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Stuff to DO with Jeff Pitts and Cityview

Each Friday we get Hyper-Local and chat it up about "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro with Jeff Pitts who is the managing editor for Cityview Magazine.  He knows what to do because he is...Cityview!  Along with riffing about events, and music, and festivals, sports and other stuff. And, yes, we often take a "side trip" into various topics. Michael goes on a rant about the new names of cars and SUV's. We chat it up about author Beth Hoffman and her book Bet the Farm and more. Hey, it's Friday...have some fun already! 
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 October 2021

Remember when we reported that October should be a better month for Wall Street than we saw in September. Well, today is the first day of the new month...here's what we've got for you today:
October moved the markets;
If you bought this at Kohls stop using it;
Consumers are letting Walmart have it;
Heard about the price of propane? Yikes;
John Deere and the UAW contract talks;
Brisk RV sales boost manufacturers stock prices;
Get ready for slower mail delivery;
The Wall Street Report;
Working Parents and New WFH Rules.
And, because it's Friday, Jeff Pitts the managing editor is in to chat it up about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro.  We've got a bunch of stuff to riff about...some old time memories and more.  To listen to Jeff all you've got to do is 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.

Stuff to DO with Cityview and Jeff Pitts

It's the Weekend and that means Jeff Pitts the managing editor for Cityview Magazine is in the studio chatting it up about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro. We also stroll down a couple of memory lanes...maybe for "filler".  He's got it all from sports to gospel to haunted houses to all sorts of art and entertainment stuff.  And, yes we also talk a little hockey.  Why not...right.  Enjoy the weekend and next week and here's Jeff! 
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 10 September 2021

Today a slightly different Friday Edition of the business news headlines. Sure we've got the news but then two conversations. In the first you'll hear about some critical information dealing with small businesses and the Small Business Administration. My guest is Veronica Pugin the Senior Advisor to the Office of Capital Access...think money. Then, as is always the case, Jeff Pitts is in from Cityview with "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro...but, first the news:
The Biden Vaccine Mandate and...business;
A new CDC vaccine study is out and it's important;
Mississippi farm workers sue their employer and why;
Pregnant and working at Amazon;
You would think Wells Fargo would...learn;
The Wall Street Report;
Say it ain't so: Facebook and Ray-Ban.
Then click through for this important conversation for small business owners/managers. My guest is Veronica Pugin and we're talking about a small business virtual seminar and new changes that will make it easier for small businesses to access much needed capital. To listen in, click here.
Then we're having some Friday Fun with Jeff Pitts from Cityview and "Stuff to DO" in the greater Des Moines Metro...yes, it is...Friday.  To listen to that riff click here.
Thanks for listening! 

Stuff to DO with Cityview and Jeff Pitts

It's the one day of the week we get Hyper-Local. Welcome to the Friday Edition with Jeff Pitts the Managing Editor of Cityview Magazine where we chat it up about "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro.  
On tap today we're talking the opening of Cabaret at the Des Moines Playhouse the Grand Re-Opening of Noce...think some of the best live music in the city. Of course the Downtown Farmers Market gets a shout out. A little football talk, think Iowa vs. Iowa State and it is a big deal. Meanwhile in Ottumwa the Cracktastic Plastic Event...you like comics...this is your deal. Alan Jackson is in town. The Central Library Book Sale is a happening thing. Hoyt Sherman Place has the Robert Cray Band. Valley Junction and their farmers market is a happening thing. Wilco and Trampled by Turtles at the Water Works Park on Thursday.  Did we mention the Knoxville Raceway?  Yes we did! Now get out there and have some fun...you deserve it! 
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 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 3 September 2021

One word could describe this morning's Labor Department report on jobs created in august and we'll start our show with that story...and make sure you stick around for the fun stuff with Jeff Pitts as we chat it up about a host of things from People Magazine to Parade Magazine and...oh yeah..."Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro. But, first the news:
In a word the August Jobs Report was...
A muted day on Wall Street;
President Biden on the economy and Delta;
Elon Musk and Texas Politics;
Ghost Kitchens and Walmart in the news;
The IRS and emails;
Uber, Lyft and...Texas;
Barge Traffic, Harvest and Louisiana;
The Wall Street Report;
It's "The Great Wait" and it's expensive.
OK, then!  Time to enjoy "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro as Jeff Pitts and I riff about a whole host of things. Sure we've got music, sports, swords, knights, farmers markets but you'll also get a dose of "famous people who we don't know" and the weird direction Parade Magazine took, favorite celebs and more.  To listen to all of that, just click here!
 

Meet Shooting Instructor Amanda Robinson - A Host of Gun Issues

Several years ago we sat down with Tom Hudson the owner of Crossroads Shooting Sports based in the Greater Des Moines Metro. Not long ago I decided that I would sit in on a class offered by Crossroads. There were many surprises starting with the fact the instructor was a woman. Meet Amanda Robinson a certified instructor who also happens to be an attorney. How she got started, why safety is the number one concern, her work with women seeking to correctly use a handgun, gear and the law. Also, you might want to take a peek at this Facebook Page, Adventures in Appendix Carry for those of you who may be interested in gear, safety and how to carry.
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.

Stuff to DO with Cityview and Jeff Pitts

Each Friday, along with the business news headlines, we get hyper-local with Jeff Pitts who is the managing editor of Cityview Magazine and offer up "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro. Even if you don't live her you might enjoy the, mostly, mindless banter.  It's all in fun and it is, after all, Friday!
We're talking Iowa Barnstormers and the playoffs. The final Zoo Brew of the season. We've got some Farmer's Market news...oh, and Final Mix will be at the West Des Moines Valley Junction Farmer's Market on Thursday.  It's a "must go"! We're talking quilts, the Dam to DSM Run, Fall Gardening tips, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh...it's a restaurant that recently opened. The Kosmic Kingdom Music Festival at Sleepy Hollow. "The Perfect Rendezvous" is playing in Ankeny.  It's Altoonapalooza and the Waukee Palooza and Ingersoll LIVE.  So much to do and there is...more...always more!!
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.