Iowa Economy, The Business Outlook Podcast https://www.businessrecord.com/ en The Iowa Economy Podcast unpacks the trends, data and decisions shaping Iowa’s business landscape, providing the economic insights leaders need to help their businesses stay ahead of Iowa’s economic curve. Hosted by Chris Conetzkey, president and group publisher of BPC, each episode delivers insight into the state’s key industries, policy shifts and economic data — helping leaders understand what’s happening now and what’s next for Iowa’s economy. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/39b28310-be52-11f0-b7d1-4f89f76ba97c/image/3d054457768de81ca0e1293b55085b85.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Iowa Economy, The Business Outlook Podcast https://www.businessrecord.com/ episodic Monthly expert insights on Iowa’s economy, workforce, and business climate. BPC Streaming Network The Iowa Economy Podcast unpacks the trends, data and decisions shaping Iowa’s business landscape, providing the economic insights leaders need to help their businesses stay ahead of Iowa’s economic curve. Hosted by Chris Conetzkey, president and group publisher of BPC, each episode delivers insight into the state’s key industries, policy shifts and economic data — helping leaders understand what’s happening now and what’s next for Iowa’s economy. The Iowa Economy Podcast unpacks the trends, data and decisions shaping Iowa’s business landscape, providing the economic insights leaders need to help their businesses stay ahead of Iowa’s economic curve. Hosted by Chris Conetzkey, president and group publisher of BPC, each episode delivers insight into the state’s key industries, policy shifts and economic data — helping leaders understand what’s happening now and what’s next for Iowa’s economy.

]]> Business Publications Corporation | BPC Streaming Network events@bpcdm.com Iowa Economy: The broad reach of fuel volatility Fuel price fluctuations stemming from the war in Iran are shaping near-term business strategy and consumer decision-making, according to industry leaders in trucking and convenience retail. This episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, hosted by BPC President Chris Conetzkey explores how energy markets influence freight demand, purchasing behavior and broader economic expectations. In this episode: Cost pressures facing trucking firms and downstream industriesWhere there are signs of recovery after a multi-year freight recession The relationship between oil prices and consumer mood Long-term implications for logistics efficiency, pricing and customer expectations GUESTS: • Jeff Lenard, vice president of media and strategic communications, National Association of Convenience Stores • Brenda Neville, president and CEO, Iowa Motor Truck Association Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network Fuel price fluctuations stemming from the war in Iran are shaping near-term business strategy and consumer decision-making, according to industry leaders in trucking and convenience retail. This episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, hosted by BPC President Chris Conetzkey explores how energy markets influence freight demand, purchasing behavior and broader economic expectations. In this episode: Cost pressures facing trucking firms and downstream industriesWhere there are signs of recovery after a multi-year freight recession The relationship between oil prices and consumer mood Long-term implications for logistics efficiency, pricing and customer expectations GUESTS: • Jeff Lenard, vice president of media and strategic communications, National Association of Convenience Stores • Brenda Neville, president and CEO, Iowa Motor Truck Association Fuel price fluctuations stemming from the war in Iran are shaping near-term business strategy and consumer decision-making, according to industry leaders in trucking and convenience retail. This episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, hosted by BPC President Chris Conetzkey explores how energy markets influence freight demand, purchasing behavior and broader economic expectations.

In this episode:

Cost pressures facing trucking firms and downstream industriesWhere there are signs of recovery after a multi-year freight recession

The relationship between oil prices and consumer mood

Long-term implications for logistics efficiency, pricing and customer expectations

GUESTS:

• Jeff Lenard, vice president of media and strategic communications, National Association of Convenience Stores

• Brenda Neville, president and CEO, Iowa Motor Truck Association

]]> 3056 no Iowa Economy: Iran, oil, the Fed and interest rates - What global tensions might mean for Iowa’s economy In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In this episode: How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training GUESTS:  Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In this episode: How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training GUESTS:  Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

In this episode:

  • How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability

  • The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide

  • Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households

  • The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training

GUESTS: 

  • Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa

  • Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor

]]> 2521 no Iowa Economy: Iran, oil, the Fed and interest rates - What global tensions might mean for Iowa’s economy In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In this episode: How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training GUESTS:  Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In this episode: How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training GUESTS:  Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, economist Bryce Kanago and Directors Council Executive Director Jerrica Marshall join host Chris Conetzkey to explore how the conflict involving Iran, shifting consumer behavior and workforce changes could influence inflation, interest rates and business activity. Marshall also shares insights from regional economic data and her experience as an adviser to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

In this episode:

