Guest column's stories

Support a modern, centralized police facility for Bettendorf

Public safety is one of Bettendorf’s highest priorities, yet our current police station is more than 60 years old and was never built to serve as a modern police department. Constructed in 1959 as a former city hall and expanded…

With Edgar’s death, nation lost true statesman, caring leader

There are traits that we hope our elected officials have or at least aspire to:…

Medicaid changes threaten future of disability programs 

“You’re sure you’re okay? You just left.” “Yes, she’s great!” “Seriously?” “They have her. They…

Let Iowa small businesses swipe smarter, not harder

Running a small business in Iowa means learning to stretch every dollar. I work long…

Real connections, real change: Empowering Abilities in action

This summer marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law –…

Families gain long-term tax relief under One Big Beautiful Bill

Families have plenty to celebrate as the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduces several favorable…

Introducing financial literacy to your children

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, financial literacy is more important than ever. A recent…

Heidi Parkhurst Bank of America minimum wage

How to be interviewed with an AI chat bot

Artificial intelligence is changing how business is done, no more so than in the hiring…

From coffee chats to corner offices: Why sponsorship must replace mentorship 

For decades, mentorship has been the go-to strategy for advancing women in  leadership. It’s well-intentioned,…

QC nonprofits bracing for federal cuts

  On June 30, I had the honor of co-hosting a Nonprofit Legislative Roundtable with…

Harnessing employee feedback to drive engagement, organizational success

Employee feedback is no longer a “nice-to-have” – it’s a strategic necessity.  As organizations navigate…

Time to LIFT Iowa small businesses, strengthen communities

As a small business owner, I know what it feels like to face a project…

QCAIR: Empowering immigrants and refugees, enriching the Quad Cities

Founded in 2012, the Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants & Refugees (QCAIR) is a 501(c)(3)…

Understanding sales tax exemptions for manufacturers

Sales tax exemptions are powerful tools that help manufacturers reduce costs, reinvest in operations, create…

Mental health awareness demands collective action

May is Mental Health Awareness Month — a time to reflect, speak out, and come…

Unpredictable tariffs are threatening small business survival

The dream of expanding my ice cream business just got shelved – indefinitely. And I’m…