Iowa Economy, The Business Outlook Podcast

BPC Streaming Network
BPC Streaming Network
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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.

  1. Oct 6

    E14 | An uneven US economy: AI growth, inflation and the ‘K economy’ | Eugenio Alemán and Ben Ayers | Iowa Economy

    The U.S. economy continues to show surprising resilience, bolstered by AI-driven investment, but economists Eugenio Alemán and Ben Ayers say the benefits of that growth are far from evenly distributed. In this episode, host Chris Conetzkey discusses persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, soaring fuel costs, and the growing divide between households benefiting from rising wealth and those struggling with higher everyday costs. They also look ahead to 2027 and what could determine whether the economy's current strength broadens to more households and businesses. Guests: • Eugenio Alemán, senior vice president and chief economist, Raymond James • Ben Ayers, senior economist, Nationwide On this episode: • The Federal Reserve's inflation fight, the impact of higher borrowing costs on commercial lending and housing, and why today's interest-rate environment may represent a return to a more normalized level. • How rising oil and diesel prices could feed into transportation, agriculture, food and other business costs, and when those could reach consumers. • How a "K-shaped" economy is taking shape across the country benefiting wealthier households while many others face stagnant incomes and higher costs

    E14 | An uneven US economy: AI growth, inflation and the ‘K economy’ | Eugenio Alemán and Ben Ayers | Iowa Economy

  2. Sep 8

    E13 | National debt, local impact: What $40 trillion means for Iowa | Iowa Economy

    The U.S. national debt recently surpassed $40 trillion, raising questions about what its continued growth means for the economy and for businesses in Iowa. On this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, host Chris Conetzkey talks with two economists to break down the often abstract-feeling issue of the national debt and the tangible effects Iowa businesses may experience now and in the future as the number continues to rise. On this episode: • How the national debt affects Iowa: Iowa’s diversified but capital-intensive economy makes businesses, farmers, homeowners and local governments particularly sensitive to higher borrowing costs. • The growing cost of servicing the debt: The federal deficit is running at roughly 6% of GDP, while net interest costs have risen above 3% of GDP, exceeding federal defense spending. • Interest rates and business investment: Rising Treasury yields can put upward pressure on mortgage, auto loan and commercial borrowing costs, potentially affecting profitability and decisions about capital investment. • Iowa’s exposure to federal spending and demographics: Iowa’s older-than-average population makes Social Security and health care particularly important, while potential federal spending reductions could affect agriculture, university research and other priorities. Guests: • Ryan Nunn, research director, The Budget Lab at Yale University • Anne Villamil, research fellow in economics and professor, University of Iowa Tippie College of Business

    E13 | National debt, local impact: What $40 trillion means for Iowa | Iowa Economy

  3. Aug 11

    E12 | The M&A ‘window is open’ in Iowa | Iowa Economy

    Iowa’s mergers and acquisitions market is showing signs of building momentum, with more capital available and an aging generation of business owners, creating opportunities for buyers and sellers. A panel of M&A experts discuss what’s driving activity, which industries are attracting the most interest, what is influencing valuations and why preparation can make all the difference when it’s time to transition or sell a business. On this episode: • How a generation of aging business owners creates both dealflow opportunities and pressures on businesses. • Which industries are driving M&A activity, which are lagging and what those indicators mean. • A look into the strategy and focus of local M&A firms. Guests: • Kyle Hoekstra, partner, RSM • Steve Jacobs, president, BCC Advisers • Erin Mickels, principal, CLA • Scott Sissel, partner, Sissel Law • Mike Taylor, partner, Midwest Growth Partners

    E12 | The M&A ‘window is open’ in Iowa | Iowa Economy

  4. Jul 7

    E11 | Around the dinner table - A conversation on Iowa’s restaurant economics | Iowa Economy

    The challenging landscape facing Iowa's restaurant industry is shaped by rising costs, changing consumer habits and razor-thin profit margins. In this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, restaurant owners, industry experts, economists and commercial real estate leaders share with host Chris Conetzkey what's driving restaurant openings and closures, how operators are adapting and why restaurants remain an essential part of Iowa's economy and communities. In this episode: • How inflation, labor costs, real estate expenses and changing consumer expectations are reshaping the restaurant business. • Why independent, full-service restaurants face different challenges than quick-service and fine dining establishments. • Trends shaping the future of dining, from takeout and experiential dining to menu innovation, value and evolving consumer preferences. Guests: • Chris Diebel, founding partner of Bubba and local public affairs consultant • Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of Iowa Restaurant Association • Wini Moranville, longtime Des Moines food and restaurant writer, and author of Dining Well in Des Moines newsletter on Substack • Chad Moutray, chief economist and senior vice president of industry, research and knowledge, National Restaurant Association • Bill Wright, senior vice president, CBRE

    E11 | Around the dinner table - A conversation on Iowa’s restaurant economics | Iowa Economy

  5. Jun 9

    E10 | Banking on Stability - A Strong Foundation, A Changing Industry | Iowa Economy

    The banking industry, known for valuing stability, has remained well-positioned in Iowa despite various economic headwinds that could tilt it off balance. On this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, host Chris Conetzkey talks with two banking leaders — one from Iowa, one national — about maintaining the foundations that keep banks financially strong while progressing and innovating in response to new and changing forces such as new technologies and consolidation trends. In this episode: The industry’s focus on growth through acquisitions and how that influences the future of banking. The state of the agricultural economy and the differences between today’s farm challenges and the 1980s farm crisis. The emerging competition for deposits from fintech companies, brokerage platforms and cryptocurrency-related products. Guests: Daniel Brown, senior director of banking and financial services research, American Bankers Association Adam Gregg, president and CEO, Iowa Bankers Association

    E10 | Banking on Stability - A Strong Foundation, A Changing Industry | Iowa Economy

  6. May 5

    E9 | Pulling back the curtain - The lesser-seen impacts of health on Iowa’s economy | Iowa Economy

    Not all economic issues are fast-moving, market-shifting events — some, like health care, can take years or longer for implications to materialize but then deliver a broader impact. On this episode of the Iowa Economy Podcast, public health economists and leaders join host Chris Conetzkey to share one issue or trend related to health that is affecting the state’s economy followed by discussion of contributing factors, downstream effects and what data is, or is not, available to better understand the economic implications of health on our business community. In this episode: • The unquantified role health plays in workers’ productivity and shaping the needs of the multi-generational workforce • How disparities in access to care disproportionately affect health outcomes and costs in rural areas • The factors leading to nursing home and hospital closures in Iowa and the effect on care and communities • Iowa’s cigarette smoking rate and its economic effects Guests: • Andrea Harding, vice president of population health, MercyOne • Jason Semprini, assistant professor, department of public health, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, Ph.D. • Hari Sharma, associate professor, University of Iowa Department of Public Health, Ph.D.

    E9 | Pulling back the curtain - The lesser-seen impacts of health on Iowa’s economy | Iowa Economy

  7. Apr 7

    E8 | The broad reach of fuel volatility | Iowa Economy

    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

    E8 | The broad reach of fuel volatility | Iowa Economy

  8. Mar 10

    E7 | Iran, oil, the Fed and interest rates - What global tensions might mean for Iowa’s economy | Iowa 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

    E7 | Iran, oil, the Fed and interest rates - What global tensions might mean for Iowa’s economy | Iowa Economy
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About

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.

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