Housing

Staying Vital in Small Town Iowa

It's a return visit from Lyle Muller of Iowa Watch - The Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism. Today we're talking about the 1118 incorporated and unincorporated communities in Iowa and the success/failure of business, population growth and quality of life. How some small communities are doing when it comes to all manner of business issues. We'll also talk about broadband and how some towns have been able to go it alone. It's a fascinating conversation that is not unique to Iowa.  Here is that article and here is our conversation. 
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 24 September 2021

It's the final Friday of the month of September...like where did that go?  Hey, right after the news headlines we've got Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine with "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week...hey, it's Friday!  In the news:
Shades of 2008 in...China;
Costco says destroy this product;
Remember Lay-a-Way. News from Walmart;
Customers are back but not fast food workers;
But it's not just food service...what FedEx said;
China and Cryptocurrency it's a big deal;
Credit card trouble over at AARP;
The Wall Street Report;
Let's do email etiquette 101 shall we?
Then it's Jeff  Pitts from Cityview Magazine as we get hyper-local and riff about a bunch of stuff happening this weekend and going into next week. To listen that that...just 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.
 
 

The Business News Headlines 16 September 2021

It is the Thursday Edition of the business news headlines. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so you're getting Chap Ramsey and the written version of the headlines.  Here is what's been going on:
August Retail Surprise - It was a complete surprise as data showed retail sales grew by .7% in August. Economists had projected retail sales would fall by .8%.  Meanwhile if auto sales are excluded sales jumped by 1.8%. It was a solid report.
Wall Street - You would think that those kinds of numbers would boost Wall Street and while they did for a bit the markets ended the day mixed. Those numbers in just a bit.
New Jobless Numbers - This is what may have muted the markets. New jobless numbers came in 20,000 higher than the week before. Ending September 11. 332,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims.
Just Inhale - Despite opposition from health groups Phillip Morris (think cigarettes) announced that it had taken control of the U.K. inhaler company Vectura. Phillip Morris is hoping to see over half of it's revenue come from non-smoking products by 2025.
Guaranteed Income Test - What was non-existent just just six years ago is now catching on in 20 U.S. cities test the idea of guaranteed income. Most of the programs are paid for by using donations. But they all have one thing in common: they give some of society’s poorest and most marginalized people cold-hard cash, and then let them spend it however they want. And, it's catching on with some 45% of Americans favoring some type of guaranteed income program. 
Rents - Rents nationwide are rising at a fast pace, according to a new analysis from Realtor.com. The median rent for all sizes of rentals nationwide was $1,607 as of August, representing an increase of 11.5% from a year ago.
Wall Street - Stocks ended the day mixed with the Dow falling by 63 points the close at 34,751. The S&P 500 was down by nearly 7 points closing at 4,473. The Nasdaq outperformed getting 20 points above the flat-line to end the trade at 15,181.
Bye Bye - And, finally there is this: HBO abruptly lost 5 million subscribers this week, after its agreement with Amazon to sell digital subscriptions through its Prime service ended. Prime members have long been able to subscribe to HBO for $15 per month. HBO says they are willing to lose customers, in the short term, as they attempt to build their own relationship with consumers.
That's a wrap.  Thanks for reading!  Michael will be back in tomorrow.
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.
 

Business News & Bruce Tretter from Breitz! 7 September 2021

Feels like a Monday for many of us...right? Welcome to the business news headlines for Tuesday the 7th of September. Our host, Michael Libbie, has the day off so we're trying something a bit different. Rather than voicing the stories we're delivering the top business news in written form. Michael will be back tomorrow. And, make sure you listen in to our business interview featuring Bruce Tretter from Breitz active wear that let's you be seen.  Here's what we have for you:
The Housing Market - When the pandemic was in full swing more than 7 million homeowners were in a program of forbearance which allowed them to pause their mortgage payments. That number is now down to 1.7 million borrowers. Fortune in reporting that  The Biden-Harris administration has made it clear there are no plans for an extension which is set to lapse on 30 September.  Borrowers won’t all get removed at once, instead they’ll be phased out over a period of several months. We've reported in the past how the lack of homes for sale has impacted pricing. Should even one-half of borrowers decide to sell, rather than catch up on their payments that would mean hundreds of thousands of homes would be on the market and that could drop prices. Stay tuned.
Americans & Canada - Crossing data shows that travel to Canada by American businesses and tourists has dropped. The reason? Stiff restrictions for entry into Canada. Business Insider is reporting that Vaccinated American citizens looking to travel north need a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours from a flight's scheduled departure or arrival at a land border crossing. Travelers that have recently recovered from COVID-19 can show a positive test from between 14 and 180 days prior to entry.  And before arriving in Canada - whether by air, land, or sea - travelers must have completed an online form called "ArriveCan." Its requirements include providing an address in Canada at which visitors could quarantine should they test positive and providing the exact dates of a traveler's vaccination. So, yes, visits north have dropped.
But, It's Good for Business -  Mike Lindell the "My Pillow Guy" who is being sued by Dominion Voting Systems says telling lies about the 2020 election and that President Trump really won but Dominion switched votes is, wait for it, good for business. Salon is reporting that he said business is so good he has had to hire 200 more workers.  So, it's a jobs program?
Wall Street - The day after Labor Day was not a good day for the markets. The Dow tanked by 269 points to settle at 35,100 while the S&P 500 lost 15 points ending the trade at 4,520. The Nasdaq outperformed picking up 10 points (and change) to finish at 15,374 which is a new record close.  The weak jobs report and fears of rising COVID cases kept Wall Street in check.
Open Houses - They were once the prime way to get people into houses for sale...and nosey neighbors could also come by for a peek. But COVID has changed that age-old way of putting buyers and sellers together. Realtors are now turning to high-tech ways to show off homes from virtual tours  to live video tours where potential buyers can communicate directly with the realtor. 
$100,000 Sign On Bonuses - Not long ago we shared the story about some trucking firms giving out $50,000 sign on bonuses. That was so...yesterday. Market Watch is reporting that according to research firm Global Data Sign-on bonus have increased across all sectors by 454%, rising to 57,123 advertised positions in August 2021 from 10,312 in August 2020.  Data says the health-care field has the most expensive bonus offers. An advertisement for a “physician of neurology multiple sclerosis” and also for a “general dentist” last month both had a sign-on bonus of up to $100,000. 
Returning to the Office - How about next year? Uber is the latest company to push back office time.  The New York Times is reporting more firms are pushing their returns out as far as next September in efforts to keep employees safe and mitigate whiplash from anticipated return dates and further delays. But that’s not stopping everyone — Wall Street is still  "limping ahead  with plans to bring back more bank employees this week.
For the Interview - Here you'll meet entrepreneur Bruce Tretter who several years ago started "Gotta Eat, Can't Cook". It was all about simple ways to make food and he did it with books and video.  Fast forward several years and he has recently launched Breitz a company that produces high quality cycling and running gear.  He has married social distancing with colorful bright gear...pushing a "six foot" distance to keep runners and cyclists safe.  Here he visits with Michael at an event earlier in the week.  You should know that while Michael and Bruce have been friends for well over a decade this is a first time...face to face meeting.  Enjoy.
Thanks for reading and for listening! Michael will be back in studio tomorrow.  Have a great evening! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Business News Headlines 31 August 2021

