Guest column's stories
Let Iowa small businesses swipe smarter, not harder
Running a small business in Iowa means learning to stretch every dollar. I work long hours, manage tight margins, and hustle to build something meaningful in locations that big chains overlook. But no matter how efficient I get, there’s one…
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…
Stop rescuing — start investing
In times of crisis, our instincts often drive us to act quickly – to step…
As women increase their wealth use these tips to avoid pitfalls
Women are building their own financial legacies by earning more money than ever, as well…
Iowa’s role in restoring America’s maritime dominance
President Trump’s Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance Executive Order was issued on April 9, 2025. Iowa…
Shelter in Place a solution for all communities concerned about homeless
Each year the Quad Cities has a Low-Barrier Winter Overflow Shelter from December to April…
2025 turning into ‘dream year’ for Clinton projects
When Clinton, Iowa, business leaders developed the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air over two decades…
Lessons in succession planning – from the sauna
Regular sauna use – 15-20 minutes, two to four times a week — provides numerous…
Getting back to business: three things that never change
As the business world shifts and adapts in response to cultural conversations, economic demands, and…
