Business & Industry

Local Highlights

February 23, 2013

The annual Midstates Community and Economic Development Conference brings together community and business leaders, volunteers, professional developers, and elected officials from the three-state area to share their experiences and learn new ideas for community and rural development.

The Midstates Conference will be held Thursday, April 4 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Marina Inn, 4th and B Streets, South Sioux City, Neb.

February 27, 2013

A growing interest in alternative energy sources, sparked by soaring oil prices and the development of large wind farms in northwest Iowa, has raised many questions about wind and solar energy.  Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach in Woodbury and Plymouth Counties, along with other partner organizations, addressed these issues at the 2013 Wind and Solar Energy Conference that was held on  Tuesday, Feb. 26 at the Sioux City Convention Center.  170 people attended the conference.  Below are some of the materials shared at the conference.

January 18, 2013

Many farmers appear to believe that farmland is overvalued and eventually the market bubble will burst, according to the 2012 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll.

January 18, 2013

Ag Decision Maker, one of the most visited Iowa State University Extension and Outreach websites, has a new look. The decision-oriented agricultural business website now showcases new and emerging issues within farm management.

October 26, 2012

The Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator is available to help farmers find the maximum return to nitrogen fertilizer applications and the most profitable application rate for their farm. Having adequate nitrogen available is critical for corn production, but given the high prices for fertilizer it is important farmers determine the right amount that is needed on their crops.


Statewide Resources

  • Helping the College of Engineering and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach carry out their land-grant university mission to improve the quality of life in Iowa by enhancing the performance of Iowa industry.

  • Get information about Iowa's winery and vineyard industry.

  • RECAP provides data and research on local economic, demographic, and social trends for business and communities.

  • Reports of recent and historical trends in the local retail trade sector by city.

  • The ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is a gateway that works in two directions. In one direction, ISU faculty, researchers, and students become connected to the entrepreneurial world. In the other, Iowa's business and entrepreneurial community gain access to an array of resources and information within Iowa State University.

  • The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center is an electronic, national resource for producers interested in value-added agriculture. Browse commodities and products, investigate market and industry trends, study business creation and operation, read research results and locate value-added resources.

  • Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management Extension provides resources for the hospitality industry.

  • Data on each county in Iowa including population demographics, education, retail sales, personal income, employment, occupation, housing, and family characteristics.

  • The Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) conducts research, counsels, and trains business people in management, financing, and operating small businesses, and provides comprehensive information services and access to experts in a variety of fields.

  • Specialists have compiled a list of resources to help you prepare for and recover from natural disasters. Remember to take care of yourself and your family first; then deal with the things lost to the disaster.

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