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TUESDAY, AUG. 28, 2018 | IN THIS ISSUE
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 Eastern Iowa Airport posts sixth straight record month
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One of the tools used by the airport to count travelers is a heat map that documents a license plate counts. The map shows counts from July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018. CREDIT REPUBLIC PARKING
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The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) has set a new passenger record for a sixth-consecutive month, airport officials announced this week.
The total number of passengers in July was 106,994, breaking the previous record of 103,712 set in July 2014.
The year-to-date increase for enplaned passengers - those who board a plane at CID - is up 4.7 percent over the same time in 2017. CID recorded an annual record in 2017 with 1.14 million total passengers.
In addition, the amount of enplaned cargo at CID for the period of January through July is up 20.5 percent versus the same time period as last year.
Marty Lenss, CID's director, said in a statement that passenger traffic continues to increase due, in part, to the number of carrier options provided at the airport.
"We have five great airline partners that offer nonstop flights to key connecting hubs that are vital to business travelers," Mr. Lenss said. "For leisure travelers, we have ultra low-cost carriers that provide affordable flights to popular vacation destinations."
The capacity - or number of seats available - has increased 14 percent in the past five years, giving passengers more opportunities to choose CID.
"The airlines are investing in our market because passengers are filling their seats. Air service has always been a very competitive business, but with airline consolidation and the pilot shortage having a real impact on communities, it is even more important now to show our airline partners that CID has a strong market," Mr. Lenss continued.
He noted that while CID's primary catchment area is within a 60 minute radius, many people from across the state and across the state's borders use CID.
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The governor established the virtual clearinghouse, set to go live by next July, as a way expand high-quality, real-world work-based learning experiences for K-12 students. The initiative complements the Future Ready Iowa goal of providing 70 percent of the state's workforce with post-high school education or training by 2025.
Iowa Education Director Ryan Wise and Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend will lead the clearinghouse advisory board, which includes representatives of business and industry, education, nonprofits, elected leaders and students. Fareway Stores is the first business to partner with the state on the clearinghouse.
Members of the board from the Corridor include Cindy Dietz, of Rockwell Collins; Dan Greteman, of Ruan Transportation; Jennifer Daly, of ICR Iowa; Emily Brown, of UnityPoint Health; and Laurie Worden, of Kirkwood Community College.
The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning is a joint venture of the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Area Education Agencies (AEA) Learning Online. In addition to facilitating K-12 school-business partnerships, the clearinghouse will assemble an inventory of established and newly created work-based learning options for K-12 students, as well as for students in post-secondary education and training programs.
The Iowa Legislature approved Ms. Reynolds' $250,000 budget recommendation for the clearinghouse during this year's session as part of the Future Ready Iowa initiative.
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An electric vehicle (EV) charging station, pictured at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's in Cedar Rapids.
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The Iowa Utilities Board has
opened a rulemaking proceeding on the topic of electric vehicle infrastructure, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to comment on potential regulatory treatment, the board announced this week.
The public can make comments to the board until Sept. 17, and attend a workshop beginning at 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 in the IUB hearing room at 1375 E. Court Avenue, Des Moines.
In
a related docket, the IUB refused to issue a declaratory order in response to a July 27 petition filed by Iowa 80 Truckstop and Truckstops of Iowa regarding charging stations for electric vehicles. The petition requested an order declaring whether electric energy sold for the purpose of EV charging at commercial and/or public stations is considered the resale of electric energy, and whether fuel retailers may sell electric energy by the kilowatt-hour for the purpose of EV charging.
The IUB determined that the questions raised in the petition would have a statewide impact and that the rulemaking process established in the electrical vehicle infrastructure docket is the appropriate proceeding to provide significant public notice and opportunity for public input.
During the 2018 legislative session, a bill was passed to examine electric vehicle charging, which directed the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Department of Transportation and the Iowa utility industry to conduct a study of EV support for both commercial and noncommercial vehicles and make recommendations to the general assembly. The legislation requires the IEDA to submit the results of its report no later than June 30, 2019.
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A rendering of the new Pizza Ranch building coming to Gateway One Plaza in Iowa City. CREDIT BRR ARCHITECTURE
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Plans to relocate Pizza Ranch from the Iowa City Marketplace to the Gateway One Plaza on Highway 1 should help elevate the chain's presence in the city, according to owner Brandon Pratt.
Mr. Pratt's Lion Development Group owns 10 Pizza Ranch restaurants in Iowa and Illinois, including the longtime location at the Iowa City Marketplace, formerly known as Sycamore Mall.
He recently purchased the former Caliente Night Club space at Gateway One after the ownership of the center was consolidated, and secured permits for a $1.5 million-plus renovation of the building. For Lion Development, it's a chance to update and expand its Iowa City location, while improving its accessibility to the important University of Iowa market.
With 7,500 square feet of space on the ground floor alone, the building will provide seating for 210-235 customers and space for larger buffets. Sales growth is expected to require the hiring of 20-30 employees, beyond the existing staff who will relocate once the restaurant moves to Gateway One this fall.
Pizza Ranch is a popular buffet chain offering a wide variety of pizzas and broasted chicken. They have also become favorite stops for conservative presidential candidates touring the state, owing to the company's Christian roots and family image.
One thing Pizza Ranches aren't so well known for are their arcades, which many of them lack. Mr. Pratt said the renovated space will feature the chain's newest concept: an arcade with 22 games and a ticket redemption center.
