House passes historic $2 trillion stimulus despite objections from GOP lawmakerCNN: The House of Representatives today approved the historic $2 trillion stimulus package that passed the Senate earlier this week, overcoming last-minute drama by using an unusual procedural move to thwart a demand by a conservative Republican to force members to vote in person. The bill […]
The National Federation of Independent Business will host a webinar on Monday at 11 a.m. Central time. The webinar will walk business owners and employers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act stimulus bill, which will provide small business grants, forgivable loans and tax relief. All business owners who anticipate a need for […]
Marshalltown’s Lennox shuts down for cleaning after report of COVID-19Marshalltown Times-Republican: The Lennox plant in Marshalltown halted production Thursday after learning an employee tested positive for COVID-19, according to Lennox employees. The plant is on an emergency shutdown of all shifts with hopes of resuming production on Sunday. Several Lennox employees said they were sent home […]
BusinessOutlets of Des Moines is temporarily closed until April 7 after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an expanded disaster proclamation for Iowa. The outlet mall will reopen as soon as state restrictions are lifted, the company said. A Kemin Industries employee in Des Moines has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, Kemin announced. The employee has self-isolated at home […]
Hy-Vee has received more than 25,000 applications for temporary, part-time positions at 86 of the grocery chain’s stores and distribution centers. “We have never received that many in that short of time,” Tina Potthoff, Hy-Vee’s senior vice president of communications, told the Business Record. The West Des Moines-based grocery chain announced it was hiring temporary […]
Effective immediately, children do not have to be present when caregivers pick up meals at Iowa’s 303 approved Grab & Go meal sites, the Iowa Department of Education announced today. The department has received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides flexibility for schools and organizations distributing meals through the Summer Food Service Program […]
Two Iowa-based convenience stores have joined the ranks of other businesses that are temporarily increasing pay or giving bonuses to full- and part-time employees working on the front lines to ensure residents have access to food, household supplies and fuel for vehicles during the crisis caused by the worldwide pandemic. Kum & Go and Casey’s […]
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds today extended and expanded business closures in the state and halted elective and nonessential medical and dental procedures. The move came after an additional 34 people tested positive for novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in Iowa to 179. One person has died from the highly contagious respiratory disease. […]
Wall Street rallies for third day as investors focus on stimulusReuters: Wall Street rallied for a third straight session today as record weekly jobless claims came in below investors’ worst fears and investors focused on an unprecedented $2 trillion stimulus awaiting approval by the U.S. House of Representatives. The Dow Jones industrial average closed up 1,351 […]
Arts and CultureWinefest is canceling all April event dates but plans to reschedule those events and proceed as planned during the May 26-June 6 festival, the organization announced this week. The organization is offering new Virtual Wine Flights in partnership with local restaurants through Facebook Live, beginning March 27. More information on upcoming events is available online. […]
As working from home stretches toward the end of a second workweek for many Iowans, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has released some helpful tips for balancing workplace and home. The tips include setting boundaries, establishing routines and enjoying the advantages, writes David Brown, behavioral health specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. The Extension office also […]
Sixty-two percent of Des Moines metro organizations say they’ve been required to making operational changes in the wake of COVID-19’s spread to Iowa, survey results released by the Greater Des Moines Partnership show. The Partnership received more than 600 responses from area organizations. When asked about biggest concerns around COVID-19, 89% said concern on the […]
Nearly 42,000 Iowans filed for initial unemployment benefits Nearly 42,000 Iowans last week filed for initial unemployment benefits, one-third of which were from the restaurant, bar and lodging industries, according to newly released data from Iowa Workforce Development. Jessica Dunker, Iowa Restaurant Association president and CEO, expects the unemployment claims to be even higher next […]
By Kathy A. Bolten | Senior Staff Writer and Kate Hayden | Staff Writer Hy-Vee Inc., as a way to show appreciation to employees who frequently are within a foot or two of customers, is giving full- and part-time employees who work in its grocery stores 10% bonuses on hours worked from March 16 through April 12, the West […]
BusinessThe American Transportation Research Institute and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association Foundation are conducting a joint research study to understand the numerous effects that the coronavirus pandemic is having on trucking operations. The research focuses heavily on a survey that solicits critical input from truck drivers and motor carrier staff who are encountering Covid-19 impacts such […]
