commute times as Americans head back to the office.
For the interview you'll hear from Alan Kemp from the Iowa League of Cities about what it is they do and how things went in Sioux City last week.  Then Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns joins me.  We believe she is the youngest mayor in the state at 23 and leading Clayton, Iowa population...45.
Let's go!
 

Meet Entrepreneur Nikolas Bender and Agent Clean

Everything happens for a reason. Not long ago a young lady, Gabby, was in our neighborhood putting door hangers out for Agent Clean a company that does commercial and residential exterior cleaning. We've been wanting to do this for some time so I called them and Gabby set up a meeting.  Nikolas Bender showed up and he gave me a price and we set the date. However, during that time I was asking him questions about the business and learned a great deal. Without reservation we can recommend this company and it turns out it's a family business.  Gabby is his wife. Click through to learn how Nikolas, who was a part-time employee of the company ended up as the owner.  A true entrepreneur. 
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 11 September 2024

No doubt you remember where you were on September 11, 2021. I was sitting at my desk with the morning news on the television when the first plane hit the first tower in New York City.  Like many I was transfixed for the rest of the day as we followed the news from Washington to a field in Pennsylvania. In all nearly 3,000 people died on that day.  And, we must never forget. 
If you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
More good news about...inflation;
It was a wild ride on Wall Street;
Campbells Soup has a name change;
But it's not the first company to do so.  We have a list;
In Utah keeping kids safe from social media is unconstitutional;
The Wall Street Report;
New mortgage rates are out and that too is good news.
For the conversation you'll meet our newest friend Nikolas Bender who went from a part-time worker to owning the company. Nikolas and his family of three are the heart and soul of Agent Clean. How he got to this level is a great story as well as how they market themselves.  And, it is an inspiring entrepreneur story.  Meet Nikolas.
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Where Are They Now with Trey Russell

One of the regular features we do for the National Tractor Parts Dealer Association (NTPDA) is visit with members about their business, family, local community and more. It's our way of helping the Association boost their voice. Here in a segment we call "Where Are They Now" we visit with Trey Russell from Russell Tractor Parts of Scottsboro, Alabama who, way back in 1999 received a scholarship from the NTPDA and we thought you might like to learn more.  This past year NTPDA awarded 25 scholarships for a total of $66,500 plus another $12.500 from member companies who sponsored a young person. 
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 6 September 2024

We kick things off today looking at the Job Report from the Labor Department. It was a mixed bag of details which didn't help Wall Street much.  Thanks for joining us for this Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines and a reminder that we're back on Sunday, Noon Central, with the Business Week in Review and only on News/Talk 1540 KXEL and yes, we do stream. Meanwhile, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The Mixed Bag that was the Jobs Report;
Now we wait for the Central Bank and it's meeting;
Wealthy tax cheats are paying up says Janet Yellen;
3D printing and illegal firearms made the news;
Tiny towns in Nebraska are growing. Think immigration;
Remember Lumber Liquidators?  They are gone...
The Wall Street Report;
Podcasts are getting...longer?  Seems so.
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 4 September 2024

Yet another mass school shooting this time in Georgia.  At news time we learn there are four people murdered and nine people hospitalized. Dreadful when some treasure guns over kids.  In the Business News Headlines today we'll take a look at a new report on jobs that rattled the markets a bit but when we take a deeper look there were some bright spots.  Meanwhile, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The Labor Department Jobs Report is out;
And we'll take a deeper dive into the numbers;
How about trademarking "Very Demure"?  No...really;
The Dollar Tree slashed its full year sales number and why;
But, there is a but when we reported this...you think?
President Biden to nix the U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel;
The Wall Street Report;
Some big changes over at Lyft.
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 29 August 2024

Our question, right out of the gun, is: "So, just how much good news do you want today?" We have plenty and willing to share.  Meanwhile, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The revised GDP numbers are in and...wow!
Fewer people filed for first time unemployment benefits;
Going hungry. A shocking report of folks 65+ and SNAP;
Rates on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell again;
The Wall Street Report;
Getting serious about investing in AI from some big names.
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 23 August 2024

Since Wednesday we've been expecting this and on Friday morning, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said it out loud, "The time has come...".  We're talking about a reduction in the federal prime rate come September and that kicks off our newscast this evening. Also,  if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:
Powell says it out loud. Now we wait;
And the markets reacted to what he said;
An update on that Canadian railroad strike;
Rents have spiked and now the Justice Department files suit;
Millions have been kicked off the internet. Why and what the FCC will do;
The Wall Street Report;
And, how about copyrighting a...smell?  But no ordinary smell.
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 Central 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.