There's nothing like it in the Iowa City market, he added.
"This is the first time the Iowa City community will get a chance to see what Pizza Ranch is really all about."
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Sarah Gardial, dean of the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa, and David Gould, administrator at the UI's Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, are among the lineup of speakers planned for TEDxIowaCity, to be held this Thursday in downtown Iowa City.
The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will feature local voices and TED Talks videos under the theme of "The Power of Community." It will be held from 1-5 p.m. at HotelVetro on the Pedestrian Mall.
Other speakers will include:
- Ryan Siskow, president of Consult 3C, a people and organizational capability consultant, author and speaker.
- Lisa Song-Sutton, a real estate investor and entrepreneur holding ownership interests in several companies in the real estate, tech, retail and food and beverage industries, including Las Vegas' No. 1 alcohol-infused cupcake company, Sin City Cupcakes.
- Bisi Williams, chief insights officer for Massive Change Network (MCN), the design consultancy she co-founded in 2010 with Bruce Mau.
- Marc Zorner, a former manager at McKinsey & Company and founder of Winnow, a food waste management company.
- Kent Stock, a teacher, middle school principal and coach of the Norway baseball team during their now-famous final season.
- Paulo Simas, a creative and business strategy professional with more than 25 years of agency experience and a lifelong creative and entrepreneur.
Launched in 2009, TEDx is program of locally organized events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. Some of the best talks from TEDx events have gone on to be featured on TED.com and garnered millions of views from audiences across the globe.
For more information, visit
tedxiowacity.net or
TEDx Iowa City 2018 on Facebook.
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Aug. 28
Intrapreneur Academy Info Session, by NewBoCo, 1-4 p.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Intrapreneur Academy is a year-long training program where organizations of all types learn how to be innovative in a rapidly changing world. Attend an info session to learn more about the program and meet with NewBoCo's Director of Innovation Mandy Webber. Free. For more information and to register, visit
newbo.co.
Aug. 29
Launch and Land Your Post-Harvest Marketing Plan, by Hills Bank & Trust, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Farm Bureau, and Linn and Washington County Farm Bureaus, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Hills Bank & Trust, 3204 Seventh Ave., Marion. Receive practical advice to help you execute a post-harvest marketing plan. Free. For more information and to register, visit
conta.cc/2Mo2XYn.
BigWig Lunch Talk: Chris Skogman, by ImpactCR, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Cedar Rapids Public Library - Whipple Auditorium, 450 Fifth Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. BigWig Lunch Talks (BLT) expose young professionals to seasoned professionals and inspirational leaders in the community. At this event, hear from Chris Skogman, president of Skogman Companies. Free, but pre-registration is required. To register, visit
bit.ly/2nVE37K.
1 Million Cups, by 1MC, 9-10 a.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids and MERGE, 136 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. Join for community connections, startup pitches and free coffee. Free. For more information, visit
facebook.com/1MCICR.
Responding to the Opioid Epidemic, by Holmes Murphy, 1-1:30 p.m., online. Learn how to address opioid misuse, increase your awareness of opioid risks, and ultimately support employees with programs to prevent and manage opioid abuse. Free. To register, visit
bit.ly/2BP5CsX.
Is Your Wellness Program Voluntary?, by Holmes Murphy, 2-2:30 p.m., online. Learn about steps employers can take to ensure their wellness programs are effectively designed, and how to prepare for the new Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rule changes. Free. Register at
bit.ly/2PA2dRT.
Business PM, by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Spotix, 2810 Stoner Ct., North Liberty. Meet with area professionals for an evening of casual networking. Free.
Ground Breaking: Tipton Habitat Build, by Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, 6 p.m., 1111 Lynn St., Tipton. Celebrate the kick off of the Tipton Build home, which will be built in partnership with Tipton High School students. Free
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Headlines from CBS2/FOX 28
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28
According to a statement issued by Sen. Joni Ernst's office Monday evening, Ms. Ernst and her husband are ending their marriage. "Senator Ernst and her husband, Gail, are in the process of divorcing. They remain committed to their children and family, and ask for respect for their privacy during this difficult time," the statement said. No additional information was released.
One person is in the hospital after a car versus train collision in Palo on Monday night. According to the CBS2/FOX 28 crew at the scene, the train was the Hawkeye Express. The Linn County Sheriff's Office says they were called to the railroad near the intersection of Shellsburg Road and Vinton Street in Palo around 6:27 p.m. Authorities confirmed to CBS2/FOX28 News that one person has been taken to the hospital, but have they have not released the severity of their injuries. This story is breaking and will be updated.
T
hese news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28
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CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Terry Swails' Weather First Forecast
A cold front will move through Eastern Iowa today and bring thunderstorms this afternoon and cooler air behind it. It will be partly cloudy, warm and muggy to start the day. Temperatures will climb into the mid 80s and with the humidity it will feel like the 90s to near 100 degrees at times. As the cold front approaches, scattered showers and thunderstorms will break out, mainly after 3 p.m. There will be plenty of instability and moisture this afternoon and strong storms will be possible. Some storms will be capable of producing gusty winds and heavy rain. The front will move through overnight and rain will wind down late tonight into Wednesday morning. Drier, cooler air will settle in for the middle of the week. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 70s and humidity will be lower Wednesday and Thursday.
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