The in-person requirement for notarizing documents is temporarily waived for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, Gov. Kim Reynolds declared this week. The requirements are subject to guidance provided by Iowa Secretary of Paul Pate. A new law allowing remote notarization in Iowa was scheduled to take effect on July 1. Reynolds’ declaration accelerates the […]
Des Moines hotels see visitors, profits plunge during coronavirus outbreakDes Moines Register: Profits for Des Moines-area hotels cratered last week as they lost more than half their usual customer base and about a third of their revenue, according to data released Wednesday. The occupancy rate for the metro was 23%, down from 56% around the same […]
Nearly 41,000 Iowans last week filed initial claims for unemployment benefits, the highest number of new claims filed since at least 2000, state records show. The state paid unemployment claims totaling more than $10.6 million, according to Iowa Workforce Development. The filings are the first look at how a statewide shutdown of thousands of Iowa […]
Hy-Vee Inc., as a way to show appreciation to employees who frequently are within a foot or two of customers, is giving full- and part-time employees who work in its grocery stores 10% bonuses on hours worked between March 16 through April 12, the West Des Moines-based food chain announced. The bonuses, to be paid […]
Our columnist, Dave Elbert, is friends (and Facebook friends) with former KCCI News Anchor Kevin Cooney. Dave spotted a helpful bunch of tips that Cooney shared on Facebook for folks that are doing more and more video conferencing from their homes. Cooney got his first job in TV when he was in high school in […]
4 employees at long-term care facilities, 1 resident test positive for coronavirus in IowaDes Moines Register: Five people at four long-term care facilities in Iowa have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a health care group. Four of the cases involve employees and one case involves a resident at one of these facilities. The facilities are located […]
The Iowa Economic Development Authority board today approved temporarily suspending repayments of 130 loans made through the Iowa Innovation Acceleration Fund. The suspension runs through June 30. Businesses with loans through the fund won’t be required to royalty payments or loan and interest repayments. In addition, interest accrual will be deferred until June 30, said […]
Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller joined with more than 30 other attorneys general to urge Amazon, Facebook, eBay, Walmart and Craigslist to more rigorously monitor price-gouging practices by online sellers using their services. The action is among several that Miller is taking to address price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Gov. Kim Reynolds declared a disaster […]
President Donald Trump has approved Gov. Kim Reynolds’ request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for the COVID-19 outbreak in Iowa, removing a $5 million cap on federal funds and making the Community Disaster Loan Program available, the governor’s office announced today. A request by Reynolds to activate the federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance and Crisis Counseling […]
Donations now centralized through Polk County Emergency Management Greater Des Moines companies continue to demonstrate their generosity with donations of personal protective equipment for Central Iowa health workers. To make the donation process more efficient, Polk County Emergency Management, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is now serving as the central point of contact […]
Labor Department releases fact sheets for Families First Coronavirus Response Act The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division on Tuesday announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First […]
Dow records biggest point gain ever CNN Business: U.S. stocks ended sharply higher today, recouping all of Monday’s losses as investors grew optimistic about the government’s response to the coronavirus crisis. The Dow recorded its biggest point gain on record. The index closed up 11.4%, or 2,113 points. The S&P 500 closed up 9.4%, its best day […]
UnityPoint Clinic announced today it will open an Adult Respiratory Illness Clinic designed to provide an option for adult patients who are sick with suspected COVID-19 or other acute respiratory illnesses. Patients must call 515-323-5680 or reserve their spot online at unitypoint.org before going to the clinic to be screened for symptoms — including fever, cough and/or […]
Balance Autism announced today that it will suspend its community supported agriculture program this year. “Social distancing and quarantine will not allow for our individuals to work together in the greenhouse in preparation for our planting season,” the nonprofit’s CEO, Steve Muller, said in an email. “One of the temporary accommodations we’ve needed to make is […]
Big Green Umbrella Media Inc., the Johnston-based publisher of Cityview and Iowa Living magazines, announced today that those publications will “go dark” and suspend publishing for the next six weeks. In a message addressed to readers and advertisers, Big Green Umbrella President and Publisher Shane Goodman said the company currently faces “more questions than answers.” […]
