Insight on Business

Two Stories - Iowa League of Cities Conference 2024

It is an honor to represent my community of Windsor Heights, Iowa as a City Councilor and it is a special treat to be able to attend the Annual Conference of the Iowa League of Cities. Each year the League brings together elected officials, city staff and vendors for education, training, networking and vendor meetings.  This year we were in Sioux City, Iowa far in the Northwest portion of the state.  Here you'll meet two very interesting people.  Alan Kemp is the long time Executive Director of the League and we talk about this event, what the League is focused on regarding issues that matter and a bit about the 2025 conference. Then you'll meet Kaitlyn Kuehl-Berns whom we believe is the youngest mayor in the state.  At 23 years-old she leads the tiny community of Clayton, Iowa population 45 which is located along the Mississippi River in far Eastern Iowa.  Her story is not only interesting but also generational. 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 Central 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.

Tiny Houses an Answer to a Housing Shortage? Maybe

Sitting down with Mike Stuart from Tiny Homes of Iowa was an adventure in how various communities in Iowa and beyond deal with housing issues.  Mike has been involved in creating homes with storage containers but that crumbled due to the cost of transporting them to the Midwest. Now he is building "tiny homes"  that average between 500 and 900 square feet.  The building of the home isn't the issue; getting permission from city governments...is. Here we talk about how Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City lead the way but more work needs to be done. The popularity of tiny homes has caught the interest of AARP as well as the Polk County Housing Trust Fund.  Meet Mike Stuart: 

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 Central 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.

Business Headlines and the Workers Memorial 29 April 2024

Welcome to the Monday Edition of the Business News Headlines.  Glad you are with us. Over the  past week labor unions across Iowa have been holding Worker Memorials to remember the men and women who were killed on or at the job site this past year. Today the South Central Iowa Federation of Labor AFL/CIO held such a memorial at the Iowa State Capital. I have been to many of these events over the years but never one where so many names were read. Today seventy-three individuals who are now gone but not forgotten were remembered. I was struck by that huge number and at the ages of some of the deceased. Following the event I sat down with Paula Martinez the President of the local union and asked..."Why?".  It was an emotional event for many of us...  Here are the other stories we have for you today:

• Driverless Semi-Trucks?  Yep, coming soon;
• Older affluent Americans are driving the economy...but;
• Recent airline stories have prompted Congress to act;
• Chipotle employees may again eat...chicken;
• The Supreme Court will take up an unusual case;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Remembering the 73 Iowans with Paula Martinez.

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 Central 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 1 March 2024

Welcome to a new month which will see not only St. Patrick's Day but also our youngest son celebrating his birthday.  You go Aaron! Coming up in the Business News Headlines a story about the "Ghosts of Cable TV".  It's a deep dive into the changing viewing habits of Americans and well worth your time. Then a reminder we're back with Insight on Business the News Hour, Week in Review at Noon Central and only on News/Talk 1540 KXEL and yes, we stream.  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. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• What happened to MTV, BET, HGTV and others?
• It's a story about the "Ghosts of Cable TV";
• Are our railroads...safe?  Growing concern among many;
• Public Money for Private Schools...the fight in Nebraska;
• The Wall Street Report;
• The hits keep coming...another EV manufacturing company.

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 Central 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 1 March 2024

Welcome to a new month which will see not only St. Patrick's Day but also our youngest son celebrating his birthday.  You go Aaron! Coming up in the Business News Headlines a story about the "Ghosts of Cable TV".  It's a deep dive into the changing viewing habits of Americans and well worth your time. Then a reminder we're back with Insight on Business the News Hour, Week in Review at Noon Central and only on News/Talk 1540 KXEL and yes, we stream.  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. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today:

• What happened to MTV, BET, HGTV and others?
• It's a story about the "Ghosts of Cable TV";
• Are our railroads...safe?  Growing concern among many;
• Public Money for Private Schools...the fight in Nebraska;
• The Wall Street Report;
• The hits keep coming...another EV manufacturing company.

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 Central 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.

Legislative Priorities - Iowa Business Council with Joe Murphy

The Iowa Legislature has begun the 2024 session and wondered what the largest businesses in Iowa have on their mind. So, we sat down with our friend Joe Murphy the President of the Iowa Business Council to talk about this groups legislative priorities. As in past years tax rates remain at the top of the list but we were surprised at some of the other issues that the largest corporations in the state see as essential. It's a good conversation. 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. Facebook? Sure were there too. Here's Joe: 

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 8 January 2024

Welcome to a brand new week and the business news headlines for this the 8th day of January which also is the opening day of the Iowa Legislature.  To that end make sure you click ahead for the interview with Joe Murphy the President of the Iowa Business Council which is made up of some of the largest corporations in the state. And, 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. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today: 

• Tech stocks ruled and crude fizzled;
• A federal funding deal and it matters;
• Tiger Woods and Nike part company;
• Gadgets will be on display in Las Vegas;
• Treasury Secretary Yellen on "shell companies";
• European supermarkets and "Shrinkflation" issues;
• The Wall Street Report;
• A record number of empty offices in major cities.

Now, make sure you click ahead and listen as we talk legislative priorities with Joe Murphy from the Iowa Business Council. To listen to that conversation click 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.

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 and More 10 August 2023

Inflation, my friends, is…easing. It may not feel like that but it is true and this is the Business News Headlines for Thursday the 10^th day of August…thanks for being with us. Also, just so you know, today is the opening of the Great Iowa State Fair and no, we did not make it.  Also today we're talking about how, perhaps, the State of Iowa is making it more difficult to recruit and retain workers.  Our guest is Sara Parris who is with Annie's Foundation and we're talking about the unintended issues related to book bans. 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:

• The Inflation Story is...hot;
• Some major changes coming to Disney+ and Hulu;
• Restaurants charging for...empty plates?  Yep;
• He loves his job. At 23 he is cranking in over $600,000 a year;
• Amazon is ditching the majority of its clothing lines;
• The Wall Street Report;
• Business travel costs to rise this year and next.

For the interview you'll be meeting Sara Parris one of five mothers who have formed Annie's Foundation a group that is active against the legislation in Iowa that calls for banning books but which also doesn't give much direction. So, the business angle? This is one of many laws passed by the Iowa Legislature that may be making it more difficult to recruit and retain qualified workers.  And, yes, we'll talk about that. To listen to this 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.