Insight on Business

A Small Business Spotlight - Meet Rikkia Lillard, Event Planner

While much of the county is avoiding crowds some continue to plan for the future and that is what this post is about.  A couple of weeks ago when I sat down with Rikkia Lillard I didn't expect to learn about all the talents this young woman has...but soon into this conversation it became apparent that she is something very special. Rikkia owns R.C.L Productions which is an event planning and design business. Here slogan is, "It's not just a party. It's a production." And a production it is. From weddings to bar mitzvahs Rikkia turns on her magic and you get to learn all about it here. Enjoy! If you want to connect with her here is her email. 

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

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The Business News Headlines 13 March 2020

It was a volatile session on Wall Street and at the end of the day the markets posted some big numbers.  Welcome to the business news headlines. Here's what we've got for you today:

• While the markets rebounded there is that "testing" thing;
• Businesses are starting to trim staff;
• Movie theaters are getting creative;
• Bidet (What??) sales are shooting up;
• Fiat Chrysler shutters a plant;
• Small businesses are being impacted;
• The Wall Street Report
• Soccer and wages;
• Plus we usually have Jeff Pitts from Cityview with "Stuff to DO". Today that changed.

Thanks for listening! 

You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday at 2pm on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour. 

Our Sponsors

AARP-Iowa

National Tractor Parts Dealer Association

Oasis - A Paychex Company

Tero International

Business News & More 6 March 2020

It's been a tough week for business around the globe as cities, states and nations battle the growing coronavirus threat. That was clear in the top business news stories today:

• Free food samples at Costco...gone;
• Boeing back in the news and it's not good news;
• Tech companies and the spread of the virus;
• GAP closed it's New York HQ;
• A shake up at Chipotle;
• Oil prices sliding;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Pot stocks going up in smoke;
• More schools close.

Those weighty stories plus the weekend is here and so is Jeff Pitts the managing editor of Cityview Magazine with a big list of "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. Stand up, music events, sports, arts and entertainment....oh...and bacon too. 

Thanks for listening!

The Business News Headlines & More 21 February 2020

Today was the day when the folks on Wall Street may have finally figured out that the coronavirus will put a wrench into the global economy. It's the Business News Headlines for Friday the 21st of February. In the news:

• Every heard of the "Fiduciary Rule"? You will today;
• John Deere stock soars and why;
• Zillow is losing millions each month and why;
• President Trump and his Social Security promise;
• The Wall Street Report
• Wells Fargo and the latest multi-billion dollar fine.

Those stories plus we'll have some fun with Jeff Pitts the managing editor of Cityview Magazine. We'll chat it up about sports, music, the theater and a host of things happening this weekend into next week. Go...you've earned it! To listen to the silliness...click our player.

Thanks for listening!

The Business News & More 31 January 2020

This just in as the markets closed: Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar declared a public health emergency over the new coronavirus Friday. Starting Sunday at 5 p.m. ET, all passengers on flights to the United States who have been in Hubei province in China in the last 14 days will be subject to up to 14 days of quarantine.

Now we can be worried...in other news today:

• Two major U.S. corporations worry about the global economy;
• The 10 "Most Hated" companies in the U.S.
• The Wall Street Report
• Big day for the U.K.

Those stories and some lighter moments: Put away your cares and woes...turn that frown upside down...it's time for "Stuff to DO" in the Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week with Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine. Yes, we laugh, giggle a bit and share Jeff's top picks of places to go. 

Thanks for listening.

The Business Headlines & More 14 January 2020

It was nice while it lasted...think conflicting signals when it comes to China and Trade. It's the Tuesday Edition of the Business News Headlines. Today:

• Trump Trade Tariffs to stay in place;
• Wages & Restaurant Workers;
• Shake Shack gets inventive;
• It once was the world's largest airplane maker;
• Amazon and FedEx make nice;
• The Market Report from Wall Street;
• Work for Food? But, does it...work?

Those stories plus we get hyper-local with a fun couple Angela Carter from Skin - Body - Soul and Beau Fodor from Panache who are teaming up with their friends from Williams-Sonoma at the Jordan Creek Town Center. Listen as they chat about their business and a special event happening just in time for Valentine's Day. Also, if you pre-register for the event by calling Williams-Sonoma at 515-225-6613 we understand the first 25 people will receive a free VIP Bag. How neat is that?  Ready? Click our player to listen. 

Thanks for coming by! 

The Business News & More 3 January 2020

Wait...it's the weekend...again? Thanks for coming by on this Friday afternoon. In the news today:

• Southwest Airlines - Dead last in safety;
• Tesla is rockin' production;
• More bad news for newspapers;
• Oil and the Strait of Hormuz;
• Nine states that see their economy contracting;
• The Wall Street Report;
• What if your clothing made you...sick.

Those stories plus Jeff Pitts the Managing Editor for Cityview Magazine in back riffing about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. Have some FUN already.  You deserve it! 

Thanks for listening!

The Business News & More 13 December 2019

If everybody was so excited about the U.S. China Trade Deal how come Wall Street...sighed? It's the business news headlines for Friday the 13th of December:

• "Meh" on Wall Street;
• Affordable housing on a cruse ship;
• Russian Police and Business;
• General Motors and pickups;
• Strip Clubs and CEO's;
• Apple and genetic testing;
• The markets did what today;
• Labor Unions and holiday food baskets;
• Retail contracted in November.

Those stories and Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine is in to talk about Stuff to DO in the Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. It's Friday!  Have some fun already! Click our player for that: 

Thanks for listening! 

The Business News & More 6 December 2019

Trade troubles? What trade troubles we've got jobs...lots and lots of...jobs. It's the Friday Late Edition of the business news headlines. The Dow closed up 337 points to 28,015 the Nasdaq gained 85 points and ended the day at 8,656 and the S&P 500 was up by 28 points to end the week at 3,145.  In other news today:

• The jobs report is huge and the unemployment numbers fall;
• Department stores pulling out the stops for foot traffic;
• Sobering stats from the housing market;
• Amazon and counterfeit stuff;
• High Times magazine...up in smoke?
• Tomorrow's teachers...ain't there.

Those stories plus Jeff Pitts the Managing Editor for Cityview Magazine is in to chat it up about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. From sports to music...hey, it's Friday! To listen to the commentary and fun, click our player:

Thanks for coming by! 

The Business News & More 29 November 2019

It's the "late edition" of the business news headlines for the final trading day of November. We're blaming it on left-over turkey. In the news today:

• A global automaker says they will cut 10,000 jobs;
• Black Friday just ain't what it used to be;
• A shocking development for the UAW;
• Five years ago Target was in trouble...today it's different;
• The markets had a lousy day but a good month;
• Career hunting? Try being a "Life Coach" it...pays.

Those stories plus Jeff Pitts the managing editor of Cityview Magazine is in to share his list of "Stuff to DO" in the Greater Des Moines Metro and we have some fun doing it.  We also blame the turkey...and pie for that. To listen just click the player: 

Thanks for coming by