Insight on Business

Metro Monday - May 9, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a deal.   I'll take an hour to  write about advertising, marketing and consumer trends and you spend ten minutes reading...and maybe learning a new idea or two that can help your business.  Sound fair?  Monday - Friday I'll post interesting stories that are meant to help you learn more about dealing with maze of marketing.  On Monday's it's a little closer to home with a focus on the Des Moines Metro.   Let's go!

140 Character Conference - Des Moines

That is today at the Stoner Theater at the Des Moines Civic Center.  Dozens of people who use Twitter will join 140 Character Conference founder Jeff Pluver to deliver a full day of ten-minute presentations on the best uses of Twitter, Marketing with Twitter and I get to speak about how your business can avoid being, "95%".  Hope to see you later today.  Here is the link to the 140 Character Conference - Des Moines.

Michigan Gets $200 Million for High Speed Rail - Iowa?

I found this troublesome.  Michigan, with all their fiscal worries, has moved forward in securing funding for high speed rail between Chicago and Detroit.  Meanwhile, here in Iowa, our Governor isn't convinced it's worth the effort.   I don't do politics but please...would somebody please point Governor Branstad toward the 21st Century?  After all, it is about business.  Grumble...

Garden Centers and Marketing

A quick video intro...gosh, I'm wearing the SAME TIE!  From the Garden Center

 

I make no excuses...our family shops at the Urbandale Hy-Vee on 86th and Douglas and we've done so for years.   We know the people who work their and, more importantly...they know us.  One of the features that many grocery stores have added is a Garden Center and, as grocery store garden centers go...there is none quite as nice than the one that our friend Jerry Kluver oversees at the Urbandale Hy-Vee.   Walk into this center and it's not your big box store.  It is all about display, merchandising and the passion for customer service.  Should the weather hold...we expect this little patch of parking lot to do $1 million in sales.  Not too shabby for 130 days.  The secret?  Customer Service, Sales and Passion.  How are yours?

Silent Rivers & 6th Avenue - Des Moines

This was too cool to pass up.  Our friend Chaden Halfhill the owner of Silent Rivershas been selected by the Art Foundation to develop public art program along 6th Avenue in Des Moines.  Here is the story from our friends at the Business Record.  Chaden is the guy behind the Natural Living Expo and a quality designer who deals creatively with environmental issues.  We're not sure how far $20,000 will go...but it couldn't be in better hands.

Whoa - My Time Is Up...

Thanks for coming by.  This weekend tore a hole in "work".  Spent all day yesterday doing "yard stuff"...up a little later than my 5am "wake up".  Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

Bindery One - A world class digital printing and direct mail facility ready to do business...nationwide.  www.Bindery1.com

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns and Gardens can be yours... www.NatraTurf.com

Let's keep in touch?  Twitter - @MichaelLibbie or @InsightADVand here is our agency FaceBook Page.  Leave a coment below or drop me an e-mail...thanks for being here.

 

 

 

 

 

Insight on Business - Metro Monday Edition - 05/02/2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is part of the Webcast One LIVE Network and can be seen today at Noon Central with archive footage available  later in the day.  Today is the Metro Monday Edition where we look at business a little closer to Des Moines.  But...escaping the international news of the death of Osama bin Laden will be hard to ignore.  Let's go!

From today:  Here is the video from today.  All of the links to our guest Steve SchraderBachar and the other stories are below the video...enjoy.

 

Steve SchraderBacher - Today

Our studio guest is author and real estate financing authority Steve SchraderBacher an independent mortgage finance agent for Wells Fargo Mortgage.  We'll visit with Steve about the housing market, who wins, who loses and his keen ability to be one of the nicest guys on the planet.  Steve Schraderbacher with his insight on business today.  Ya know...at 6' I thought I was tall...  YIKES!!

Advertising and Marketing Doesn't Work   

I just saw this and had to comment.  For all of those of you who said and wrote that the government should have let the automobile companies fail rather than underwrite their loans:  Chrysler reported their first quarter results and for the first time since 2009 reported a profit.  First-Quarter net income is $116 million, compared to a $197 million net loss last year.  Chrysler revenue was $13.1 billion and many say it is a result of new models and their aggressive marketing campaign.  Nice...back to local.

