MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2021 | IN THIS ISSUE

• Iowa jobless rate down to 3.5% in January
• Czech Village/NewBo seeks proposals for new mural
• Reynolds announces Future Ready Iowa grant recipients
• Florida company gets license to sell CBD products in Iowa
• Steindler Orthopedic announces walk-in clinic
• Corridor events, KCRG-TV9 headlines and First Alert Forecast
Iowa jobless rate down to 3.5% in January
Iowa reported a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.5% in January, down from the revised December rate of 3.7%, according to a news release from Iowa Workforce Development.

The state’s jobless rate was 2.8% one year ago, according to the release. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 6.3% in January.

“Since last April, 2020, Iowa has grown its workforce by 45,400,” Iowa Workforce Development director Beth Townsend said. “In January, Iowa added 8,200 workers, which is a positive sign as we look to get more Iowans back into the workforce. As the weather continues to improve and our seasonal layoffs come to an end, we are hopeful our unemployment rate will continue to decline and our labor participation rate will improve.”

The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 57,400 in January from 59,900 in December. The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,567,800 in January, 8,200 higher than December’s number of 1,559,600 and 45,400 higher than April 2020.

Iowa establishments gained 3,000 jobs in January, resulting in total nonfarm employment of 1,516,400 jobs. Private industries advanced slightly, by 800. Much of the hiring was within goods-producing industries, which gained 1,700 jobs since December. Government added 2,200 jobs, due to a strong showing of 1,200 new jobs at the local government level.

Construction added the most jobs in January with 1,000 new jobs, the second consecutive monthly increase for the sector and the third in the last four months. Manufacturing gained 700 jobs in January and has trended up since May, adding 7,000 total jobs during that span, mostly in nondurable goods shops.

Hiring in private education led to a gain of 700 jobs in education and health services. Smaller increases this month included leisure and hospitality (up 400 jobs) and financial activities (up 300 jobs). Job losses were greatest in the retail trade, which lost 1,300 jobs after an unusually large gain last month to accommodate the holiday shopping season.
Czech Village/New Bo seeks proposals for new mural
The Czech Village/New Bohemia District is requesting proposals for a new mural to recognize and remember those who built the New Bohemia district.

The mural will be installed on the west wall of the Idea Social Hall, next to the Kickstand restaurant, and “will provide a striking welcome to visitors coming from the west side over the Bridge of the Lions,” according to a Request for Proposals from the district.

“For over a century, the ‘South End’ of Cedar Rapids along the east side of the Cedar River was a place where hard-working people of all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities toiled in the packing house, the steel and iron works, the grain processing plants and other places known for back-breaking labor, including their homes, where washing clothes and feeding a family was done without the modern conveniences of today,” the Request for Proposals says. “We are inspired by the Czechs, Germans, Lebanese, Irish, Blacks, Italians, Latinos and many others who spent their working hours in back-breaking physical labor so their families could have better lives. It is upon their shoulders that we stand today."

“This is the legacy of New Bohemia,” the release continues. “And as this neighborhood -- now known for its creative arts, culture and entertainment scene -- continues to flourish, it is only right that we remember the working class who built this neighborhood, this town and, really, this nation.”

The first phase of the project is to solicit conceptual art studies for the project. The second phase will choose the muralist who will complete the winning submission from the first phase.

Submissions for phase one are due by March 29, and the winning concept will receive a $1,000 cash prize. Suggested artist styles for the project include Marvin Cone, Grant Wood and Edward Hopper.

Click here for specific details on the project and how to submit a proposal.

PHOTO: This wall along the Idea Social Hall in the Czech Village/New Bohemia neighborhood in Cedar Rapids will be the site of a new mural honoring the neighborhood's legacy.
Reynolds announces Future Ready Iowa grant recipients
Thirteen Iowa organizations, including three in the Corridor, have received matching grants from the Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced in a news release.

The program is designed to help employers provide solutions for their employees achieve postsecondary training and education.

