Opinion

Beyond the checklist: Embedding compliance into culture

Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines or passing audits — it’s a strategic driver of organizational culture and performance. When compliance is woven into the fabric of daily operations, it fosters trust, accountability, and long-term performance.  A well-crafted employee handbook…

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

Welcoming new EICC chancellor

Liang Chee Wee served the Quad Cities region admirably as interim chancellor for the Eastern…

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,…

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…