VolunteerLocal - Nice Article & Congrats!

Des Moines continues to be fertile ground for technology start-ups.  Here is a nice article from our friends at the Business Record telling us about another great idea, VolunteerLocal, coming from the Middle of the Midwest!  Featured: Brian Hemesath, Jeremy Harrington & Geoff Wood,  Geoff is part of the Webcast One LIVE Network with his show, Silicon Prairie News.   What is it?  It's great news for organizations who struggle keeping track of their volunteer base.  Good stuff.

Why This Hurts

There is a group of people out there who will tell you, and anybody else within the sound of their voice that "government is bad".   All government.  It's silly of course but some sad people actually believe this and when they do...there is trouble.  I'll share with you a letter my Bride received from a local fire chief and the impact the "non-government" folks have on...you.

Driving To Work?

We've talked about this for years and it's great to see others pushing the idea.  Our friend Jim Pollock from the Business Record suggests it's "Time to Stop Commuting to Work".  Jim, we could not agree more!  We'll talk about it.

Business Introduction Letters - Whoa Down

Last Friday we received a "business introduction letter" from Tawny Bottum (I am not making this up.) and her South Dakota company, Professional Image By Rosemary, LLC. On one side there was an "ad" and on the other...a long letter explaining the who, what, where and why...things had changed.  Did I care?  We'll talk about it and offer up our thoughts on why this was "over-kill" and perhaps did more harm than good.

Those Stories, The Stocks & More

Thanks for coming by.  Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

Bindery One - A world class, high quality digital printing and direct mail facility available for work...nationwide. www.BinderyOne.com

NatraTurf - Chemical free lawns and gardens starts with www.NatraTurf.com

Let's keep in touch?  I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after the News Hour, you can leave a comment here or send me an e-mail.  Thanks for coming by! 

 

John Garvey - Metro Monday Edition - 04/25/2011

 It's the Metro Monday Edition of the Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie part of the Webcast One LIVE Networkof programming.  The rest of the week we focus on regional and global business news.  Today we'll take a look at  what's going on closer to the Des Moines Metro.  Join us today...at Noon Central.  And, we'll post the news hour here this afternoon and you can download the podcast at any time.  Here is the News Hour from today.  All the links are below the video...

 

John Garvey In The House

Our guest today is John Garvey from Proxymity a real estate company...sort of.  Think of what you do for your business.  You've got that down right?  But when it comes to the best use of your existing space or future space...  We'll talk about that along with the commercial property issues facing the Metro today.  We'll also talk about this story from the Des Moines Business Record and their link with Flynn-Wright and Westgate.  Join us and bring your questions...or answers.  John Garvey of Proxymity with his insight on business today.

The Price of Fuel & Your Sales Activity

Months ago we said that gasoline prices would top out this summer at higher levels than we've ever seen.  Today, at most facilities in the Metro gas prices are nearing $4.00 a gallon.  What changes will consumers make...first and how, if you're in those businesses, can you plan and react to the possible slow down in sales activity?  We'll talk about it.

While Business Goes "Green" Consumers Opt Out

Right on the heels of a story regarding sustainability in the workplace for some of the Metro's big hitters,  Metro Waste Authority, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Hy-Vee, Principal Financial and the City of Des Moines comes another story from consumers who seem to have lost their love for..."green".  Partly because of cost or is it the marketing?  We'll share our thoughts today.

If You Fail You Stay...Interesting

We found this story from the Des Moines Register an interesting take on the efforts to market...Iowa.  Seems the company chosen to represent the marketing interests for Iowa, according to new Iowa Department of Economic Development chief, Debi Durham didn't quite live up to expectations.  So...the IDED Board retained the company that...failed.  For the bargain rate of $2 million.  The Texas company...yes a Texas company...said they would try harder.  One of the failures:  According to the story since December the Facebook Page for the Iowa Department of Economic Development has a total of "400 Fans".  (Actually...less than 400 more like 373 and...we'll tell you why.)    That according to David Bernstein a board member from Sioux City.  Hey, David...we could have done that in a couple of weeks...for much less.  Oh my....we'll talk about it.