More than three-quarters of U.S. small businesses surveyed say they are now experiencing a negative impact from the coronavirus pandemic, a stark contrast from survey results released just 10 days earlier. According to survey results released Monday by the National Federation of Independent Business, 76% of small businesses polled said they are negatively affected. About 5% […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has launched the DSM Employment Ready initiative to assist businesses in need of immediate temporary workers and employees who have been affected by circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnership will maintain a list of Greater Des Moines companies looking to rapidly hire for open positions, as well as serve as a resource for employers and employees with up-to-date information relating to state and […]
Public Health and GovernmentDART adjusting route service hours; limiting ridership to essential trips onlyDART announced it is temporarily ending weekday service earlier on some routes and reducing how often some routes run, effective Thursday. There are no changes to Saturday and Sunday service at this time. To protect the health and safety of employees and riders, […]
Iowa State, UNI move summer 2020 courses online as coronavirus threat persistsCedar Rapids Gazette: Like the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University has announced major changes to its summer programming — including study abroad cancellations and a decision to move many of its summer courses to online only. Earlier this month, UNI administrators canceled all […]
Foundation launches $500,000 relief grant fund for health nonprofits. Delta Dental of Iowa and the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation today announced two relief programs to offer Iowa dentists and nonprofits financial assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Delta Dental of Iowa, whose network includes 94% of Iowa’s dentists, has allocated more than $10 million for […]
In response to the spread of COVID-19, Winnebago Industries announced today that it will suspend work at its factories, the Des Moines Register reported. Based in Forest City, the recreational vehicle manufacturer said it expects the suspension to begin this week and run through April 12. The company said in a news release that it will keep […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced a new Small Business Relief Program and tax deferral initiative to assist Iowa businesses experiencing business disruption in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. The new programs will share a dual application that will go live at 8 a.m. Tuesday, and applications will be due at noon on March 31. […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe IMPACT Community Action Partnership is closing all IMPACT offices to walk-in services and asking community members using the monthly food pantry services in the Drake neighborhood, Ankeny and Boone to schedule a time over the phone to pick up their items, IMPACT announced today. All applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program […]
Small businesses asked not to fire workers as government set to offer forgivable loansMarketWatch: U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin urged small businesses not to fire any workers, saying the government will provide bridge loans that could be forgiven entirely after the coronavirus pandemic eases. “If you’re a small business, we ask that you not lay people […]
The Des Moines metro, like most of the state and country, is missing one of its usual elements: people. With many companies going to remote work due to the coronavirus outbreak, typically busy spots now sit silently.
Delta Dental of Iowa and the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation today announced two relief programs to offer Iowa dentists and nonprofits financial assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. Delta Dental of Iowa, whose network includes 94% of Iowa’s dentists, has allocated more than $10 million for a new Advance Claims Payment Program, which will provide […]
The effects of social distancing were reflected in a significant drop-off in activity last week at Des Moines International Airport. Compared with the same week a year ago, passenger volume was down nearly 80% last week, said Kayla Kovarna, communications, marketing and air service development manager for the airport. “As more people begin practicing social […]
Clarification: Currently, no business continuity insurance policies provide coverage for business disruptions due to pandemics, said Greg LaMair, president and CEO of LMC Insurance & Risk Management. An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that businesses could add pandemic coverage to their policies. Most Iowa companies will likely discover that their business continuity insurance […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe Iowa Utilities Board is expanding customer service hours available by phone or email, the IUB announced. IUB customer service staff will be available by phone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. More information is available online. The Des Moines City Council will meet virtually at 4:30 p.m. today for its regularly […]