Local recipients, with their award amounts and plans for the funding, include:
 
  • The Home Builders Association of Iowa City Vocational Training Council, which received $5,000. The council will outfit their existing trailer as a mobile construction lab for local students who would not otherwise have access to tools and trade experiences, addressing a challenge of not having enough tools available for student build house programs. The initiative will provide an opportunity for more than 1,000 students.
  • Iowa Prison Industries in Anamosa, which received $50,000. Their project will provide vocational training to 12 men incarcerated at the Anamosa State Penitentiary, in partnership with Kirkwood Community College.
  • The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative in Cedar Rapids, which received $48,200. The funds will support scholarships for eight Iowans underrepresented in high-demand IT occupations to participate and complete the accelerated IT training programs NewBoCo offers, including tuition assistance and cost of program materials including a laptop and textbooks.

A total of $385,516 in funds were awarded to employers, nonprofits, and employer consortiums across the state, serving an estimated 2,665 Iowans. The grants are designed to provide opportunities for Iowans to earn non-credit and for-credit postsecondary credentials leading to high-demand jobs.
 
“As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s critical that we help Iowans receive the necessary training for high-demand jobs available today,” Ms. Reynolds said. “The Employer Innovation Fund supports the incredible efforts of Iowa employers who are strengthening their own talent pipeline by helping Iowans work toward a life-changing career path. This program as part of the Future Ready Iowa Initiative is changing the way we look at workforce as we provide even greater opportunity for Iowans.”
  
The Future Ready Iowa program’s goal is to have 70% of Iowans in the workforce with education and training beyond high school by 2025. Approximately 60% of Iowa’s current workforce meets this education and training criteria. For more information about Future Ready Iowa, go to FutureReadyIowa.gov.
Florida company gets license to sell CBD products in Iowa
Global Widget, based in Tampa, Fla., has announced it is one of the first CBD companies to receive the required license to distribute CBD products to retail and wholesale partners in the Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals (DIA) is responsible for the regulation of consumable hemp products, including registration. Although registration has been available and sales were permitted beginning March 3, sales of products cannot commence until the DIA approves a manufacturer's or retailer's registration. Global Widget was one of the first in line and has already received the required license, according to a news release.

"As a manufacturer and distributor of reputable and iconic brands, we continue to work with state legislative bodies on guidelines and regulations and are excited to see Iowa become the latest state to work with retailers and manufacturers to allow the sale of CBD products," said Margaret Richardson, chief compliance and legal officer for Global Widget.
Global Widget's Hemp Bombs brand is the top-selling brand in convenience stores nationwide, according to industry data from SPINS, LLC.

"As an associate member of FUELIowa (which represents Iowa’s fuel industry), we look forward to working with their members, along with other wholesalers and retailers in Iowa, to help them bring CBD products into their locations," said Vince Gillen, vice president of sales for Global Widget. "With Iowa opening up, we have an opportunity to quickly expand our national retail footprint in a key market. There are a lot of independents and chains located in Iowa that have been patiently waiting on legislation to allow the selling of consumable CBD products."

In addition to registering, CBD manufacturers have to meet all state guidelines for packaging and labeling requirements, independent accredited lab testing and provide necessary certificate of analysis (COA) for products they offer. Retailers must also register to sell CBD products in the state. Details are available at dia.iowa.gov/consumable-hemp.
Steindler Orthopedic announces walk-in clinic
Steindler Orthopedic Clinic in Iowa City is now offering same-day orthopedic care through SteindlerStat, a walk-in clinic designed for patients who suffer injuries and need timely treatment without the expense of an emergency room visit.

Treatment will be available for most orthopedic injuries, including sprains and strains, dislocations of fingers or toes, sports injuries, fractures, ligament and tendon injuries, back and neck pain, and suturing for simple lacerations, according to a news release.

“While a finger dislocation or ankle sprain is serious to the person with the injury, at the emergency room, these conditions are understandably a low priority over someone who has had a stroke or a heart attack,” said Steindler president and chief executive officer Patrick Magallanes. “Yet because they lack a better option, patients with orthopedic injuries go straight to the emergency room, wait for several hours, incur expensive ER charges, and then are instructed to follow up with an orthopedic specialist. So often, patients could have avoided the ER if they had an option. SteindlerStat is now an option.”