Those Stories the Stocks and More -

Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible through the support of:

Bindery One - A world class digital printing company with a full service direct mail program for...business.  www.BinderyOne.com

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens are possible, www.NatraTurf.com

Thanks for coming by.  If you would like to carry on the conversation I monitor @MIchaelLibbie on Twitter, send me an e-mail or let's connect during the News Hour by using The Chat.  Have a great Metro Monday. 

Metro Monday Edition - Insight on Business - 04/18/2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is brought to you by Bindery One for high quality digital printing, nationwide it's www.Bindery1.com, Weed Out Hate a program for parents and teachers www.WeedOutHate.org, NatraTurf chemical free lawns and gardens www.NatraTurf.com.

It's the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business, glad to have you with us live today at Noon as part of the Webcast One LIVE Network.  You can keep in touch with Twitter @MichaelLibbie (I monitor before during and after the News Hour) or @WebcastOneLIVE.  Thanks for coming by...today here is the video...it starts in fifteen-seconds and all the links are below:

 

Marc Daniels & Weed Out Hate

Marc returns from a successful trip to Germany and talks about his efforts and his recent book readings.  Why he published first in Germany and what the people there think about Weed Out Hate.   We'll share those stories, gather comments from international journalist Ulrich Sahm and a look at what is next for this Des Moines Native who is taking his message worldwide.

DSM Daily In The House

It launches today.  The folks over at DSM Daily focuses on local merchants and savings for folks in the Metro.  We'll ask our friend Jeremiah Terhark what's different about DSM Daily, what is the tipping point for coupon offers and what consumers need to know.  By the way...there is launch party this afternoon starting at 5:30 at the Bombay Bicycle Company.  Just in case you need to kick start your week and pick up some deals.

Passover Starts Tonight

For those of you celebrating you already know Pesach is one of the central Jewish Holidays.  I'm a tired camper...getting ready for the holiday is...work!   In honor of Passover we'll have a previously recorded News Hour tomorrow.  Chag Sameach!  (Joyous Festival)  I know..."Speak English dang it!"  ;-)

Thanks for coming by.  Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.  Have a fantastic Monday! A shout out to my friends at the Urbandale Chamber...just because they are sooooooo cool!  Have a great Passover!  ;-)

 

 

 

Metro Monday - Insight on Business - 04/11/2011

It's the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business with Michael Libbie and  we're live today at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE!  Join us for marketing, consumer and business news coming out of the Des Moines Metro but, no matter where you've got a business, you're sure to pick up a nugget or two that will help.  Join us during the News Hour in "The Chat" or let's connect on Twitter I monitor @MichaelLibbie before, during and after we're on.  All the links follow the video from today.  Video starts at nineteen seconds.

 

TownPoints & What's New

Over the past year, in nearly every community, there have been several shopping, dining, service, price saving sites pop up.  Today we'll be visiting with Ben Cox of TownPoints about their service.  What's different, what is the same and how they've been marketing and selling their message.  More on Ben a bit later.

Transparency In Business

There is some hot discussion going on in Des Moines and Iowa about creating a new public/private partnership to lure "high quality innovative companies" to the state.  The Iowa House has already given the green light to what Governor Branstad wants to do.  Meanwhile there are concerns about CEO's giving public money to CEO's and who is going to watch the process.  We've got some thoughts...and we'll share a few today.

Bruce Rastetter on Food

Last week, according to the Des Moines Register, Bruce Rastetter, a major agribusiness player and "Republican heavyweight" stopped by the Rotary Club of Des Moines.  He spoke about the rising food costs are more about how far food must travel than the price of corn.  He suggested that by cutting down the average of 1,500 miles from farm to table would lower the cost of food.  He had me until...  We'll share.

Jack Mathews & Grinnell

Some of you may remember my friend Jack who has been behind Our Grinnell a  great hyper-local news outlet in town.  He's back with Grinnell Coupons a "savings site" that is set to launch on April 25th.  These smart startup kids!  Jack is...maybe 70?   You rock my friend!!

