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…

retiree appreciation sustainment

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,…