Rural Stories

Corruption of America's Food Industry with Austin Frerick

It's been several years since Austin Frerick has been with us and  it has been well worth the wait. He recently released Barons - Money, Power and the Corruption of America's Food Industry and it is a blockbuster. In it Austin not only names the power brokers but also does extensive background pieces about each "Barron". The Hog Barons, the Grain Barons, the Coffee Barons, the Berry Barons, the Slaughter Barons and the Grocery Barons. This is a book for every book shelf. Here now is Austin Frerick:
Thanks for being here!
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 Call Notes 10 June 2024

Hello Monday and welcome to the business news headlines for this the 10th day of June.  Grateful you're with us. Lots of the news today centered on inflation, the Central Bank and rate cuts.  Also, make sure you click through and listen to the conversation we had with Cy Hilty the creator of Call Notes. It can be a game changer when it comes to recording business phone calls that need your attention.  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:
A muted day on Wall Street and why;
Big Banks are softening their rate cut expectations;
The Biden Team is reaching out to businesses and saying...
A take-over brewing at Southwest Airlines and why;
Apple takes the wraps off its AI product;
Some thoughts about rate cuts from us;
The Wall Street Report;
Weather and prices of coca, wine and olive oil.
For the interview you'll meet Cy Hilty who has developed a program that will boost your customer service. It's time to ditch that scrap of paper that has phone numbers and messages and move into Call Notes.  While designed for the parts industry we think it has a life in other areas. Never miss another phoned in sale.  To listen to that conversation CLICK THIS LINK.
Thanks for being here!
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 June 2024

It's Election Day here in Iowa and, yes, I did vote. We kick things off today with a report about open jobs in the U.S. The headline most outlets had was that "Job Openings Drop to the Lowest Level Since 2021". Sounds bad...right? But, when you look inside the numbers it's pretty good news but, as you know, good news doesn't sell or get clicks. Finally, 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:
Inside the job openings data from today;
Gas prices drop and why that's going on;
High end watches are selling to young people;
Yesterday Meme Stocks had a day...today, not so much;
New Orleans is about to experience a "makeover";
Big news from the world of funerals;
The Wall Street Report;
Shutterstock goes all in on AI.
For the interview you'll meet Jeff Bucklin who with his 79 year old father own and operate Colfax Tractor and Combine Parts in the tiny town of Colfax, Iowa. What is surprising about this story is that, without an inventory system, they have to know, by memory, where in their 100 acres of used tractors, combines, planters and construction equipment those parts...are. Oh, and they ship all over the globe. It's a neat family story...with some history. To LISTEN, CLICK THIS LINK.
Thanks for being here!
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.

Small Business Spotlight - Colfax Tractor Parts

Recently I took a trip down a gravel road in tiny Colfax, Iowa to visit with Jeff Bucklin of Colfax Tractor Parts. They own 100 acres full of nearly every type of used agriculture equipment out there. The founder of the business, Bennie Bucklin (79) still puts in a full week of work helping identify where various tractors, combines, planters, skid loaders are located. Now, get this: They ship these tractor and construction parts all over the globe. It's a big deal. In addition they also buy "gently used" vehicles, detail 'em and sell those as well. Come along for a great family story we think you'll enjoy. 
Thanks for being here!
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 30 May 2024

We're a bit late in getting this out "on the bird" because we spent the greater part of the day in Humeston, Iowa a community of roughly 460 people.  We took the show on the road for another "Out to Lunch" segment and had a great time listening to stories from our guests Jill, Don and Dan (photo). We learned much about the history of the community as well as their business climate and a community owned grocery store The Front Street Market, the Grassroots Cafe and Snyder's a store like no other I've ever been in and today was their 75th Anniversary!  We can't wait to share that segment with you later next week. We'll get to the news in a moment but 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 GDP numbers explained;
The Dow has lost about 1,000 points in 3 days...why?
Some positive FAA and Boeing news today;
Fast food pricing and wow...has it gone up;
The Wall Street Report;
Retail news from Best Buy and Kohl's.
Thanks for being here!
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 17 April 2024