“Through SteindlerStat, the community now has same-day access to board-certified orthopedic specialists for acute orthopedic injuries,” added Steindler physician and partner Tom Ebinger. “Patients who come through our urgent injury clinic will have immediate access to x-ray and specialty orthopedic care. They will leave with a diagnosis and treatment plan, which more generalized urgent care clinics or emergency rooms may not provide. This should both decrease the cost of care and expedite recovery.”

SteindlerStat walk-ins are available Monday-Friday from noon-5 p.m. at Steindler’s Iowa City location. No referral or appointment is necessary. SteindlerStat charges are treated as an office visit or specialty provider office visit, depending on the insurance provider.
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Short Term Event Planner

March 16
Urban Dreams-Upskilling the Workforce, by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 4 p.m., online. Learn about Urban Dreams, an innovative workforce model moving the needle on areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion and bridging the opportunity gap by upskilling underemployed individuals. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3q55udP.
 
Keto Kitchen Ribbon Cutting, by Iowa City Area Business Partnership, 4-5 p.m., 116 E. Washington St., Iowa City. Celebrate Keto Kitchen’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3dYBtcl.
 
March 17
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Cedar Rapids, 8:30 a.m., online. Join for community connections and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MCICR.

1 Million Cups, by 1MC Iowa City, 9 a.m., online. Join for community connections and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MillionCupsIC.

Help Protect Your Business Against Fraud, by Hills Bank, 10-11 a.m., online. Learn how to detect and prevent fraud in your business, featuring Aaron Warner of ProCircular. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3uthisH.
See something we missed?
Send tips, leads, corrections, etc. to news@corridorbusiness.com.
Headlines from KCRG-TV9
These news items are provided by KCRG-TV9 

Iowa now has a total of 408,914 people that have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. The state’s vaccine administration dashboard says a total of 1,105,700 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Health today reported eight additional COVID-19 related deaths and 190 more cases of the virus in Iowa. As of 10:30 a.m. the state reports a total of 342,933 people in Iowa have tested positive for COVID-19 and a total of 5,641 people have died with the virus since the pandemic began. The state lists COVID-19 as the underlying cause of 5,045 of the reported deaths, while the virus was a contributing factor in 596 of the reported deaths.
A total of 161 people in Iowa are in the hospital with the virus, with 26 people having been admitted in the last 24 hours. There are currently 42 patients in the ICU and 21 on ventilators.

A bill moving through the Iowa Legislature would cut back on tax breaks on forest and fruit-tree reserves and place tighter restrictions on which land qualifies for the exemptions. Senate File 352, which will be discussed in a subcommittee meeting at noon today, reduces the current 100% tax exemption on forest and fruit-tree reserves to 75%, beginning in 2022. While forest reserves as small as two acres currently qualify for the exemption, the bill would bump up that requirement to a minimum of 10 acres, while fruit-tree reserves must be between one and 10 acres. Exemptions would also only apply for five years, following approval from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Republican Senators who proposed the legislation said the exemption program is “wide open to some abuse,” according to Iowa Capital Dispatch. But Democratic Senator Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids said the bill comes at a bad time, several months after the Aug. 10 derecho decimated his city’s tree canopy and tore into more than an estimated one million acres across the state. Read more at kcrg.com

These news items are provided by KCRG-TV9
Your KCRG-TV9 First Alert Forecast
Today’s system is still on track. Areas north of Interstate 80, including Cedar Rapids, will likely receive 2-5″ of snow by the time the storm wraps up in the early to mid-afternoon hours. Areas along and south of I-80, including Iowa City and Washington, will receive less snow accumulation and will probably wind up with well under 2″. Look for gusty east winds to hold our highs down in the 30-35 range through the day. Looking ahead to tonight, plan on areas of fog to be possible with any breaks in the clouds. Quiet weather is expected tomorrow, with our next system still on track to bring mainly rain to our area on Wednesday into Thursday.