MASON CITY — Cerro Gordo County supervisors approved two rural rezoning requests, payroll changes, road project plans and more than $1.26 million in county claims during their regular meeting on May 18, 2026.
Category: Business
The NorthIowaToday.com Business Section. Business stories and a directory of top North Iowa businesses.
The Small Moments That Show Something Isn’t Working in Patient Handling (Before Anyone Says It Out Loud)
It doesn’t usually start with an incident. No alarms. No reports. Nothing that immediately flags a problem. Just small moments. A pause before a transfer. A second attempt at adjusting someone in…
The Ultimate Guide to Pearland Property Management: How Oak Loop Properties Maximizes Rental Income in 2026
Owning rental properties in Pearland can be a great way to earn extra income. But managing them isn’t always easy. Landlords often deal with tenant issues, repairs, and paperwork. That’s why Pearland…
From Messaging App to Digital Ecosystem: Telegram’s Path to Innovation
Telegram has become one of the world’s most influential messaging apps thanks to the rapid evolution of communication tools. One of the fastest digital tools for sending messages has developed into a…
Sub-Zero expansion in Cedar Rapids to bring hundreds of manufacturing jobs to Iowa
A major manufacturer of luxury kitchen appliances is planning a $196 million expansion in Iowa, a project state leaders say will bring hundreds of jobs and strengthen the state’s role in American manufacturing.
Sub-Zero Group, Inc. plans to expand its Cedar Rapids manufacturing facility with an approximately 225,000-square-foot building addition. The project is expected to create 312 jobs, including 115 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $30.41 per hour.
The project also fits into a broader national push to grow manufacturing inside the United States. President Donald Trump has made reshoring and domestic production a centerpiece of his economic agenda, using tariffs, tax policy, investment incentives and “Made in America” messaging to encourage companies to build, expand and produce more goods on U.S. soil.
Mason City schools to enter five-year exclusive program agreement with Decker Sports
MASON CITY – Mason City Community Schools is entering into a five-year exclusive athletic apparel and equipment program agreement with Decker Sports, a Mason City-based sporting goods company that also has done business with Forest City schools.
The agreement, titled “Decker Sports – Exclusive All School Program,” is between Decker Sports and Mason City Community Schools. The term of the agreement begins July 1, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2031. It will be considered at Monday’s school board meeting.
The agreement includes financial benefits for the district. Mason City schools will receive $5,000 cash up front for the initial year of the term, followed by $5,000 each additional year.
Building Trust in Global Logistics: The Ascope Shipping Story
In global logistics, trust is not something you buy, brand, or borrow. It is something you build slowly, carefully, and through consistent action over many years. For anyone searching for a trusted…
Navigating the ‘Clone’ Market: A Tiered Breakdown of High-Performing Designer Alternatives
In 2026, the global “dupe” fragrance market has evolved from simple copies into high-quality alternatives that rival $300 designer bottles for a fraction of the cost. With the Middle Eastern perfume sector…
Mason City schools eye higher substitute pay, with long-term teacher subs up to $205 per day
MASON CITY – The Mason City Community School District is looking to boost substitute pay for the 2026-27 school year, including a proposed schedule that would pay substitute teachers up to $205 per day for long-term work.
Rosenboom expansion in Milford to bring 78 decent-paying manufacturing jobs to Northern Iowa
MILFORD – A Northern Iowa manufacturing company is planning a major expansion in Milford, bringing new investment and dozens of decent-paying jobs to the region.
Rosenboom Machine & Tool, Inc. plans to acquire and build out a new facility in Milford as part of a $19.07 million capital investment. The project is expected to create 78 jobs, with the incented jobs carrying a qualifying wage of $25.54 per hour.
Butler County manufacturer plans $20.8 million expansion for high-value production work
BUTLER COUNTY — Feldmeier Equipment Inc. plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in Butler County, bringing a $20.8 million capital investment tied to advanced production work and future growth.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board awarded the company $688,670 in tax credits through the state’s Business Incentives for Growth program.
Garner entrepreneur turns truck problem into growing custom mudflap business
MASON CITY – A young North Iowa entrepreneur who turned a personal truck problem into a growing business has been recognized by the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area Small Business Development Center.
Jordan Klooster of Klooster Flaps in Garner has been named the May 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month.
The Truth About Dubai Lawyers That Most Clients Only Realise Too Late
Many people approach legal services with a set of assumptions that feel logical at the time. A lawyer is a lawyer, experience speaks for itself, and higher fees must mean better outcomes….
Charles City pharmaceutical company expansion to add 104 good-paying jobs
CHARLES CITY — A Charles City pharmaceutical manufacturer is planning a major expansion that is expected to create more than 100 jobs and bring $150 million in new capital investment to the community.
Cambrex Charles City, Inc., a subsidiary of New Jersey-based Cambrex Corporation, plans to construct a new 7,700-square-foot facility in Charles City. The project is intended to increase the company’s production capacity by 40%.
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved $10,132,500 in tax credits for the project through the state’s Business Incentives for Growth program.
Who is Michael A. DeMayo? Exploring His Life, Net Worth, and Luxurious Lifestyle
Michael A. DeMayo is a name that resonates strongly in the legal world. Known for his exceptional legal acumen and dedication to his clients, DeMayo has built a reputation as one of…
How Houston Businesses Can Protect Their Brand and Content From AI Copycats in 2026
Artificial intelligence has changed the creative landscape faster than most businesses were prepared for. In 2026, the ability to generate convincing text, images, logos, voice replicas, and even functional code at scale…
USDA changes SNAP retailer rules to require more staples or “real” foods
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on May 7, 2026, that retailers authorized to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will be required to carry a broader variety of staple foods under a new final rule, what the agency calls “real foods”.
