Manufacturing
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Texas Firm Challenges FTC’s Non-Compete Ban
In this crucial episode of The Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, host Leisa Fox dives into the complex and contentious issue of non-compete agreements with two expert guests, Dani Smid and Julie Solis-Alvarado from BrownWinick Law Firm. With the FTC’s recent ban on non-compete agreements set to take effect on September 4th, 2024, the landscape for employers…
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Build Retention Strategies by Focusing on Followership
In the latest episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, Leisa Fox interviews Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group, an ardent lifelong learner with a passion for fostering better leadership and followership. Mike’s enthusiasm is contagious, much like the “Connected Leaders” practice he’s championing across Iowa. Early in the episode, Mike highlights the disparity in literature…
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The Dancer’s Theater: Founder Jessie Schnack’s vision inspires Iowa’s Youth
Jessie Schnack came to Johnston Iowa 3 years ago with the love of the arts in her soul and a vision in her mind. Knowing that she wanted to take her talents in the realm of dance to the youth of Iowa, she made a decision: Bring the arts to life for children with dance…
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The Key to Building True, Genuine Diversity and Inclusion
Leisa talks to Amner Martinez, founder of Infinite Resources recruiting How do you flip your recruiting efforts on their head? Target a whole new demographic. Leisa interviews Amner Martinez, Founder of Infinite Resources, a recruiting firm that is truly creating a community of diversity and inclusion in Iowa. An immigrant growing up in Perry, Amner…
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Great Oaks High Filling Manufacturing Workforce Pipeline
When talking to manufacturers, it is rare, when asked, “what is your greatest need?” It is rare the answer is anything other than a prepared and qualified workforce. In many traditional educational environments, the educators “assume” they know what the workforce needs without conferring with the end user – the employer. This concept flips the…
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Gratitude is a Critical Element in Effective Leadership
There’s nothing like a personal crisis to shake a person to their core. At 49, faced with a stage 3 cancer diagnosis, Matt Strawn was forced to see life through a different lens; One of gratitude that made it’s way to all of the stakeholders within his circle. As the Iowa Lottery’s third CEO in…
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Same Day Pay will be the Norm Soon for All Employers
Today’s workforce is accustomed to immediate gratification. I order something on Amazon and if I have to wait 48 hours, I’m disappointed. I swipe right or left and my romantic destiny is in play. With companies like Walmart, Hy-Vee and McDonald’s offering same-day pay, it may seem difficult for local, independently owned companies to compete.…
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Work-Based Learning Act Designed to Better Meet Needs of Employers
President of the Senate, Amy Sinclair visits the studio to discuss Senate File 2411 expanding Iowa’s Workplace Learning Initiatives. Major changes include allowing students to receive credits over the summer month and a $30,000,000 workforce opportunity fund administered by Iowa Workforce Development to be used for equipment, instructional materials, stipends and other training-related costs. The…
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RCS Millwork: Where Creativity Meets Craftsmanship
In the heartland of Iowa, the story of RCS Millwork unfolds as a tale of transformation, led by the dynamic duo of Joe Keller and his father. Rooted in a tradition that spans generations, Joe, the second-generation leader of RCS Millwork, embodies a legacy of craftsmanship that began when he could barely grasp a hammer.…
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At Clow Valve, People are in their seats, Now, TRACTION!
Clow Valve, after almost 250 years is more productive and innovative than ever. After a focused effort on culture, getting the right people in the right seats, Mark Willet and his team decided they needed to rally around a cohesive vision to get everyone aligned on vision. A conversation with Rob Taylor, an Entrepreneurial Operating…