It's been a tough couple of days for Wall Street as investors have a host of things to worry about.  Today was no different.  Meanwhile President Biden made some promises today to American steelworkers that may heat up some international issues and we'll kick things off with that story. Also make sure you click ahead for the interview with entrepreneur and Architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture. And, a reminder, 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 U.S. President, Japan and U.S. Steel;
Really? $56 billion for Elon? It will be a touch sell;
The IMF sees a much better economic picture;
Disney actors want to join a union;
Meanwhile Disneyland to get a makeover;
Drive a Ford Bronco or Maverick? Listen up;
The Wall Street Report;
Good news for those who suffer from sleep apnea. 
For the interview you'll meet entrepreneur and architect Steve Wilke-Shapiro the founder of Sequel Architecture and Interiors. His work not only focuses on preservation but also mixing the new with, sometimes, the very old. The result is a stunning project that ranges from the small to the very large. To listen to that conversation CLICK THIS LINK.
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 22 March 2024

The Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines for this the 22nd day of March and coming to you from our remote studio in Mason City, Iowa.  And, yes, it's turned much colder and snow, they say, is on the way. By the way,  if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And 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:
Wall Street had a winning week;
Former President Trump to go public;
More AI news this time from Tennessee;
Reddit shares dipped today but still high;
McDonald's food to become too expensive?
Fewer remote jobs but, there is a but for employers;
The Wall Street Report;
And, Walmart is seeking wealthier shoppers.
Those stories and we cross the Atlantic to visit with our friend Nick Young of Nick Young's Tractor Parts. We're talking tractors, equipment, Brexit and agriculture in England. To hear that segment click this link.
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 21 March 2024

Welcome to the Thursday Edition of the Business News Headlines and stay with us for an exclusive interview by way of Israel.  Jarad Bernstein is the Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, Iowa and he recently returned to the U.S. following a multi-day trip to Northern Israel.  While we do touch on the war effort we're also talking about the impact the war has had on businesses and the local economy.  Also if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And 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 Justice Department files suit against Apple;
The markets soared yet again;
Reddit went public in a very big way;
New jobless numbers are in and we'll share;
The Wall Street Report;
And, NASA is having a hard time finding...workers and why.
For the interview you'll meet my friend Jarad Bernstein who just arrived back in the U.S. following a trip into Northern Israel. We talk about agriculture, tourism and the amazing way people are actually going to Israel to help...rather than leave.  It's quite the story and you can hear it by clicking this link.
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 15 March 2024

Hello Friday and welcome to the Business News Headlines for this the 15th day of March.  Just ahead some consumer news for you, a look at two big retail events and more. For the interview you'll hear from attorney and author Jo Kline about the disaster health care access has become and some thoughts about how you can help fix it.  And, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And 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:
New news about consumers from the University of Michigan;
Meanwhile consumers are still spending and on what;
The economic impact of St. Patrick's Day;
Retail and Services are gearing up for the Solar Eclipse;
The lawsuit against the National Association or Realtors is over;
The Wall Street Report;
And...we need PLUMBERS and lots of them.
For the interview you'll meet author and attorney Jo Kline. Her book, Patient or Pawn outlines the epic failure of our health care system and what you can do to protect yourself. This is a must listen to segment that impacts everyone. To hear our conversation click this link.
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 & More 4 March 2024

Welcome to the Monday Edition of The Business News Headlines where we're going to be up in the clouds talking airlines and airplanes.  Later on you'll meet the very talented CJ Brown who is a master painter, author and rural lifestyle enthusiast who loves to talk about the beef industry. We met her at the Iowa Cattlemen's Beef Expo back in February.  And, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And 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:
Jet Blue and Spirit Airlines...off the table and why;
What's next for Spirit? Some are uttering the "B: word;
The FAA is casting doubt on the manufacturing over at Boeing;
Finally over the counter birth control for women...finally;
Ever heard of di minimus? You will today...think China;
The Wall Street Report;
The exodus of school teachers continue and...why.
For the interview you'll meet CJ Brown and learn more about her work. She is an outspoken defender of the rural lifestyle and also creates some of the most stunning artwork and tops that off as an author. You can listen to our conversation 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 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.