TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019  |  IN THIS ISSUE  

Iowa City -based ACT announced today it has acquired Mawi Learning, a recognized leader in educator professional development and student curriculum focused on building social and emotional skills.

Mawi Learning unlocks student potential through evidence-based social and emotional teaching and learning [SEL] approaches. Its tools and services have been used by students in all 50 states and more than 1 million students worldwide to build growth mindset, resilience and foundational SEL skills such as goal-setting and time management since the company's founding in 2003.
 
"Mawi Learning's mission and focus on improving social and emotional learning, along with its research-based approach, make it a natural fit for ACT," said ACT CEO Marten Roorda in a statement. "Mawi Learning's offerings also are closely aligned with ACT's guiding principles: to be inclusive, transformational and holistic. We are delighted to be adding its programs to the ACT portfolio."
 
Mawi Learning's online and blended SEL courses leverage grade-appropriate mental models, tools and frameworks that build a foundation for success, both in and out of the classroom. 

Social and emotional learning skills are a key element of the  ACT Holistic Framework , which is designed to guide readiness for success in education and career across skills and competencies in multiple domains. T he nonprofit behind the ACT test has in recent years endeavored to transform itself into a learning, measurement and navigation organization, as CBJ previously reported. Since 2016, it has:
  • Merged with ProExam, providing the foundation to introduce a suite of social and emotional learning assessments and solutions
  • Acquired Knovation and OpenEd to provide the online content resources for personalized learning resources, including the ACT Academy
  • Invested in Smart Sparrow to enter into adaptive learning and collaborated with The NROC Project to create ACT CollegeReady.
  • Acquired The National Research Center for College and University Admissions (NRCCUA) and the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) to help students with comprehensive navigation tools and resources.
The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Plaza Towers, one of Iowa City's earliest high-rises, with the Hyatt Place Iowa shown in the distance.
Iowa City is literally moving on up, with several high-rise buildings already transforming the skyline and the potential for more to come.

It's an urban reinvention aimed at boosting the vitality of the downtown area, making the best of existing infrastructure, and potentially impacting the high rents and low vacancies that have plagued the city's core for years.

"From a city perspective, you want the central area of your town to be a focal point and these projects bring more residents, more businesses and more activity into the center of town," said city Economic Development Coordinator Wendy Ford. "And for developers, it's just a more efficient way to develop."

For years, the 11-story Ecumenical Towers, built in 1981, and the 10-story Graduate Hotel, which began life as a Holiday Inn in 1984, were the downtown area's tallest non-university buildings. 
Developer Marc Moen changed that in 2005 with the opening of the 14-story Plaza Towers, and again in 2014 with the completion of Park@201 on Washington Street, another 14-story building that includes apartments, condos and commercial space.

But the city has seen a high-rise building boom in recent years, with developers adding four new buildings of 12 stories or more to downtown since 2017. Ms. Ford attributed that to pent-up demand following the Great Recession and the flood of 2008, as well as the 2012 Downtown and Riverfront Crossings Master Plan. That document prioritized strategic, sustainable mixed-use infill development in the downtown area, while preserving Iowa City's historical integrity.

Read the full members-only story in this week's print or digital editions of the CBJ. 

ICR IOWA has announced the launch of Inclusive ICR's new  African American Resource Guide. The guide is the first in a series of online publications designed to serve as a resource for varying populations relocating or currently living in Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) and can be found on ICR IOWA's newcomer website,  www.icriowa.org/people.

The Inclusive ICR Coalition developed the guide to enhance newcomer experiences in the region. In particular, coalition members wanted to showcase opportunities to network, meet new friends, and find roots within their new home.

"One of the core pillars of Inclusive ICR's mission is to make the ICR region feel like home for anyone lucky enough to establish roots here," said George Mahoney, co-chair of the Inclusive ICR Coalition, in a release. "We feel that establishing these go-to resource guides for specific populations is a great way for newcomers to make connections right away and increase their comfort in our community. This is just the first of several guides we plan to release - so be on the lookout for more in the future!"

The guide was developed by the coalition with leadership from consultant Oather Taylor, an African American professional who moved to Cedar Rapids 19 years ago. Mr. Taylor developed the guide with support and guidance from many local organizations and partners.

"It was a pleasure to assist in developing this new resource," Mr. Taylor said. "This guide would have been extremely valuable to me when I first moved to Cedar Rapids."

Members of the coalition recognize that while the guide in current form is impressive, additions to the list of resources will develop with awareness of the project. 

Inclusive ICR is working on the development of several additional guides that will launch this summer. They hope local employers will share the newcomer website and all of the resources offered with employees relocating to ICR to help them acclimate to their new home.

"As we strive to be the Most Welcoming Region in America, our team continues to develop new assets like our  Newcomer Website, the  ICR Talent Hub, and our  Wingman Community Onboarding Program," said Jennifer Daly, president and CEO for ICR IOWA. "In all of these programs, we strive to help newcomers connect with real people and make lasting friendships so they can find happiness in their new home."

Fewer Iowa business leaders are optimistic about their company's sales growth potential for the remainder of 2019, according to results from the latest survey by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. 

The Des Moines Business Record reports that of the 32 business leaders who responded, 47 percent said they expect sales to expand, while 41 percent expect sales to stay the same. The percentage expecting sales expansion was down 26 percentage points from the last quarter and down 27 percentage points from a year ago. 

ABI President Mike Ralston said he's not alarmed by the decline. 

"It's a dramatic drop," he said. "Yet the fact that almost half of Iowa companies expect growth is great news for Iowa's economy." 