OK - We're A Fan

Jim Pollock is the editor over at the Business Record a weekly paper that shares stuff business wants you to know about.  Not a bunch of hard hitting undercover pieces.  The Business Record is more like a cheerleader for the Metro.  And, there isn't anything wrong with that.  We could all use a cheery moment or two.  Last week Jim wrote the kind of story we like, "How to CREATE Jobs" is a clear lesson in how government takes your money and then goes out and "steals" jobs from other neighboring states.  We've got some additional thoughts...

TownPoints with Ben Cox

Ben is a regular viewer of Webcast One LIVE and offers some thoughts during the News Hour in "The Chat".  He's a graduate of Simpson Collegeand since November has been working with TownPoints a new startup linking local business with consumers.  We'll find out what went into creating TownPoints, what's different, what's the same and where it's going.  Ben Cox with his insight on business today.

Thanks for Watching/Listening/Interacting

Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications and made possible by:

Bindery One - The highest quality digital print shop in the nation complete with a direct mailing facility.  It's big...but also family.  www.Bindery1.com

Weed Out Hate - There is a better way and Weed Out Hate might have an answer for schools, churches and...government.  www.WeedOutHate.org

NatraTurf - Chemical Free Lawns & Gardens - It's spring...and it's time!  www.NatraTurf.com

Thanks again...see you LIVE at Noon Central.

 

 

 

Heroes & Metro Monday - April 4, 2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie can bee seen live at noon on www.WebcastOneLIVE.com and is brought to you by - Weed Out Hate www.WeedOutHate.org - Bindery One www.Bindery1.com- NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com & Exceptional Specialty Products www.esp4all.com

Welcome to the Metro Monday Edition of the Insight on Business News Hour.   Monday is the day when we look at stories a little closer to Des Moines.  But, no matter where your business is located, we think you'll pick up an idea or two, no matter the size.  The archived video or podcast - www.WebcastOneLIVE.com   Here is the show from today:  Links follow the video.  Video starts at thirty-three seconds.  Sorry!

 

 

Heroes - Tracking - Recognizing - Rewarding

Having spent considerable time in the non-profit world, both as a worker and a volunteer, I can share with you how vital, and sometimes difficult, it is to reward, track and recognize a large (or small) volunteer base.  Our guest today is Robert Hidajat who has just launched an on-line tool that does all three things and then some.  Unleash Heroes www.UnleashHeroes.com is not only functional...but impressive.  Robert won the recent competition among 32 ideas during Startup Weekend - Des Moines.  We'll visit about his project, where it's going, his home country of Indonesia, his eagerness to create and more today.   Robert Hidajat with his insight on business...

Your Customer Is Not Always Listening

This weekend I worked the 6th Annual Natural Living Expo held at the Polk Country Convention Center on behalf our our client NatraTurf.   Lots of take-a-way thoughts.  One that I found interesting was the number of people whom I know that didn't know the event was going on.  And these people would fit the demographic.  The other was the interesting cross section of people who did come.  The bottom line is...just about the time you've got it figured out...you realize you don't.  I'll explain.

Ray Townsend

For those of you outside of the Metro, or Iowa, may never have heard of the 97 year-old who died this past weekend.  I never met Mr. Townsend.  I wish I had.  That's why I'm suggesting you read this short piece from the Des Moines Register.  Wow...

Interstate Power & Light - Unpaid

We found this interesting...and a little scary.  Interstate Power and Light Company is part of Alliant Energy.  On Friday the company reported that consumers, in 91 of the 99 counties in Iowa they serve, owe $6.8 million in unpaid utility bills.  That's up by nearly $1.4 million from a year ago.  The startling news is the average balance owed is $275.  That means lots of customers with past due bills...lots.  The recession is...over?   We'll talk about it and what may have been a direct result of the inaction by the Iowa House of Representatives.  Linked?