University of Iowa Health Care leaders on Sunday issued an urgent request for Iowa businesses and individuals to donate new or used protective face shields to the hospital. The shields are used by hospital staff to keep employees safe and help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19. The organization currently has a supply […]
Economists see Iowa pain from pandemic, but recovery starting before end of 2020Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier: The coronavirus pandemic will cause short-term pain for the Iowa economy — more in some sectors than others — followed by recovery beginning later this year, a pair of economists predicted Friday. How long it hurts and takes to recover will […]
KCCI: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced new ways the state is assisting businesses and childcare services in combating COVID-19. Reynolds announced she signed a proclamation Sunday morning to close salons, tattoo establishments, barbershops, massage therapy businesses, tanning salons, medical spas and swimming pools effective 10 p.m. Sunday. The Iowa Department of Human Services offered new guidelines […]
By Kathie Obradovich | Iowa Capital Dispatch The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued a disaster declaration for Iowa that will allow small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to qualify for low-interest support loans, Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office announced Saturday. The disaster declaration for the state is for the period beginning Jan. 31, 2020 and […]
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, today urged all Des Moines residents to stay at home for at least 14 days. “I think it’s our responsibility to protect the health and well being of our citizens and their families,” Cownie told the Business Record. “It’s also […]
‘Time will tell over the next week or two how that picture looks,’ one state official said. Iowa officials are bracing for a sharp rise in first-time claims for unemployment, but for now are not publicly sharing how many claims they expect to be filed. On Tuesday, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered the closure of restaurants, […]
Employee at Nationwide office in Des Moines tests positive for coronavirusDes Moines Register: A Des Moines employee of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. has tested positive for the coronavirus, the company announced today. Spokesman Joe Case said in a statement that other employees who were in touch with the infected worker have been alerted and are in […]
BusinessThe 2020 Global Insurance Symposium scheduled for April 21-23 is canceled, organizers announced this morning. The GIA will host a virtual pitch event for accepted insuretech startups April 22 from 3:30-5 p.m. CST. More information and attendee registration for the pitch event is available online. Participants in this year’s Global Insurance Accelerator cohort are now fully remote, managing director Nicole […]
The Internal Revenue Service is extending the federal income tax filing deadline to July 15 as part of a growing effort to stem the financial pain from the coronavirus pandemic, CNBC reported. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced the 90-day extension in a tweet today. The move gives Americans three months more than they normally would have to file their […]
Gov. Kim Reynolds today issued an additional State Public Health Emergency Declaration effective immediately that provides additional regulatory relief to Iowans affected by the coronavirus public health disaster. The emergency declaration, which is effective through April 16, relaxes a number of restrictions and regulations in areas ranging from property tax collections and eviction law to […]
Beginning next week, hospitality operators in Iowa will be able to apply for a financial relief tax deferral and grant program that the association is coordinating through the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Department of Revenue. Owners applying for assistance will have the option to check a box that allows for the deferral […]
Photo by Emily Blobaum Listings were up 44% during the first 16 days of March, pending sales were up 26%, according to the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors. Business hasn’t slowed at Pennie Carroll & Associates, an Altoona-based residential real estate company. On Sunday, an agent sold three houses. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, […]
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced late Thursday that it will temporarily reimburse health care providers that provide services through telehealth — including mental health counselors — at the same rate as office visits. The Des Moines-based health insurance company has for a number of years been reimbursing providers for telehealth behavioral services at 75% […]
Bridgestone will send 1,400 workers home from Des Moines tire plantDes Moines Register: Bridgestone is sending about 1,400 workers home from its Des Moines agricultural tire manufacturing plant for two weeks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, beginning Sunday morning. It’s the first major Iowa production facility to shut down due to the coronavirus, which […]
Public Health and GovernmentGovernor confirms new cases; state has testing capability for 400 Thirteen Iowa counties have positively identified cases of COVID-19, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced at Thursday’s press conference. Tests have confirmed 44 cases in the state. The State Hygienic Lab is running three shifts to process COVID-19 cases and has identified 642 cases as negative; State […]