  • How geopolitical conflict could disrupt energy markets and economic stability

  • The policy dilemma facing the Federal Reserve as inflation and slower growth collide

  • Growing financial pressure on lower- and middle-income households

  • The potential for artificial intelligence to change job availability and workforce training

GUESTS: 

  • Bryce Kanago, economics professor, University of Northern Iowa

  • Jerrica Marshall, executive director of The Directors Council and member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Advisory Council on Small Business, Community and Economic Development, Agriculture and Labor

]]> 2521 no Iowa Economy: The questions left on the cutting room floor - Economic Forecast follow up At the end of our Economic Forecast event, there are always questions and discussions that there isn’t time to cover. So, the day after the event, host Chris Conetzkey asked several of the panelists back along with an event attendee to hear what questions and thoughts lingered for them after hearing the panel’s insights. In this episode: The landscape of ongoing uncertainty facing Iowa businesses, including global trade dynamics and uneven consumer affordability How health care, cancer rates and water quality are emerging as core economic and workforce issues Iowa’s long-term challenges around workforce attraction, population growth and housing, and what it means for Iowa’s economic future GUESTS:  Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue Sarah Diehn, Business Record Editor Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP Joe Murphy, president, Iowa Business Council Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network At the end of our Economic Forecast event, there are always questions and discussions that there isn’t time to cover. So, the day after the event, host Chris Conetzkey asked several of the panelists back along with an event attendee to hear what questions and thoughts lingered for them after hearing the panel’s insights. In this episode: The landscape of ongoing uncertainty facing Iowa businesses, including global trade dynamics and uneven consumer affordability How health care, cancer rates and water quality are emerging as core economic and workforce issues Iowa’s long-term challenges around workforce attraction, population growth and housing, and what it means for Iowa’s economic future GUESTS:  Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue Sarah Diehn, Business Record Editor Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP Joe Murphy, president, Iowa Business Council At the end of our Economic Forecast event, there are always questions and discussions that there isn’t time to cover. So, the day after the event, host Chris Conetzkey asked several of the panelists back along with an event attendee to hear what questions and thoughts lingered for them after hearing the panel’s insights.

In this episode:

  • The landscape of ongoing uncertainty facing Iowa businesses, including global trade dynamics and uneven consumer affordability

  • How health care, cancer rates and water quality are emerging as core economic and workforce issues

  • Iowa’s long-term challenges around workforce attraction, population growth and housing, and what it means for Iowa’s economic future

GUESTS: 

  • Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue

  • Sarah Diehn, Business Record Editor

  • Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP

  • Joe Murphy, president, Iowa Business Council

]]> 3132 no Iowa Economy: What’s the outlook for Iowa’s economy in 2026? Ahead of the Business Record’s annual Economic Forecast event, host Chris Conetzkey sits down with the event speakers to ask them for a glimpse at their projections for the year. From persistent uncertainty around trade, inflation and geopolitics to pockets of stability and modest growth, the guests share why 2026 may feel “steady but strained” — and what that means for Iowa businesses planning for the year. In this episode: What “steady but strained” conditions mean for business planning and workforce strategy Outlooks for Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors after several challenging years State revenue trends and broader policy factors influencing Iowa’s economic landscape in 2026 Why uncertainty has been a persistent theme in the post-pandemic economy GUESTS:  Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue Amy Friedrich - president of benefits and protection, Principal Financial Group Ann Collins - executive vice president and CFO, EMC Insurance Cos. Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:16:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network Ahead of the Business Record’s annual Economic Forecast event, host Chris Conetzkey sits down with the event speakers to ask them for a glimpse at their projections for the year. From persistent uncertainty around trade, inflation and geopolitics to pockets of stability and modest growth, the guests share why 2026 may feel “steady but strained” — and what that means for Iowa businesses planning for the year. In this episode: What “steady but strained” conditions mean for business planning and workforce strategy Outlooks for Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors after several challenging years State revenue trends and broader policy factors influencing Iowa’s economic landscape in 2026 Why uncertainty has been a persistent theme in the post-pandemic economy GUESTS:  Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue Amy Friedrich - president of benefits and protection, Principal Financial Group Ann Collins - executive vice president and CFO, EMC Insurance Cos. Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP Ahead of the Business Record’s annual Economic Forecast event, host Chris Conetzkey sits down with the event speakers to ask them for a glimpse at their projections for the year. From persistent uncertainty around trade, inflation and geopolitics to pockets of stability and modest growth, the guests share why 2026 may feel “steady but strained” — and what that means for Iowa businesses planning for the year.