It's the final day of August 2021...where did THAT summer go?  Coming up, right after the news headlines you'll meet shooting instructor Amanda Robinson and her story about guns, gun rights, safety, gear and more.  But first:
The Pearl Milling Company and branding;
Home prices rise yet again;
But it's worse in Canada;
Microsoft coming out with Windows 11;
Supply Chain, COVID19 and Dollar Tree;
The Wall Street Report;
Getting a tech job with...a little help.
Those stories plus my conversation with Amanda Robinson and her journey from attorney to firearms instructor for Crossroads Shooting Sports and how she works with women to help them better understand the world of gun ownership and the responsibilities that come with it.  To hear that conversation, 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.

The Business News Headlines 30 August 2021

Just hours ago the last U.S. military air-cargo plane left Afghanistan marketing the end of the war that has lasted twenty years. Meanwhile in the business news headlines:
Housing sales slow yet again;
Ikea wants your "slightly used" furniture;
Get ready to pay more at the pump and why;
Another restaurant shortchanging workers;
PayPal and stock trading?
Robinhood and the SEC;
The E.U and a new U.S. travel ban;
The Wall Street Report;
More news about the great "job reshuffle".
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 20 August 2021

It's Friday!!  Only two more working days until Monday...right? It's been a busy week and here's what we've got for you this afternoon. And...because it's Friday we've got Jeff Pitts in to get hyper-local about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro...but first:
Batteries, Fires and the Bolt;
The #1 Pizza Chain in the world is...
Some of the latest news about COVID...ugh;
Canada and the U.S. border made the news;
Apple announces a change in back to the office;
The Wall Street Report;
Rents went up faster than at any time on record.
Those stories plus Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine talking it up about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro. We've got the arts, dueling pianos, the Iowa State Fair, a bit of baseball, tons of farmer's markets...you get the idea. To listen in just 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.
 

The Business News Headlines 18 August 2021

As much of the world focuses on what is happening in Afghanistan we're focused on what's going on in the business world and away from politics.  Here's what we've got for you today: 
Garth Brooks makes a business & health decision;
The White House says booster shots on the way;
The world's largest retailer is....
Experts said you would be spending less on your home;
Communities fighting back against dollar stores;
Rents, sad to say, are going up...like way up;
The Wall Street Report;
Do we really, really need the 40 hour work week?
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 17 August 2021

We're back and so are you.  Thanks for being here and a reminder that you can follow along all day and all night on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour to keep up with the business news and our long form business interviews.  Thanks, in advance!  Here's what we've got for you today:
We were almost...almost...normal;
Retail sales numbers disappoint;
There is a shrimp recall;
McDonald's is going for the sweets;
Homebuilders are in a funk;
Sam's Club is having a heck of a year;
A manufacturing rebound?
How to hold down two full time jobs;
The Wall Street Report;
CBS is selling an iconic building.
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 12 August 2021

It's our second day of remote work...no internet at the studio so today we took it on the road to a great little coffee shop, Grounds for Celebration, in the Village of Windsor Heights, Iowa.  Good stuff!  Here's what we've got for you today:
They say inflation is transitory, but...
The Bundling War and cell phones;
The "My Pillow Guy" dashes off the stage;
The least trusted retailers are;
Evictions, Renters and Landlords;
President Biden and prescription drug prices;
The Wall Street Report;
Hollywood: Not all glitz and glamor.
For the interview you'll meet entrepreneur and cyber security expert Greg Edwards in this captivating conversation about ransomware. Who it impacts, who should be concerned, what to do and more.  Greg Edwards from CryproStopper is right here and it's a must listen. 
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.