BY STEVE DINNEN | via dsm Magazine Wealth Gold seems to like bad news. On three consecutive days of poor economic news in January, the spot price of gold rose. On the fourth day, when there was good news, gold fell. Well, these days certainly are trending toward poor, between the rout of the stock […]
Public Health and GovernmentState tax filing deadlines extended to July 31 The Iowa Department of Revenue today extended the filing and payment deadline for several state tax types, including income tax, to July 31. The changes, prompted by COVID-19, are designed to provide flexibility to Iowans whose lives have been disrupted, the agency said in a news […]
D.M. schools commit to paying staff during shutdown, but most Iowa districts undecidedDes Moines Register: Several school districts in the Des Moines area affirmed that teachers and support staff will continue to be paid during the four weeks that classes are suspended in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. However, a majority of the […]
Trump signs bill providing paid sick leave, free testing and other benefitsNew York Times: A relief package to provide sick leave, unemployment benefits, free coronavirus testing, and food and medical aid to people affected by the pandemic was signed into law by President Donald Trump on Wednesday evening after the Senate passed it by a wide […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation expanding roles for physician assistants in Iowa by allowing them full prescriptive rights, legal protections similar to other health care professions, the ability to be reimbursed by Medicaid and other service changes. The full bill is available online. Reynolds is scheduled to hold a news conference today at 3 […]
Since March 8, United Way of Central Iowa’s 211 call center has been operating as the statewide Coronavirus Hotline. In just the past 10 days, the call center has handled more than 4,000 telephone calls directing Iowans to information about COVID-19 testing. “The volume has been much higher than expected,” said Elisabeth Buck, president of […]
A n A number of businesses are of course wrestling with the best ways to help employees who are struggling with child care. We’ll be reaching out to other businesses as well, but I wanted to share briefly one small way Bankers Trust Co. is trying to help. I had heard they were providing a […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Iowa office is asking small businesses in the state that are facing economic losses from the COVID-19 pandemic to submit information to their County Emergency Management offices in order to declare counties eligible for disaster loans. “We’re waiting on Iowa to be designated as eligible for small businesses in the […]
Public Health and GovernmentWest Des Moines closing City Hall, other buildings to the publicWest Des Moines Mayor Steve Gaer today authorized City Manager Tom Hadden to take all steps necessary to provide for the public health, safety and welfare of the city’s employees and residents. Hadden announced that City Hall will be closed to the public beginning at […]
Remainder of Des Moines Buccaneers’ U.S. Hockey League season canceledDes Moines Register: Six days after suspending its season indefinitely because of the national coronavirus outbreak, the United States Hockey League has closed the doors on its 2019-20 campaign for good. The 16-team league, which includes five Iowa teams (Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Sioux City, Waterloo and the […]
By Karla Walsh | dsm Magazine contributor Under a public health emergency declaration issued this morning, all Iowa restaurants and bars were ordered to suspend on-premise service. Carry-out and delivery are allowed. Of course, most of these businesses were already responding aggressively to protect their patrons, with new carry-out and delivery services. As a huge cheerleader […]
An unexpectedly noisy and lovely tribute began in France Tuesday evening: While on lockdown, the French will be opening their windows every day at 8 p.m. to applaud medical personnel fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Reporter Agnes Poirier tweeted a video of the first night here (volume on, of course): http://bit.ly/38RDsZO. Expect a tear or two — […]
Wall Street slumps, government bonds hammered as stimulus high fadesReuters: Wall Street resumed a steep slide today while bond markets rushed to price in the sheer scale of government support programs and handouts announced over the past 24 hours, all aimed at softening the economic shock of coronavirus. Dire trading conditions continued to make two-way trading […]
Public Health and Government The Iowa Department of Public Health has identified six additional positive cases of Iowans with COVID-19, for a total of 29 positive cases, the IDPH announced late Tuesday. Three of the individuals are residents of Johnson County; the other three are residents of Adair, Blackhawk and Dallas counties. The Story County treasurer’s office will close […]
Managers of some Central Iowa apartment buildings are sharing ideas on how best to operate during the coronavirus outbreak while serving tenants, keeping workers safe and leasing units, said Chris Costa, president and CEO of Knapp properties. “We’re trying to talk through best practices and challenges that we’re running into,” said Costa (pictured). “There’s been […]