More than one-third - 38 percent - of survey respondents said they expect their head count to grow in the next quarter, while just over 9 percent expect fewer employees in the third quarter. Capital expenditures are planned by 75 percent of respondents in the next quarter, down from 87 percent in the second quarter. A shortage of skilled labor continues to be Iowa business leaders' top concern in 2019. 

Iowa City Nighttime Mayor Joe Reilly
The Iowa City Downtown District will host Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor at Joe's Place from 8-9 p.m. tonight.

Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor is a new initiative from the recently hired Nighttime Mayor, Joe Reilly.  The idea is a twist on the Coffee with a Cop program where police and community members come together in an informal setting to talk about community issues and build relationships. Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor will aim to do something similar.

The goal is to allow business owners and community members the opportunity to meet Mr. Reilly, ask questions, communicate ideas or issues in a small group or one-on-one in an informal and comfortable setting. 

"I look forward to engaging the stakeholders and patrons of the Downtown District," Mr. Reilly said in a release. "My hope is this informal format offers another channel to access me that makes for a naturally open flow of dialogue. Over the last few weeks on the job, I have been busy meeting lots of business and community members. This is just another way for me to learn more and help develop this position further." 

Anyone and everyone is invited to pop by Joe's Place for the inaugural event to meet, chat and share ideas. Future dates for the Nightcap with the Nighttime Mayor and locations will be announced via the Iowa City Downtown District's Facebook page , Nighttime Mayor's Instagram and Twitter . 
 
June 26
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Cedar Rapids, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Join for community connections, free coffee, and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MCICR.

1 Million Cups, by 1MC Iowa City, 9-10 a.m., MERGE, 136 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. Join for community connections, free coffee, and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MillionCupsIC/.

Mid-Year Economic Review, by Corridor Business Journal, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m., DoubleTree by Hilton, 350 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids. This luncheon will examine how the economy has changed in 2019 and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Corridor businesses. Ernie Goss of Creighton University will be the keynote speaker. Tickets: $50, or $500 per table of 10. For more information or to register, visit www.corridorbusiness.com/events or call Ashley Levitt at (319) 665-6397, ext. 311.

June 27
Breakfast Roundtable, by SCORE of East Central Iowa, 7:30-9 a.m., Scott's Family Restaurant, 1906 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Cedar Rapids. Free. Build relationships, share best practices and get help with challenges. Free. To register, visit shorturl.at/enGIJ.

Effective Storytelling on Social Media, by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 8-9:15 a.m., Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Learn how stories work on major social media platforms and tips for creating great content. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/2w8io0h.

Business 90-Day Planning Workshop, by ActionCOACH Heartland, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 230 Second St. SE,  Suite 218, Cedar Rapids. This strategic planning workshop will help business owners develop their third-quarter plan. Fee: $100 for first-time attendees, includes workshop binder, lunch, book and one-hour coaching session. To register, visit actiongc.eventbrite.com.

Minimizing Exposure to Harassment Claims, by SCORE of East Central Iowa, 11:30-1 p.m., Hills Bank, 3905 Blairs Ferry Road NE, Cedar Rapids. Learn how to protect yourself and your business if you are hit with a harassment claim. Free. To register, visit conta.cc/2Z0u41B.
See and Be Seen


in the CBJ Book of Lists - THE definitive resource guide for business leaders. Ranked information on Corridor companies by sector, regional market facts and profiles of the most influential people under one cover. Don't be left out - Be Seen! For advertising information, contact Andrea Rhoades at  [email protected] .

Note: The CBJ is now observing summer hours through Aug. 30. The CBJ offices will be open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon. 
Headlines from CBS2/FOX 28
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28  
 
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors reminds employers and employees that the fifth increase in Johnson County's recommended minimum wage will take effect Monday. The rate will increase to $10.40 per hour.  Though the wage increase is symbolic in nature and unenforceable under state law, the supervisors approved the increase to remain in line with their vote in September 2015 to begin phased increases.  Additionally, the board has created a multi-year, multi-step process to increase the base wage rate for all county employees, including part-time, seasonal and temporary employees, and interns.  The base wage was set at $14 an hour for fiscal year 2019 and will increase to $15 an hour in FY2020, which begins Monday. I owa's statewide minimum wage was increased to $7.25 per hour in 2008, ahead of the federal increase to $7.25 in 2009, but has remained at $7.25 and is not indexed for inflation.

Voters in the Alburnett School District will decide today on $11.64 million in funding for upgrades at several schools.  A special election will ask voters for approval of two public measures allowing them to raise taxes by an estimated $1.89 per thousand dollars of taxable valuation.  A FAQ on the district's website, notes taxable valuation is not the same as the market value. For more information on how it might affect your taxes, click  here .  The additional funds would provide: 10  additional classrooms; u pdated facilities for career and technical classes (agriculture, industrial technology, family and consumer science), music classrooms, library/media center; a dditional parking; a n auditorium; s ecurity for the elementary entrance; and u pdates to restrooms throughout the facility.  Polls are open  from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today. The measures will need more than 60 percent of the voters approval for it to pass.

T hese news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28 
CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Terry Swails' Weather First Forecast

Summer arrives this week with heat, humidity, and periodic showers and storms.  Warmer air moves in today with temperatures in the 80s under mostly sunny skies. It will be a bit more humid today, too. This is ahead of a cold front that will arrive this evening. A few scattered showers and storms will be possible ahead of this front, mainly near and south of Highway 30. Warm, muggy, summery conditions will continue for the rest of the week. Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 80s Wednesday through Friday with high humidity. There will be some chances for storms - there may be a few storms Wednesday night with a higher chance Thursday into Friday. There is still uncertainty in the placement and intensity of these storms right now.