Opinion
St. Ambrose’s merger with Mount Mercy advances
The idea of merging two businesses is often based on achieving more growth, reducing costs, increasing market share and diversifying operations. And, ideally the...
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 is ready.
We all appreciate how Iowa is embracing its...
Replace Centennial Bridge
The Quad Cities is all about bridges: the new, magnificent Interstate 74 bridge; the ill-fated Bison Bridge concept; the lighting of the I-74 bridge;...
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 15.
This shelter has for many years been situated in...
2025 turning into ‘dream year’ for Clinton projects
When Clinton, Iowa, business leaders developed the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air over two decades ago, 2025 was the dream year they had in...
Lessons in succession planning – from the sauna
Regular sauna use – 15-20 minutes, two to four times a week -- provides numerous health benefits, including cardiovascular improvement, muscle recovery, stress reduction,...
Leveraging the river
Up and down the Mississippi River, the Quad Cities region has been making incremental strides in better utilizing the beloved river from Renew Moline...
Getting back to business: three things that never change
As the business world shifts and adapts in response to cultural conversations, economic demands, and workplace trends, one thing remains constant: the need for...
Aligning higher education with workforce
“How can higher education be responsive to the region’s education, training, and economic needs?”
It is a compelling question, but one that isn’t always being...
Labor/management groups stand united against Iowa SF 603
The Iowa Senate’s passage of Senate File (SF) 603 threatens the construction industry, undermining local control and the labor-management partnerships that have long strengthened...
Now or never
Everyone knows that Chicago dominates the political climate in Illinois. That puts downstate priorities, which often don’t align with Chicago’s, at a disadvantage.
But sometimes...
How financial institutions can support women entrepreneurs
According to a recent survey by Bank of America, 63% of women business owners feel they need to work harder to achieve the same...
Corridor casino bid amplifies need to invest in QC tourism
I was recently invited by my counterpart in Irving, Texas, to discuss gaming and destination development as Texas considers legalizing gambling and redeveloping the...
Mindrup has a plan for WIU
Leading an institution of higher education is no easy task, particularly if it is smaller and has a limited or nonexistent endowment.
You have to...
Navigating executive order impacts on HR practices
The second Trump administration has brought significant legal changes for employers, including eliminating certain affirmative action obligations for federal contractors. On Jan. 21, President...
More tax changes in 2025
The start of 2025 ushered in several significant tax law changes in Iowa and Illinois. Here are some of the highlights that you should...
Union roofers unite on NorthPark repair project
On April 4, 2023, a massive hailstorm pounded the NorthPark Mall in Davenport. The insurance adjusters deemed the existing roof a total loss. The...
Let IowaWORKS help with your workforce success
Did you know IowaWORKS has a local Business Services Team that includes partners and professionals who can support your business recruitment needs?
Our professional staff...
The business of engaging with refugees in the QC
Early in the morning, refugees from around the world go to work at the Amazon plant on the north side of Davenport. From Syria,...
No closure in apartment collapse
The May 28, 2023, tragic partial collapse of an apartment complex at 324 Main St., Davenport, which caused the death of three people, cast...