VineMe - Launched

Friends of the News Hour, Josh Fleming and partners Tony Muse & Chris Taulborg, launched VineMe late last week.  The new social networking site is designed to share photos, stories...and more.  This could be fun.  We like the photo connection and the founders are betting you will too.

Those stories, your comments and questions today.  You can join us on The Chat during the News Hour or anytime on Twitter @MichaelLibbie before, during or after.  Have a great Monday...see you at Noon.

 

 

Metro Monday - March 28, 2011

It's the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business News Hour the day we take a  look at marketing and business news a little closer to home.  Brought to you by Bindery One www.Bindery1.com, NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com, Exceptional Specialty Products www.esp4all.com and Weed Out Hate www.weedouthate.orgwe're on today at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE www.WebcastOneLIVE.com join us?

Here is the show from today.  All the links are under the video which starts at :18 seconds.  Enjoy:

 

Today

Imagine heading out to a intimate bar after a show or a meal and running into your friend who has told you he doesn't drink.   No big deal because it's not a traditional bar but a dessert bar where couples can snuggle in with decadent chocolate tarts...  Imagine.  Today we'll visit with Danny Duff who is Melt Dessert Bar & Bakery.  We think this is very cool.  More about Danny after these stories.

Back to Trust & Value

Maybe you forgot?  We can understand.  Things are rolling along, sales are increasing, revenue is better.  But still consumers are wary.  In fact Bloomberg reports that consumer confidence fell to it's lowest point since March 2010.  That means what?  We'll review today.

Waukee is "Underserved"?

We found this short story from the Business Record...interesting.  Seems Denny Elwell (mega developer from Ankeny) looked west and saw an "underserved" area in Waukee for commercial development and real estate.  Could be.  At the rate commercial space is opening up downtown...west just might be where it is?

Hanging with Washington, Jefferson and Others...

Our friend Jay Byers posted, yesterday, that the Des Moines Partnership will be including a stop at Gadsby's Tavern during the upcoming legislative trip to Washington, DC.  The trip, DM/DC, is intended to educate congress about the needs of the metro area and how businesses in the Metro can better understand and communicate with government.  Changing times also means the Partnership will not use a private charter aircraft this year.  Heading east on a direct Delta flight.  Here is the link to the info.

Iowa's Uemployment Rate - Steady

In February, according to this story from the Des Moines Register, Iowa gained 3,700 jobs.  The increase comes mostly from the hospitality industry.  What is key to the story is the fact that this marks the highest employment in the state since April of 2009.  Even with all the good news...over 102,000 Iowans are still out of work and experts say that number is really lower than the actual figure as some people have simply quit looking.

Iowa Agriculture - Worried

The Iowa Soybean Association sent out a urgent plea to its members this past Friday.   Seems the Ag Protection Bill is stalled in the Iowa Senate.  The Ag Protection Bill makes it a crime to, among other things, gain employment on a farm or agricultural processing facility, take videos of say animal cruelty issues and then release the footage to the media.  The Soybean Association is worried that members of the Senate Committee are being influenced by, "...animal rights advocates - many of whom are not their constituants."  In other words...folks that ain't got nothin' to do with Iowa and agriculture but who are pushing their "agenda" when it comes to critters.  We've said from the start this is a bad bill and an even worse public relations move for Iowa Ag.  There is a smarter way...we'll share that today.

Melt in Your Mouth Goodness

Danny Duff will be in studio today talking about Melt Dessert Bar and Bakery.  It's, what we think, is a great idea.  A little on the niche side of things...but still very cool.  We'll talk to him about what and where and why.  We'll also dig a little deeper into the things they bring to their table...or yours.  Danny Duff with his insight on business today.  Join us with your questions, answers and comment in The Chat or follow me before, during and after on Twitter @MichaelLibbie. 

See you at Noon!

  

 

 

 

Twestival & Metro Monday - 03/21/2011

Insight on Business with Michael Libbie is brought to you by, Bindery One www.Bindery1.com, NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com & Exceptional Specialty Products www.esp4all.com - Welcome!

Today is Monday!

