Des Moines Business Record

As we reflect on the past year, we’re filled with gratitude for the Business Record community and your role in shaping Des Moines as a thriving hub for innovation and growth. Thank you for your continued support of our work to share the stories that matter and empower businesses to succeed. Wishing you a prosperous and joyful holiday season filled with success and cheer.

We’re ready to Dish! Grab a plate, pull up a chair and subscribe to the FREE NEWSLETTER at https://lnkd.in/ghkKAcQZ. We’re delighted to introduce you to our sister publications new initiative, dsm Dish. Central Iowa’s food scene has so much to offer, from upscale restaurants to fair food, from global flavors to timeless traditions straight from the farm. Our editors will curate the best of the best from expert writers, photographers and food-loving contributors just like you. Delivered each Friday! #DSM #dsmusa #desmoinesiowa #desmoines #dsmfoodie #desmoinesfoodie

When the opportunity arose to apply to be the next executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa, Paige Moore knew it was a perfect fit. In addition to her previous career in health care administration, Moore had served on the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa’s board for nearly eight years. “I had always kind of known when the former director decided to retire that it would be something I would be interested in pursuing,” Moore said. “It’s something that I am dedicated to and I’m very passionate about what we do here, so when the opportunity came up I was excited to pursue it.” Moore began in her new role in June, and the Business Record caught up with her recently to learn more about her and her philosophy for leading the nonprofit that provides a home away from home for children who are receiving care at a Des Moines hospital. https://lnkd.in/gvCebkJS

The Johnston Economic Development Corp. (JEDCO) announced today that it has started the legal process of dissolving as an organization. Board members for the public-private economic development partnership with the city of Johnston voted unanimously during their Nov. 19 meeting to end the investor-based not-for-profit after a survey of its membership that found 76% of the respondents supported a decision to discontinue the organization, according to a news release. “Our JEDCO membership has existed to partner with the city of Johnston to strengthen our local economy and retain and attract business. As economic development evolves in Central Iowa, Johnston must adapt to remain competitive,” Grant Taylor, JEDCO board president, said in the release. https://lnkd.in/gFRKDKFh

Merle Hay Mall owners are pursuing agreements with three anchor tenants for use of a multiuse arena planned on the west side of the mall. Landing the agreements would allow the mall to move forward with plans to redevelop former department store space into a multiuse arena with one sheet of removable ice, said Elizabeth Holland, CEO of Merle Hay Investors, the group that owns the mall. Eight permanent volleyball courts would also be added, she said. https://lnkd.in/gc5kq98a

“We’re in the real early dreaming stages, but we’re trying to position the community so that we can embrace that growth and do our growth strategically." -Granger City Administrator Kirk Bjorland on early planning for the development of park and recreation facilities to meet the growth that's anticipated in the future.

Planning is underway to expand the MidAmerican Energy Co. RecPlex in West Des Moines, a move that would allow the facility to annually host additional events and attract thousands more sports participants and spectators to the area. “We saw the need to expand immediately after we opened,” said Shayne Ratcliff, general manager of the RecPlex at 6500 Grand Ave. “We are turning away several events a year just because we aren’t big enough.” The proposed expansion, which would add about 100,000 square feet to the RecPlex, is estimated to cost $29.2 million. The new space would include up to 1,000 spectator seats. It would cater to ice-related events part of the year and “dry floor” events during the remainder of the year. Construction could begin as soon as the summer of 2025, with completion by late 2026. https://lnkd.in/gnqUhYu9

The Business Record recently caught up with Joshua Rehmann, chief medical officer of UnityPoint Clinic, to discuss his first several months in the new role, the biggest challenges in health care and how technology has affected the industry in recent years. https://lnkd.in/g9QpdYgX

Iowa companies shed 3,700 jobs in October, the fourth straight month of losses, data from Iowa Workforce Development shows. Since June, Iowa firms have shed 10,000 jobs, according to the state agency. Iowa’s total nonfarm employment is now just over 1.6 million. Most of the job losses in October were in construction, which lost 1,800 jobs, and manufacturing, which lost 1,600 jobs. https://lnkd.in/gGJAqDVB

EMC Insurance Cos. will pay more than $6.28 million over 10 years to have its name on exhibition and meeting room space at the Iowa Events Center, according to a contract approved today by the Polk County Board of Supervisors. The exhibit hall will be called EMC Expo Center. The space is currently known as Hy-Vee Hall. However, the West Des Moines-based grocery chain opted not to renew its sponsorship contract. The Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St. in Des Moines, is owned by Polk County and managed by Oak View Group. The exhibit hall is connected to both the Community Choice Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena, which on July 1 will be known as the Casey’s Center. https://lnkd.in/gvapXpjC