Insight on Business

Mayor Frank Cownie - Mayor of Des Moines

A conversation with Mayor Frank Cownie, the longest serving mayor for the City of Des Moines, Iowa, who is running for re-election. Here in a two-part conversation we talk about what he has promised to do, what he has done, and the issues that so many people care about. We also talk about hyper-local issues like potholes and the technology that he has implemented to connect citizens with their local government. So much to unpack here...click to listen.

Here I continue my conversation with Mayor Frank Cownie and first ask him about the issues regarding water, water safety and the impact it has on not only the residents of Des Moines but the communities that are the customers of the Des Moines Water Works. We also talk about climate, flooding, taxes and more. Here, once again, is his re-election website. And you can click below to listen to Part Two.

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. 

Our Sponsors

AARP-Iowa

National Tractor Parts Dealer Association

Oasis - A Paychex Company

Tero International

The Business News & More 24 October 2019

The markets struggled all day and in the end the Dow missed making it back to the flat-line. It's the business news headlines for Thursday the 24th day of October. And, we've got a shorter segment today because we've got a rare two-part interview with the current Mayor of the City of Des Moines, Iowa, Frank Cownie.  In the news:

• What happened today on Wall Street;
• Tesla is now the most valuable U.S. automaker;
• Flight Shaming...it's a thing;
• Twitter stock drops and we'll share why;
• Pot profits...going up in smoke.

Those stories plus a two-part long form interview with Mayor Frank Cownie.  Mayor Cownie has served the city of Des Moines, Iowa for 16 years and he wants another four. I'll ask him why voters should reward him for that. Plus we'll talk about promises made and he says...kept. Here is Part One:  

Then in Part Two we'll talk about the water issue that impacts not only Des Moines but also the surrounding communities that buy water from the Des Moines Water Works. We'll also get into flooding, climate change and more.  Here is Part Two: 

Thanks for listening! 

The Business News Headlines 11 March 2019

Wall Street snapped a five day losing streak today and we'll share with you why. It's the Business News Headlines for March 11, thanks for being here!  In the news:

• Strong Retail Sales Data and Tech lifts the markets;
• Boeing shares down a bunch, think air crashes;
• President Trump released his 2020 budget and the U.S. House says it's dead on arrival;
• How much money do Americans spend each day? Some surprising results;
• New proposed rules are out regarding overtime pay;
• Des Moines University set to leave the city and head to West Des Moines;
• What happened on Wall Street and why.

Those stories plus Laura Kinnard from Drake University and DMBizMixer.com is in talking about business networking and education events this week and we've got a ton of them.

Thanks for listening!

The James Jordan Story with Louise Gately

Suddenly we've been telling stories about writers who tell stories. Our third author in less than a week. Meet Louise Gately and her book, "Pursuit of a Dream - James Jordan His Life and His Legacy". Here you'll learn about his successful effort to move the Iowa State Capital from Iowa City to Des Moines. His efforts in the Underground Railroad, slaves from Missouri and his work to develop a railroad hub that served Iowa for decades. Louise spent years researching the story of Mr. Jordan and we think you'll enjoy the result. You can purchase the book through the Historic Valley Junction Office. Here is that link. 

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 starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, 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.

The Business News Headlines 24 January 2019

It's the Thursday Edition of the Business News Headlines and have we got some stories for you today. Just a click away you'll learn about:

• The thirty-second ad that will NOT run during the Super Bowl;
• Billionaire investor and U.S. Secretary of Commerce tells federal workers to, "get a loan";
• The partial federal shutdown goes into it's 35 day tomorrow both senate bills failed today;
• Walmart wants to hire 900 truck drivers and pay them a bundle to drive;
• Airlines pilots, flight attendants are all concerned about the shutdown and safety;
• Did Sears CEO Eddie Lambert "steal" Sears?
• The markets ended mixed today and we'll have those numbers.

Those stories and our interview is with author Louise Gately who recently finished an historical account of an early Iowa resident, James Jordan who was involved in getting the state capital moved, being part of the Underground Railroad and building a financial empire. "Pursuit of a Dream - James Jordan His Life and His Legacy" is a great book for folks who love deep looks at history. To get your copy from the Historic Valley Junction click here. 

Thanks for listening! 

Quill & Nib - In Our Small Business Spotlight

Years ago Rob Beers was chided by his Mother suggesting that he get a "real job". A guy that marches to his own drummer, Rob decided to go into retail but in something very special. Rob liked custom and high end pens. Our Small Business Spotlight shines on the Quill & Nib located in the Historic Valley Junction of West Des Moines, Iowa. Oh...and don't go looking for a website...as Rob says..."people find me because of my high quality work...and what we sell". You've got to listen. And then call him at 515-223-6299.

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 starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, 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.

The Business News Headlines 16 January 2019

Welcome to the Business News Hour coming to you today from beautiful, and warm, Mobile, Alabama.  In the news headlines today:

• Big Banks Big Profits;
• Sears will remain open...for now;
• Netflix boosted their prices but know what...it will happen again;
• The number is 29 and it has to do with women;
• Ford sees some dark days ahead;
• The housing market hit a wall in December;
• Those stories the real retirement of a DSM CEO and Wall Street.

Also today we'll shine our Small Business Spotlight on the Quill & Nib located in the Historic Valley Junction of West Des Moines. It's all high quality and owner Rob Beers also makes pens for discerning individuals. Oh, and the reason he started the business years ago?  It was on a...dare. 

Thanks for listening!

The Business News Headlines 2 January 2019

Welcome to the first broadcast/podcast since the New Year...it's also the first day the markets were in session and we start out with a look at what the heck happened on Wall Street. Then:

• Home sales numbers...is it getting to be a buyers market?
• General Motors has sold 200,000 electric vehicles and that means...
• You will never guess what market Amazon might disrupt next;
• The story is gasoline prices are headed up;
• Some changes coming to Roku users;
• What happened and why on Wall Street today.

Those stories and then a trip into our Way-Back Machine for a conversation we had five years ago with Bryan and Jeff McGinness the owners of Wine Styles. Back then there was only one location in the Greater Des Moines Market, now there are three. Plus a string of stores across the nation. We're talking wine and business in a Way-Back Edition of the Business News Hour. 

Thanks for listening!

Helping Businesses Grow - Out to Lunch with Jonnie Wright

Each week we take a thought leader Out to Lunch to talk over business while at a locally owned restaurant. This week we're at Gilroy's Kitchen + Pub + Patio with the founder of the Buyosphere and Buysphere University, Jonnie Wright. Here we do a deep dive into business branding, marketing, consumers, customer service. And, you'll learn some tips and secrets on how to become a better business. Learn more from Johnnie as we go Out to Lunch! 

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 starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, 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

Local Option Sales & Service Tax - Polk County, Iowa

Several communities in Polk County, Iowa are set to vote in March on what is being called the Local Option Sales and Service Tax which would add a penny to the sales tax there. We sat down with Brad Anderson the State Director for AARP-Iowa to talk about the impact of the tax on people living there. Some of the things he says may surprise you. While the issue doesn't come up for a vote until March of 2019. AARP-Iowa said they want to get way out in front of the process.

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 starting at 5pm Central. You can subscribe on Google Play, PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, 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.