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 Headlines & More 11 February 2020

What goes up must come down and that's what happened today on Wall Street as investors still don't know what to make about the coronavirus. In the business news today:

• Surging household debt and the economy;
• Farmers vs. Trucking;
• Pot may not be the "cash cow";
• The Wall Street Report;
• The Sprint/T-Mobile Deal;
• What media tops consumers choice...it might surprise you.

Those stories plus:You'll meet Democratic candidate Cal Woods and learn about his decision to run for the United States Senate. We'll talk about his time as a newscaster and now an entrepreneur. His travels and what he wants to accomplish for all of Iowa. 

In this, the second part of my conversation with Cal Woods, we talk about several major issues that are being talked about here in the Hawkeye State. From health care to jobs to infrastructure Cal shares his insight. 

Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines and More 7 February 2020

Somebody on Wall Street seemed to wake up today. Investors have been in La-La Land as they have ignored the coronavirus outbreak. Today, that changed.  It's the Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines:

• They got the memo...finally;
• Burberry says the virus is hurting business big time;
• Heard of "Flight Shaming"?
• Ford shakes up it's leadership team and why;
• The American Affordability Crisis;
• Google Maps makes changes.

Those stories PLUS it is FRIDAY and we've got Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine in to chat it up about Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week.  Let the weekend begin! 

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 News & More 28 January 2020

The issue of the coronavirus didn't play that big of a deal today on Wall Street as the markets made a run at reclaiming what was lost yesterday. Welcome to the business news headlines. Today:

• 3M and face masks;
• Meanwhile 3M to lay off 1,500 workers and why;
• Chipotle fined $1.3 million think child labor violations;
• Harley Davidson is having a tough time in its turnaround;
• The Wall Street Report;
• How long must you wait for your tax refund? We'll answer.

Those stories and with me for an extended conversation about  hemp production, THC and CBD is Robin Pruisner the Iowa Hemp Administrator for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Here she'll talk about the rules, regulations and risks involved in growing hemp in Iowa. Robin also suggests that growers or potential growers take a look at Hemp Benchmarks a site that tracks prices and more.  Strap in...lots to cover.

Thanks for listening!

The Business News & More 24 January 2020

It's been quite a week...and thanks for coming by for this edition of the business news headlines. Coming up today:

• Possible for a new trade war with yet another nation;
• President Trump and Social Security cuts;
• Tax Cuts and cashing in;
• Retail is going in reverse;
• Wall Street Report;
• Wages at Walmart;
• Local economies stalling out?

Those stories and....Each week we snag Jeff Pitts the managing editor for Cityview Magazine to come in and share with us his top picks for Stuff to DO in the Greater Des Moines Metro this weekend into next week. Expect nothing too serious here just riffing about various musical items, sports, plays, comedy events...you know, "STUFF TO DO". And if we offend anybody...we truly are sorry...remember it's Friday Fun!  

Thanks for listening!

The Business News & More 17 January 2020

It's Friday...and we've got the business news headlines coming to you from Arizona this week. On tap today:

• The employment picture in the U.S. just got more...fuzzy;
• Toyota moving production out of the United States;
• Boeing finding more issues with the 737 Max;
• Also the U.S. Air Force isn't too pleased with Boeing either;
• The Wall Street Report
• How much do evangelical leaders make...you won't find out;
• Heard of Peacock yet?  You will today.

Those stories plus Jeff Pitts from Cityview Magazine is in with Stuff to Do in the Greater Des Moines Metro IF you can get there. To hear us chat it up about things going on...click our player.

Thanks for listening.