In this episode:

  • What “steady but strained” conditions mean for business planning and workforce strategy

  • Outlooks for Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors after several challenging years

  • State revenue trends and broader policy factors influencing Iowa’s economic landscape in 2026

  • Why uncertainty has been a persistent theme in the post-pandemic economy

GUESTS: 

  • Robin Anderson - state chief economist and division administrator, research & policy division, Iowa Department of Revenue

  • Amy Friedrich - president of benefits and protection, Principal Financial Group

  • Ann Collins - executive vice president and CFO, EMC Insurance Cos.

  • Eric Lohmeier - president, NCP



]]> 1170 no Iowa Economy - The confidence divide: Inside the widening gap between small and large businesses The latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index shows a widening confidence gap between large and small businesses — and the divide is accelerating. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with Principal’s Nate Schelhaas to break down why bigger companies remain relatively resilient while small and midsize firms are struggling with rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and limited pricing power. The result: Overall sentiment has dropped to one of its lowest readings in four years, driven largely by the challenges smaller firms can’t easily absorb. In this episode: • Why the confidence index fell so dramatically in just a year — with small businesses driving the decline. • Why large firms can pass on higher costs while small businesses risk damaging relationships if they try. • The national uncertainties (tariffs, inflation, rates, news cycles) weighing heavily on local confidence. • How AI adoption is becoming a competitive divider — with big companies accelerating investment. • What the data suggests about future staffing, wages, and the talent businesses will need to grow. • Why rising expenses and health care costs are squeezing smaller businesses at a much sharper rate. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network The latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index shows a widening confidence gap between large and small businesses — and the divide is accelerating. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with Principal’s Nate Schelhaas to break down why bigger companies remain relatively resilient while small and midsize firms are struggling with rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and limited pricing power. The result: Overall sentiment has dropped to one of its lowest readings in four years, driven largely by the challenges smaller firms can’t easily absorb. In this episode: • Why the confidence index fell so dramatically in just a year — with small businesses driving the decline. • Why large firms can pass on higher costs while small businesses risk damaging relationships if they try. • The national uncertainties (tariffs, inflation, rates, news cycles) weighing heavily on local confidence. • How AI adoption is becoming a competitive divider — with big companies accelerating investment. • What the data suggests about future staffing, wages, and the talent businesses will need to grow. • Why rising expenses and health care costs are squeezing smaller businesses at a much sharper rate. The latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index shows a widening confidence gap between large and small businesses — and the divide is accelerating. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with Principal’s Nate Schelhaas to break down why bigger companies remain relatively resilient while small and midsize firms are struggling with rising costs, tariff uncertainty, and limited pricing power. The result: Overall sentiment has dropped to one of its lowest readings in four years, driven largely by the challenges smaller firms can’t easily absorb.


In this episode:


• Why the confidence index fell so dramatically in just a year — with small businesses driving the decline.


• Why large firms can pass on higher costs while small businesses risk damaging relationships if they try.


• The national uncertainties (tariffs, inflation, rates, news cycles) weighing heavily on local confidence.


• How AI adoption is becoming a competitive divider — with big companies accelerating investment.


• What the data suggests about future staffing, wages, and the talent businesses will need to grow.


• Why rising expenses and health care costs are squeezing smaller businesses at a much sharper rate.

]]> 1562 no Iowa Economy: Agriculture sneezed. Did Iowa’s economy catch the cold? Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors are under stress — but not without opportunity. Host Chris Conetzkey talks with Vermeer CEO Jason Andringa and Iowa Farm Bureau economist Christopher Pudenz about the effects of the ag economy and how shifting markets, tariffs, and technology are reshaping opportunity across the state’s economy. In this episode: How low row-crop prices and high input costs are rippling through Iowa’s ag and manufacturing sectors. Why trade shifts and China’s soybean pullback are straining farm incomes. Despite tariff pressures Vermeer is growing due to infrastructure, environmental, and data-center-driven growth. The impact of tariffs and steel price volatility on Iowa manufacturers. What innovation and trade expansion could mean for turning around the ag economy. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors are under stress — but not without opportunity. Host Chris Conetzkey talks with Vermeer CEO Jason Andringa and Iowa Farm Bureau economist Christopher Pudenz about the effects of the ag economy and how shifting markets, tariffs, and technology are reshaping opportunity across the state’s economy. In this episode: How low row-crop prices and high input costs are rippling through Iowa’s ag and manufacturing sectors. Why trade shifts and China’s soybean pullback are straining farm incomes. Despite tariff pressures Vermeer is growing due to infrastructure, environmental, and data-center-driven growth. The impact of tariffs and steel price volatility on Iowa manufacturers. What innovation and trade expansion could mean for turning around the ag economy. Iowa’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors are under stress — but not without opportunity. Host Chris Conetzkey talks with Vermeer CEO Jason Andringa and Iowa Farm Bureau economist Christopher Pudenz about the effects of the ag economy and how shifting markets, tariffs, and technology are reshaping opportunity across the state’s economy.

