Much has been written about the negative aspects of today’s economy, but maybe we are looking at it the wrong way. Being an accountant and financial adviser, I have seen and heard firsthand how the economy has impacted our clients’ lives.

Over the last 24 years, Mary Sundblad, owner of Stuff Etc., has perfected the sale of consignment items. This month, she’ll take another step and will sell her consignment store concept as part of a franchise operation.
This month marks a year since the Cedar River reached historic levels and stunned city residents by damaging or destroying nearly 700 businesses and more than 5,000 homes.
Jon Dusek, president of Armstrong Development, watched much of his downtown property flood last year. Yet, he remains upbeat and optimistic about the commercial real estate market.
Christine Smart always dreamed of opening a business one day. But the ideas never turned into a reality until recently.
Iowa’s 5.2 percent unemployment figure, while much better than the national average of 8.3 percent, means it is stiff competition out there for any job, including seasonal jobs this summer.
Posted on 01 June 2009
Much has been written about the negative aspects of today’s economy, but maybe we are looking at it the wrong way. Being an accountant and financial adviser, I have seen and heard firsthand how the economy has impacted our clients’ lives.
Posted on 13 May 2009
Last month, Google became the world’s first $100 billion brand. Does that mean that its assets are valued at $100 billion? No. So does that mean its annual revenues total $100 billion? No. In fact, Google’s 2008 revenue was around $22 billion, and its 2008 total assets were valued at around $32 billion.
Posted on 01 May 2009
A recent study has provided a glimmer of hope for future economic development at a time when companies are reluctant to pull the trigger on new ventures.
Posted on 01 June 2009
During tough economic times it is imperative for employees to be efficient in the workplace. The capacity of increased productivity in challenging times may be the difference between staying in business and folding.
Posted on 01 June 2009
What is high performance? It seems this would be a simple question to answer. It’s not. Ask 10 managers how they define high performance and you’ll probably get 10 different answers — unless they’ve discussed it together.
Posted on 01 June 2009
The past year has dramatically changed the value, terms and risks associated with commercial real estate leases. Unlike residential leases, which are subject to statutory guidelines and protections, commercial real estate leases are governed almost exclusively by the specific terms of the agreement.
Posted on 01 May 2009
Senior leaders in all types of organizations are asking: leaders in all types of organizations are asking:
How do I reduce my work force and retain the talent?
How do I find qualified workers?
How do I get talent to move to Iowa?
Why are my people leaving to work for my competitor?
The responsibility for [...]
Posted on 01 June 2009
My hardest decision did not happen at a single point in time. It was lifelong decision to make decisions and exert some control over the circumstances swirling around me rather than sitting back and letting those circumstances determine my destiny.
Posted on 01 June 2009
Many articles about business technology focus on how to spend money, but never contain much concrete advice on how to save money. Today’s business environment demands just the opposite — getting the best return on investment for sometimes costly, yet admittedly necessary, business technology.
Posted on 01 June 2009
From the first handshake to handing over the keys, the interaction between a real estate professional and a buyer is that of an interdependent and mutually beneficial relationship. Each needs to give and receive information from the other to proceed and succeed.