It's a brand new week and that means the Metro Monday Edition of Insight on Business.  Our guest today is Renda Lutz who's in talking about the Des Moines Metro Twestival. Here is the show from today.  The Video starts at 22 seconds. It's all from www.WebcastOneLIVE.com.  More on Renda, the project and the links under the video.

 

Dwolla - Another Breakthrough

We're lovin' this!  Dwolla, last week, announced Dwolla Spots for your smart phone.  Here's how it works:  We're pretty much used to those "locator pins" on our mobile devices right?  Now, when you are in a place that accepts Dwolla you simply click on the pin and your bill is paid from your Dwolla account.  Over 750 locations now accept this form of payment that costs the business $.25 per transaction...not the two to four percent from credit card companies.  And...yes, it's secure.  Learn more about this Des Moines based idea and how it all works:   Here is the full story from our friends at TNW!  Rock on Ben!

George Goes for Zombie Burgers!

Not content to be known as the "Best Chef" in Des Moines...our friend George Formaro loves to get edgy and is doing that with Zombie Burger & Drink Lab.  It's a way to blend his interest in horror movies with something fun and creative.   If you know George...that's  how he rolls.  The new restaurant will join the family of Centro, Django and Gateway Market...but here you can get something to eat until 4am!   PROOF ladies and gentlemen that Des Moines doesn't roll up the streets at 8:00PM!  Here is the full story from our friends at the Des Moines Register.  You can get your "Zombie On" in the E300 Building in the East Village - 300 East Fourth Street and Grand Avenue...very soon.

Notice a bunch of interesting restaurants opening recently?

After YOU Bailed THEM Out...

The nation's biggest banks plan to raise dividends according to this story by our friends at the Business Record.  We think it's interesting to note that, in this new political climate, the billions that went to the banks was a good thing, but allowing teachers and the folks who pick up your garbage to be able to negotiate wages and benefits is a bad thing.  Last time I looked there were more teachers and garbage workers than members of the Board of Directors of Wells Fargo...something seem odd? - OK...no politics...

Unemployed in Iowa?  Suck it up!

I'll give you the back-story on this...I heard from my friend Kraig Paulsen the Majority Leader of the Iowa House of Representatives.  He gave me a terse three word answer to my direct question.  I'll share.

Iowa State University an "Animal Care Monopoly"?

Whoa...  I missed this.  On Sunday I visited with my friend who is part of a new emergency animal clinic in Des Moines that Iowa State University is trying to shut down.  Iowa State says the doctors breached their non-compete and the doctors say Iowa State is attempting to create an animal care monopoly.  I know some of the doctors...and I know the big business that is at Iowa State.  This will be interesting to watch. Here is the article from the Des Moines Register from this past Friday.

Twistival & Renda Lutz

Our guest rolls in just ahead of Twestival - Des Moines the March 24th fund raising effort going on...nearly everywhere.  Here in Des Moines the event is raising funds for the Eveyln Davis Early Learning Academy.  In to talk about the local angle is our good friend Renda Lutz.  Renda is THE net-worker here in the Metro.  We'll talk about Twestival - Des Moines the value of networking for business and personal reasons and what and where she thinks are the best networking spots for business.  That's today with Renda Lutz and her insight on Business.

Join us LIVE at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE (or...you can always download the archived show or the podcast later).  Want to connect?  Leave me a comment here, send me an e-mail, follow me on Twitter @MichaelLibbie or call the studio at 515-244-4655.  Thanks for coming by!!   

 

 

Insight on Business - Metro Monday Edition - 03/14/2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is brought to you by NatraTurf www.Natraturf.com; Bindery One www.Bindery1.com and Exceptional Speciality Products www.esp4all.com.  We're live today at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE www.WebcastOneLive.com

Welcome to a new week...we've got loads of things planned around our world of advertising, marketing and consumer trends...let's get started with the Metro Monday Edition:

 

Building for the Future

Last week I saw my friend Senator Jack Hatch and we had a brief discussion about  Iowa, his birthday and...his new project coming out of Hatch Development Group.  In short it is a new affordable housing plan where low income families can "rent to own" a new home.  The housing units, known as Des Moines Graystone Homes, will be built in areas of Des Moines where vacant lots and dilapidated houses now stand.  Each new home will rent for $675 a month with $50 a month going to an escrow account which will accumulate toward a healthy down-payment at the end of ten years. Nice...  For the full story here is a link to our friends at the Business Record.

