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Center for Industrial Research and Service

Business and Industry

Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)

Business and Industry Highlights

CIRAS -- The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) provides education, research, and technical assistance to Iowa industry through partnerships with Iowa's universities, community colleges and government agencies. Assistance is supported in part by the DoC/NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the DoD/DLA Procurement Technical Assistance Program and the DoC/EDA University Center Program.

 AgMRC -- The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center provides independent producers and processors with critical information needed to build successful value-added agriculture enterprises.

The Value Added Agriculture Program provides unbiased, science-based information to help establish or expand agricultural-related businesses in Iowa. Whether it's a new start-up, or an established business wanting to expand, the VAAP works directly with the owners of the business.

Business and Industry News

New Market Maker Feature Helps Connect Businesses with Ag and Food Workers
(Posted on 3/15/2013)
Finding new employees for a food or agricultural business has just gotten easier. At no cost, members of the MarketMaker website can use the new employment opportunities feature to post a new job opening and see it advertised nationally.
Corn Stover Harvest Meetings Scheduled for Eastern and Central Iowa
(Posted on 2/6/2013)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host meetings in Madrid on Feb. 28 and Dubuque on March 6 to address emerging opportunities related to stover harvesting for the biomass feedstock needs of local industries.
Wind and Solar Energy Is Focus of Northwest Iowa Conference
(Posted on 1/24/2013)
A Wind and Solar Energy Conference will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Sioux City Convention Center, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The conference will address the growing interest in alternative energy sources that has raised many questions about wind and solar energy in northwest Iowa.
Food Facilities Must Register with FDA by Dec. 31, 2012
(Posted on 12/6/2012)
All facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food (human and animal) within the United States are required to register with the Food and Drug Administration in accordance with the Food Safety Modernization Act. ISU Extension and Outreach has a registration tutorial and a checklist for assessing food safety preparedness available online.
Sustainable Economies Program at Iowa State Receives National Award
(Posted on 10/30/2012)
Through the Sustainable Economies Program, regional trade centers in rural Iowa are receiving information, tools and mentoring to develop plans for strategic growth; and the rest of the country is taking notice. In October the Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service received a 2012 Award of Excellence from the University Economic Development Association for leading this ISU Extension and Outreach effort.
Leath Announces Goals, Priorities for Iowa State University
(Posted on 9/18/2012)
Iowa State University President Steven Leath has announced a goal to raise $150 million in private gifts for student financial aid over the next five years. Leath also said another major priority for his administration will be developing partnerships, particularly for economic development in Iowa.
ISU Extension and Outreach Schedules Town Hall Meetings
(Posted on 8/7/2012)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach wants to hear from Iowans about how Iowa State in partnership with counties can best serve citizens. Five town hall meetings have been scheduled across the state.
CIRAS-Nominated Hagie Manufacturing Receives National Award
(Posted on 5/10/2012)
The 2012 Excellence in Innovation Award was presented to Hagie Manufacturing of Clarion, Iowa, by the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership on May 8, in Orlando, Fla. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Center for Industrial Research and Service nominated the company for the award.
Iowa State University to Serve as Hub for Statewide STEM Efforts
(Posted on 5/7/2012)
Iowa State University will serve as the north central hub for the new Governor's STEM Advisory Council. The goal of the six regional hubs is to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and economic development across Iowa.
Videos Demonstrate Internet Supply/Demand Tool for Farmers, Markets and Consumers
(Posted on 11/30/2011)
Take a  tour of the MarketMaker website by viewing recently released videos highlighting everything MarketMaker has available. MarketMaker is an online tool connecting family shoppers with farmers and everyone in between – including restaurants and grocery stores.