Peruvian Sol vs Political Chaos in Latin America: The Big Story
If you are planning a trip to Peru, there is one practical question that quietly shapes everything from your hotel budget to your café bill in Cusco: what is happening with the Peru…
Cerro Gordo supervisors set May 26 budget amendment hearing at May 11 meeting
MASON CITY — The Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors set a public hearing for a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment during its regular meeting on May 11, 2026.
How to Implement VR Training in Your Organization: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
Key Takeaways: Identify specific, high-risk skill gaps before investing in hardware. Partner with experienced software creators for enterprise solutions. Pilot your program with a small group of employees to gather feedback. Designate…
Floyd supervisors approve budget amendment, set conservation ordinance hearing at May 12 meeting
CHARLES CITY — The Floyd County Board of Supervisors approved a county budget amendment, set a public hearing on conservation-area rules and noted a conservation department resignation during its regular meeting on May 12, 2026.
Iowa City-area shoppers will pay 1% more sales tax starting July 1
IOWA CITY — Shoppers in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty will begin paying a 1% Local Option Sales Tax on taxable purchases starting July 1, 2026. The new tax, commonly called LOST, was approved by voters in November 2025. It will be added to Iowa’s 6% state sales tax, bringing the total sales tax rate in the three communities to 7% on taxable goods and services.
Mason City has used LOST for years to fund projects in the community and was most recently renewed in 2022.
Vylor, future home of Pioneer seed brand, to be headquartered in Iowa
“With Pioneer’s century-long legacy in seed genetics, Vylor’s roots are in Iowa, and our state will also be the foundation for its future,” Reynolds said. “This decision further validates Iowa’s leadership in agriculture, bioscience, and innovation.”
The Secret to a Perfect First Impression: Quality Paving
Most business owners spend countless hours perfecting their storefront displays, interior design, and customer service protocols. They want every client to feel valued the moment they step through the front doors. Yet,…
Why Smart Exteriors is the Top Siding Contractor Kansas City
Living in the Midwest brings a unique set of weather challenges. Kansas City homeowners know that a single year can deliver blistering summer heat, heavy spring storms, and freezing winter winds. Your…
Worth County supervisors set budget amendment hearing, approve drainage actions at May 11 meeting
NORTHWOOD – The Worth County Board of Supervisors approved several drainage-related items, set a public hearing on a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment and approved a fireworks permit during its May 11 meeting.
Winnebago County supervisors set budget amendment hearing, approve drainage engineer
FOREST CITY – The Winnebago County Board of Supervisors set a public hearing for a budget amendment, appointed an engineer for drainage work and discussed road maintenance matters during its May 5 meeting.
Floyd County supervisors approve fair sign, liquor license renewal and more at May 5 meeting
CHARLES CITY – The Floyd County Board of Supervisors approved several routine items May 5 and heard a presentation on Iowa’s restructured Behavioral Health System.
Iowa farmers make major planting progress after dry week
DES MOINES — Iowa farmers made significant planting progress last week as mostly dry weather gave them nearly a full week of fieldwork, according to the latest Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report.
The report, covering May 4 through May 10, showed Iowa farmers had 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork. That was slightly more than the same week last year and allowed producers to keep corn, soybean and oat planting moving across the state.
What to Look for When Buying a Commercial Weather Station
A commercial weather station has to do more than report the temperature. It has to support real decisions in the field, on the jobsite, across a farm, at a facility, or inside…
Advanced Link Building Approaches Reshape Organic Visibility Strategies
The search engine optimisation industry is continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, and one of the most significant developments is the transformation of link building strategy. Traditional backlink acquisition methods that…
The True Cost of Clogged Gutters (And Why You Need the Pros)
When the seasons change and the foliage transforms, your home undergoes its own quiet transition. Leaves, twigs, and assorted debris inevitably find their way onto your roof and into your drainage systems….
The Hidden Business Advantage of a Spotless Workspace
Walking into an office with overflowing trash bins, dusty keyboards, and stained breakroom tables immediately sets a negative tone for the day. Employees notice the lack of care, and that feeling often…
The Heroes Above Your Head: Meet Brave Roofers
When the wind howls and heavy rain lashes against the windows, most of us find comfort simply by looking up. We trust the solid structure above us to keep our families safe,…
Bring Life Back to Your Home with Top-Notch Windows
Sunlight filtering through the living room changes the entire atmosphere of a space. It highlights the textures of your furniture, warms the floors, and lifts the overall mood of everyone inside. But…
Redefining Workplace Safety: The Arbill Advantage
Every business wants to send its employees home safely at the end of the day. Achieving this goal requires a dedicated, comprehensive strategy that addresses risks before they result in accidents. Relying…
Five surprising things modern AI can’t do-and why everyday users should care
Every week there’s a new headline about AI “matching” human performance on some benchmark. Almost always technically true but misleadingly phrased. These headlines describe a narrow capability; the implication is a broad…
Mason City dentist Dr. Stephanie Nettleton elected to Iowa Dental Association Board
DES MOINES – Mason City dentist, Stephanie Nettleton, DDS, was installed as North Central District Dental Society Trustee for the Iowa Dental Association (IDA) on April 29. In 2020, she received the prestigious IDA President’s Award in recognition for her exceptional leadership in organized dentistry and her commitment to both the IDA and the American Dental Association.
Industrial Strength Tarpaulin Sheet for Outdoor Use
When you have an outdoor job, you need tough work gear. So, an industrial-strength tarpaulin sheet is a wise choice. Using an industrial Clear Tarpaulin offers a range of advantages for your…
How Estimators Simplify Complex Construction Challenges Through Data
The construction enterprise has constantly been filled with complexities—tight deadlines, fluctuating material costs, labor uncertainties, and evolving design requirements. In such environments, making correct decisions without reliable data is almost impossible. This…