Public Health and Government The city of Waukee closed City Hall and the Development Services building to the public. Payments, permit applications, inspection scheduling and more can be done without visiting in person. More information and ongoing updates are available online. The city of Johnston is closing all offices, including Public Works, City Hall and […]
Public Health and GovernmentCorteva worker in Johnston confirmed positive for COVID-19An employee at Corteva Agriscience’s Johnston campus tested positive for COVID-19 this week, the Iowa Capital Dispatch reported. Many employees were told to work at home beginning this week. “We can confirm that an employee at our Johnston office has tested positive for COVID-19,” said company spokesman […]
U.S. postpones April 15 tax payments for 90 days for most AmericansWall Street Journal: The U.S. government will postpone the April 15 tax payment deadline for millions of individuals, giving Americans another 90 days to pay their 2019 income tax bills in an unprecedented move. The IRS, using authority under President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration, […]
During the next few days, 80,000 or more of Iowa’s restaurant and bar workers will likely file for unemployment benefits, predicted the CEO and president of the Iowa Restaurant Association. The prediction comes after Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday ordered bars, gyms and theaters closed in an effort to stem the outbreak of the coronavirus. Restaurants […]
Iowa Workforce Development, responding to an anticipated surge in unemployed Iowans because of temporary business closures due to the coronavirus, has loosened its guidelines for qualifying for unemployment benefits. In addition, the state is waiving unemployment insurance fees that are charged to businesses when workers file unemployment claims. The charge is being waived only in […]
With the public health disaster order issued by Gov. Kim Reynolds today, the Iowa Department of Public Health is authorized to begin mobilizing “as many public health response teams as are necessary to supplement and support disrupted or overburdened local medical and public health personnel, hospitals, and resources” as allowed under state statutes. Under the […]
U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, D-Iowa, spoke with the Business Record over the phone about federal resources in combating the impact of coronavirus on U.S. citizens’ health and the economy. As of this morning, a bill had passed the House, but the emergency aid and economic stimulus package was still being discussed by the Senate and the Trump […]
When the news of COVID-19 contagion broke and zombie apocalypse-level panic ensued, I hoped that the masses were washing their hands. As so many people dismissed the illness as a mild cold, I hoped that people in public were wearing masks if they had any symptoms. Now, as the media tracks coronavirus on the move, […]
Iowa lawmakers grant Reynolds expanded power as they suspend legislative sessionDes Moines Register: The Iowa Legislature has suspended its session for 30 days after passing legislation early Tuesday morning to keep the government running and grant Gov. Kim Reynolds expanded powers to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. Top Republicans in the House and Senate […]
Public Health and Government Des Moines Water Works is operating under a four-phase Contagious Disease Response Plan, closing the general office building to walk-in customers, suspending in-home customer services visits except for emergencies and suspending service termination for delinquent accounts, the organization announced Monday afternoon. The organization is stockpiling chemicals, repair parts and other supplies to […]
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, in an unprecedented move, issued a state of public health disaster emergency declaration today mandating the closure of the state’s bars, restaurants, fitness centers, theaters, gaming facilities, senior citizen centers and adult daycare facilities. The mandate is effective at noon today and continues through March 31. The move comes after the […]
Public Health and Government Pleasant Hill announced changes in public services Monday afternoon. The Pleasant Hill City Hall will remain open during business hours but the public is advised to call 515-262-9368 instead of visiting in person. The Pleasant Hill Public Library will be closed until further notice beginning March 17; no late fees or […]
The Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed one additional case of COVID-19 in Dallas County and the State Hygienic Lab has added an additional shift to expand testing capabilities, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced at a news conference Monday afternoon. The additional shift means the lab will be capable of running 108 tests per day instead […]
Dow tumbles nearly 3,000 points — worst point drop in historyCNN Business: It was another ugly day for U.S. stocks. The Dow today recorded its worst one-day point drop in history and its worst performance on a percentage basis since Oct. 19, 1987, also known as “Black Monday.” Stocks fell to session lows in the final […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynoldsannounced new assistance released by Iowa Workforce Development for employees and employers affected by related layoffs, including guidance for employees filing for unemployment insurance claims. Individuals laid off due to COVID-19 can receive unemployment benefits if they meet all other eligibility requests. Claims filed and identified as a result of COVID-19 will […]
