Opinion

Real connections, real change: Empowering Abilities in action
This summer marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law – a milestone worth celebrating. But at Empowering Abilities, we know the ADA is more than a historic moment. It’s a living, breathing promise that continues to…
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,…

Editorial: Illinois business rankings improve
We’ve often been critical of Illinois’ business climate – particularly in contrast to Iowa’s –…

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…

Doubling down on Muscatine
It’s not often that the grand opening of a refurbished historic building outside of Des…

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)…

Prison education program deserves credit
Congratulations to Augustana College and its continuation of the Augustana Prison Education Program (APEP), which…

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…

Preserve ‘the Rock’
The Quad Cities experienced some economic anxiety over the past couple years when John Deere…

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…

St. Ambrose’s merger with Mount Mercy advances
The idea of merging two businesses is often based on achieving more growth, reducing costs,…
