Insight on Business

DART, Funding Issues and a 40% Cut to Service

One of the most impactful issues facing workers and employers is transportation. If a family doesn't own a reliable vehicle or if people don't want/need that expense their option if public transportation...get on the bus...Gus.  However a lack of funding has the Des Moines Area Transit Authority (DART) considering a 40% cut in service. Is there a solution?  Meet Erin Hockman the Chief External Affairs Officer for DART who shares not only the impact of a cut but also how we can fix the funding shortfall.  And, yes, you get a chance to weigh in on the proposed "franchise fee" increase at a number of public forums you can find here on the DART Website. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and More 16 November 2023

Welcome to the Thursday Edition of the Business News Headlines where workers at GM have ratified their new contract. That story kicks things off today.  Also, make sure you click through for some hyper-local Des Moines, Iowa news about a lack of funding for the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) bus service. My guest is Erin Hockman as we talk about cutting service by 40% or finding alternative funding sources. It's a big story. Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you: 

• It's all over but the contract signing at GM;
• Thousands of Starbucks workers walked off today;
• The hot labor market is showing signs of cooling off;
• Walmart said consumers cut back in late October;
• RTO is a big thing but will your office be...big enough?
• We're talking Taco Bell food today;
• The Wall Street Report;
• And, Amazon about to go big with online auto sales.

For the Interview you'll meet Erin Hockman from the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority who helps us better understand the possible 40% cut in bus service unless an alternate funding source can be put into place. This is something that is impactful to both employers and employees and a must listen segment. To hear our conversation click our player:

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 25 October 2023

We spent much of the day at the World Food Prize event in Des Moines, Iowa so you are getting a "Late Edition" of the Business News Headlines for this Wednesday evening. If you've got a moment check out the winner of this years World Food Prize, Heidi Kuhn and Mines to Vines. (Holding a shovel made out of fragments of a tank mine.) It's a great story and we'll have more from this event in the coming week.  Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you:

• "It's the economy, stupid..." What's going on?
• Might a settlement be near? A UAW report;
• The return of Bud Light makes the news;
• Injuries at Amazon are higher than thought;
• Raises for workers in 2024? Meager is the word;
• The Wall Street Report
• A "buzzy" company fizzles out.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Fall Fest 2023 - Get To Know Our Community

While this may seem "hyper-local" it very well may give you and your community some ideas on how to create a winning event for the whole family. Here you'll meet Lauren Campbell and Susan Skeries who both sit on the Windsor Heights, Iowa City Council. They head up the Special Events Committee for the community of just over 5,200 people located in the middle of the Greater Des Moines Metro with over 700,000 folks. Our focus is on the Windsor Heights Fall Fest that takes place on October 6th and 7th. Here you'll learn more about the community and what happens when people band together to get some things...done. Enjoy! Oh, and you can click on the image to enlarge and see that Windsor Heights has in store for you.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Dr. Ian Roberts - Superintendent of the Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools

Over the years I've had some very impactful conversations with politicians, business leaders, startup entrepreneurs and educators. This recent visit, the day before students returned to class, with Dr. Ian Roberts stands among one of the best. Dr. Roberts has just started his work as the Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools, the largest in the State of Iowa.  His background is truly amazing his passion for public education is clearly on display and his goals for each student is crystal clear. What makes him so special?  Listen in...you'll get it right away.

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines & More 22 August 2023

It's the Business News Headlines for Tuesday the 22nd day of August and kids from all across the State of Iowa are headed back to school tomorrow. It's only fitting then that we should sit down with the Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools Dr. Ian Roberts who has an amazing background and passion for education. You'll want to stick around and listen to that conversation. And, thanks for being here and, if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• Housing, Rates and Inventory;
• About those mortgage rates;
• Macy's made retail news today;
• So too did Dick's Sporting Goods;
• Charles Schwab to cut jobs and office space and why;
• The Wall Street Report;
• The FAA to investigate way too many close calls.

For the interview you'll meet an amazing person who recently took on the position as Superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools. We sat down with Dr. Ian Roberts the day before students head back into the classroom and what a conversation. You will hear it in his voice...the passion he has for each student and every staff member in the district. We found him to be...an exciting leader. To listen to that conversation use our player below:

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Public Schools in Crisis - Meet Mike Beranek

There is so much going on when it comes to education in Iowa and frankly many other states.  From inflation costs, to state support of public schools to teacher pay, educators and a work/life balance, public money being used to pay for private and often religious schools. Just recently the Des Moines Public Schools (largest district in the state) announced they may have to close school buildings and layoff staff. In this interview with Mike Beranek the president of the Iowa State Education Association we take a deep dive into those issues and more. Oh, one other thing: there is a link between a solid public education and business as employer expectations demand better educated workers in a rapidly changing work environment.  So much to talk about. 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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. 

The Business News Headlines 12 January 2023

Hang in there only one more day until you get to the weekend. Welcome to the Thursday Edition of the Business News Headlines and we'll start the broadcast with some data that had Wall Street, well, giddy. Also, remember that you can hook up with us all day on Twitter @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:  

• The CPI says inflation is coming down;
• But, food prices remain high;
• A look at several food categories and how they have moved;
• HBO Max is raising prices;
• Are the rumors true about Subway?
• Pepsi is discontinuing a flavor, we'll share;
• Fake accounts and the $175 million website;
• Rent the Runway and Amazon made the news;
• The Wall Street Report;
• "Pssst, wanna buy a hot Twitter user name?"

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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. 

June - A Month of Learning: Refugees and Immigrants

Throughout the month of June many communities will be holding special events to mark World Refugee Day on June 20. Here, in the Greater Des Moines, Iowa Metro the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa has lots of ways to learn and to celebrate. From a special screening of "Flee" to a "Learning Walk" around Colby Park in Windsor Heights and a wonderful listing of restaurants and events that are taking place. Meet our friend Stephanie Moris who details what this month is all about. Enjoy...we did! 

Thanks for listening!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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. 

An Iowa Airport for the World with Kevin Foley

He is a returning guest talking about a reoccurring topic. Meet Kevin Foley the Executive Director of the Des Moines International Airport. We're in Washington, D.C. on a mission with the Greater Des Moines Partnership pitching the idea of funding for this massive project that will be an economic development driver for not only the Central Iowa but also the entire region. Here you'll learn about where people come from to fly out of Central Iowa and the experience going or coming. Plus some hard numbers moving forward to get this project...done. And, during the conversation I promised a link to the amazing story of Cheng Lor and his vision of airport hospitality. Here is that link. 

Thanks for coming by!

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon 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.