Nationally, airlines are changing flight schedules rapidly in response to the COVID-19 virus, but there have not yet been any reductions in flights at Des Moines International Airport, said Kayla Kovarna, communications, marketing and air service development manager. Currently, there are no indications from any of the airlines serving Des Moines that there will be […]
Concern is mounting over whether Iowa’s more than 6,000 restaurants and bars will be able to successfully weather dramatic declines in revenue due to customers staying home to slow the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. “The profit margins in the restaurant industry are small – 5% net profit in good times,” said Jessica Dunker, […]
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines today announced it has activated a new Disaster Recovery Fund that will be used to support communities that are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 emergency. The DRF was created in partnership with disaster response and philanthropic organizations in Greater Des Moines to develop a collective strategy for charitable […]
Smash Park, which launched the popularity of pickleball in the Des Moines area, is closing its doors to the public for the next four weeks. In addition, Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack and Hotel is closing at 5 p.m. indefinitely. “Although there have been no known cases of COVID-19 at our property, at the direction of […]
Wall Street dives, S&P 500 sheds $2 trillion in value Reuters: S&P 500 companies lost more than $2 trillion in value in the first few minutes of trading today as investors panicked about the mounting damage from the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy. Trading on the three main U.S. stock indexes was halted for 15 […]
Public Health and GovernmentGov. Kim Reynolds recommended Iowa schools close for four weeks after the Iowa Department of Public Health announced on Sunday four additional positive cases of Iowans diagnosed with COVID-19, including one positive case identified in Polk County. Iowa has a total of 22 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two cases of confirmed community […]
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE: DES MOINES – Upon discovery of the existence of substantial community spread of COVID-19 in the state, Gov. Reynolds is recommending that Iowa schools close for four weeks. “Based on new information today from the Iowa Department of Public Health, now is the time to move to the next […]
Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie on Sunday declared a state of emergency, banning any gatherings of 250 or more people on public property or public right of ways. The move means the previously scheduled St. Patrick’s Day parade won’t be held on Tuesday. Organizers of the parade had not canceled the annual event. On Saturday, […]
New coronavirus case in Dallas county; patient sickened without recent travel, meaning it was ‘community spread’ Des Moines Register: There is “community spread” of the coronavirus in Iowa for the first time, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Saturday night, a new designation that means the virus is spreading in the state from an unknown source. Reynolds […]
With guidance from our city and state government, as well as plenty of thoughtful consideration from our executive leadership team here at the Business Record, we have decided it is in the best interest of our guests and community to reschedule our upcoming Forty Under 40 event. With the help of our partners at Prairie Meadows, […]
Public Health and Government Food Bank of Iowa will continue normal operations and continue monitoring developments related to COVID-19, the organization announced Friday afternoon. Food Bank of Iowa is working with Des Moines Public Schools to fill needs as students are out of classes during the district’s extended closure. A statement and updates are available […]
The Greater Des Moines Partnership released information late Friday afternoon on its response to the coronavirus emergency, including an updated list of events that will be either moved online, postponed or canceled. Among the largest events that will be canceled this month is the Des Moines Book Festival, which was scheduled March 28. “While we’re […]
Des Moines businesses, event venues, churches and organizations are being strongly urged by Mayor Frank Cownie to cancel gatherings for at least the next three to four weeks in an effort to stem the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus. Cownie’s unprecedented announcement was released shortly before President Donald Trump declared a national state of […]
Friday, March 13, 2020 4:46 PMThe 17 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus do not display signs of community spread, but Iowans should be prepared for an expected rise in confirmed cases, Gov. Kim Reynolds said late Friday afternoon during her news conference. State agencies are ceasing nonessential travel for state employees and asking employees who travel […]