New iPhone for Michael and the Back-Story

For those of you who watch or follow our work you know how much I've whinnied about Research in Motion and my Blackberry.  That turned into whining about a new iPhone until I met up with a Genius.  I'll share today.

Two Good Reports for the Metro

According to our friends at The Des Moines Register home sales for February rose significantly over January.  At the same time the price people are paying for a  home fell by over $5,000.  Here is that story.   Meanwhile, February was a good month for retail says Bloomberg.  Amid all the concerns consumers have about the future they opened up their wallets and posted a good sales report.  Leading the pack...JC Penny..who would have thought.  Here's that story from Bloomberg.

New Wellmark Building - Green

We've watched as the $650 million Wellmark Building took shape.  Now, according to the Des Moines Register, it is one of only five in the state to receive the LEED Platinum Status.  LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.  Great story on the project by David Elbert.

Those stories, the stocks, your input and more today at Noon Central.  Insight on Business News Hour is a production of our advertising agency, Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications join the conversation on Twitter or head to our Facebook Page for more.  See you at Noon...thanks for coming by.

 

 

Insight on Business News Hour - Metro Monday Edition - 03/07/2011

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is brought to you by Bindery One www.Bindery1.com; NatraTurf www.NatraTurf.com and Exceptional Specialty Products www.esp4all.com.  We're live at Noon Central here at Webcast One LIVE - www.WebcastOneLIVE.com

Here is the show (video starts at twenty-seconds)...all the links are below: At the end of the video Renatta tells says you can get 1,000 high quality business cards for $35.  Yikes...and we show you the quality.  [email protected]

 

It's the Metro Monday Edition of the Insight on Business News Hour; the day of the week we set aside regional and national marketing and business news to focus on the Des Moines Metro.  But, no matter where you live and work we promise you some information you can use in your business...let's go.

Startup Weekend - Des Moines

What started on Friday and ended 54 hours later was an entrepreneurial weekend of ideas.  Thirty-two ideas ended with ten "startups" making their final  pitch to a team of judges Sunday night.  Winning the competition was our friend Robert Hidajat with Unleash Heroes.  Unleash Heroes is a concept that tracks, rewards and encourages people as they volunteer for various projects in their community.  Robert, who is a regular at Central Iowa Bloggers, wins two months of office space at The Foundry, a premium WordPress design and hosting from 48 Web, ten hours of social media assistance from Lessing-Flynn, $200 credit from Amazon Web Services and a 30 minute mentor session with Project Skyway.  In addition, should Robert incorporate within 30 days and do a 60-second promotional video...he pockets $500.  Second and third place teams were Lady Capitaland Locusic.  Fundle was received a prize for "best pitch" and Lady Capital for "best consumer app".

Here's more from Startup Weekend - Des Moines.  I dunno...that Lady Capitol idea sure looks familiar.  Congratulations to everybody involved...

Pat Pithan & The Metro

Our friend Pat Pithan is in studio today visiting about insights he's picked up working the Metro as the sales director of Imaging Technologies.  In the first segment we'll talk about the "nuggets"  he's learned and pass them on to you.   Think of it as a very casual barometer of some area business concerns.

The Bindery One Story

Eric and Lorranie Rokitnicki opened the doors of Bindery One in 1976.  The family, who had come to America from Poland believed in hard work, family  and...business.  Today Bindery One is still a family business that does business nationwide.  A leader in high-quality digital printing and mailing, Bindery One is one of the few of it's kind in the business...where the family still works the floor.  We'll visit with Renatta (photo) and Jason Bolen about what has changed, what hasn't and how they keep it all together.  Bindery One with their Insight on Business today.

Insight on Business News Hour with Michael Libbie is a production of our advertising agency - Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications www.InsightCubed.com and you're invited to keep in contact with us...thanks for coming by.