In this episode:

  • How low row-crop prices and high input costs are rippling through Iowa’s ag and manufacturing sectors.

  • Why trade shifts and China’s soybean pullback are straining farm incomes.

  • Despite tariff pressures Vermeer is growing due to infrastructure, environmental, and data-center-driven growth.

  • The impact of tariffs and steel price volatility on Iowa manufacturers.

  • What innovation and trade expansion could mean for turning around the ag economy.


]]> 2225 Iowa Economy: Iowa’s fiscal balancing act — growth, revenue, and what’s holding us back? From a federal shutdown to an overheated stock market and volatile trade policies, Iowa’s economy is facing headwinds from nearly every direction. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with ISU economist Peter Orazem to unpack the state and national factors shaping Iowa’s outlook — and what the long-term risks might be. In this episode: How the prolonged federal shutdown is disrupting research, regulation, and ag data. Why high price-to-earnings ratios could signal an overinflated stock market. The impact of rising tariffs on Iowa’s manufacturers and farmers. What Iowa’s tax cuts and revenue shortfalls could mean for future state services. How an aging workforce and sluggish population growth are constraining recovery. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network From a federal shutdown to an overheated stock market and volatile trade policies, Iowa’s economy is facing headwinds from nearly every direction. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with ISU economist Peter Orazem to unpack the state and national factors shaping Iowa’s outlook — and what the long-term risks might be. In this episode: How the prolonged federal shutdown is disrupting research, regulation, and ag data. Why high price-to-earnings ratios could signal an overinflated stock market. The impact of rising tariffs on Iowa’s manufacturers and farmers. What Iowa’s tax cuts and revenue shortfalls could mean for future state services. How an aging workforce and sluggish population growth are constraining recovery. From a federal shutdown to an overheated stock market and volatile trade policies, Iowa’s economy is facing headwinds from nearly every direction. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with ISU economist Peter Orazem to unpack the state and national factors shaping Iowa’s outlook — and what the long-term risks might be.


In this episode:

  • How the prolonged federal shutdown is disrupting research, regulation, and ag data.

  • Why high price-to-earnings ratios could signal an overinflated stock market.

  • The impact of rising tariffs on Iowa’s manufacturers and farmers.

  • What Iowa’s tax cuts and revenue shortfalls could mean for future state services.

  • How an aging workforce and sluggish population growth are constraining recovery.


]]> 2208 no Iowa Economy: Iowa’s economy in a fog — data delays, trade pressures and what’s next? When the federal government shut down this fall, economists suddenly lost access to key data — just as questions about the economy’s health were heating up. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with NPR’s Scott Horsley and the University of Iowa’s Anne Villamil to make sense of what we can see — and what uncertainty still clouds the picture. In this episode: How the government shutdown is blinding economists to critical data. Why consumer spending and sentiment tell different stories. The mixed signals in GDP, inflation, and employment. How tariffs and trade volatility are hurting Iowa’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors. What to watch next: policy uncertainty, productivity, and population trends shaping long-term growth. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:00:00 -0000 full BPC Streaming Network When the federal government shut down this fall, economists suddenly lost access to key data — just as questions about the economy’s health were heating up. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with NPR’s Scott Horsley and the University of Iowa’s Anne Villamil to make sense of what we can see — and what uncertainty still clouds the picture. In this episode: How the government shutdown is blinding economists to critical data. Why consumer spending and sentiment tell different stories. The mixed signals in GDP, inflation, and employment. How tariffs and trade volatility are hurting Iowa’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors. What to watch next: policy uncertainty, productivity, and population trends shaping long-term growth. When the federal government shut down this fall, economists suddenly lost access to key data — just as questions about the economy’s health were heating up. Host Chris Conetzkey sits down with NPR’s Scott Horsley and the University of Iowa’s Anne Villamil to make sense of what we can see — and what uncertainty still clouds the picture.


In this episode:

  • How the government shutdown is blinding economists to critical data.

  • Why consumer spending and sentiment tell different stories.

  • The mixed signals in GDP, inflation, and employment.

  • How tariffs and trade volatility are hurting Iowa’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors.

  • What to watch next: policy uncertainty, productivity, and population trends shaping long-term growth.

]]> 3228 no