A majority of U.S. small businesses say they are not currently affected by the coronavirus outbreak, according to survey results released today by the National Federation of Independent Business. Based on a random survey of its membership database of about 300,000 small business owners, 74% said they are not currently experiencing an impact, while 23% said they […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe office of Gov. Kim Reynolds has scheduled a news conference on COVID-19 to take place at 4:30 p.m. today from the State Emergency Operations Center in Johnston. The conference will be streamed live on Facebook. Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie today released a statement advising Des Moines businesses, churches, event planners and organizations to […]
The city of Des Moines is rescheduling some public meetings in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The move comes as more people, in Iowa and nationwide, are testing positive for the virus, which causes respiratory illness that can be particularly harmful to older adults. “I can assure you the city is […]
Coronavirus forces Warren Buffett to cancel ‘Woodstock for Capitalists’Reuters: Warren Buffett today said the coronavirus pandemic forced him to cancel Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s annual shareholder weekend, the largest gathering in corporate America, because the safety of participants and the wider community was paramount. The weekend, which Berkshire’s billionaire chairman calls “Woodstock for Capitalists” and which normally […]
Public Health and GovernmentThe Iowa Department of Public Health released guidance directed at school administrators overseeing grades preK-12 on Thursday. If a child or staff member in a district is identified with COVID-19, local health officials will determine when students and staff should return to schools and what additional steps are needed for the community, the IDPH […]
Barbara Stinson, who joined the World Food Prize as its new president in January, said that in response to the coronavirus pandemic, her organization has canceled all travel for its staff for the remainder of March. Its Youth Institutes are for the most part being rescheduled or reprogrammed, but are not being canceled, she said. “We’re […]
Good evening, At Business Publications Corporation, it’s our mission to help our business, cultural and philanthropic communities stay informed so leaders can make the best possible decisions as we all move forward in uncertain times. As the coronavirus has spread into our state and the effects have begun to be felt, we want to assure […]
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that it will provide small businesses affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus up to $2 million nationally in disaster assistance loans; however, businesses in Iowa will not be able to apply for disaster loans until Gov. Kim Reynolds applies for and receives an Economic Injury Disaster Loan Declaration from the SBA, […]
World stocks plunge into bear market on U.S. travel curbs, ECB moveReuters: Panic hit world financial markets today, after stimulus efforts from the European Central Bank failed to calm investors alarmed by U.S. moves to restrict travel from Europe over the coronavirus pandemic. Global stocks plunged below bear market thresholds, with European shares taking their largest […]
The Des Moines public school district announced this afternoon that it is canceling all classes, activities and programs for at least the next 17 days, beginning Friday at 6 p.m. The goal is to resume school on Monday, March, 30, but that may be adjusted depending upon the spread of the virus, Des Moines Superintendent […]
Thursday, March 12, 2020 3:52 PMThis week, the Business Record held a Newsroom 515 panel discussion on legal issues. Among the topics discussed was the coronavirus and how it is affecting the workplace. The following are three key takeaways from the discussion: Plan, plan, planIowa floods in recent years have prompted employers to develop emergency […]
Dow trades 9% lower and S&P 500 and Nasdaq tumble into bear market MarketWatch: U.S. stocks headed sharply lower today, triggering circuit breakers early in the session that temporarily halted trading for the second time in this week, as the S&P 500 index and Nasdaq Composite looked likely to join the Dow in ending a record-setting, […]
Thursday, March 12, 2020 11:52 AMThe Iowa Health Care Association is encouraging all skilled nursing facilities in the state to follow recent guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requiring them to substantially limit nonessential visitors to their facilities during the coronavirus pandemic. “Our top priority is to protect the health and well-being of […]
Legal experts answer questions about the coronavirus at our Wednesday Newsroom 515 event on Legal matters. PANELISTS: Kelsey Knowles, attorney, Belin McCormick Todd Van Thomme, attorney, Nyemaster Goode Jo Ellen Whitney, attorney, Davis Brown Law Firm David Walker, dean emeritus, Drake Law School
The Technology Association of Iowa is postponing the annual Prometheus Awards. The award ceremony is now scheduled for June 23. Refund requests will be accepted until May 21. Ticket holders with questions may contact TAI at 515-280-7701. Performances and classes at the Des Moines Community Playhouse are taking place as scheduled, the organization announced today. […]
Des Moines Area Community College announces in-person classes are canceled after spring break until further notice; online-only classes to resume as scheduled on March 23. More information and ongoing updates at www.dmacc.edu/coronavirus Mercy College of Health Sciences announces plans to move all campus classes online after spring break until further notice; online classes to begin […]