Fintech PR

2024 ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARDS WINNERS DRIVE GROWTH IN GREATER DES MOINES

Published

4 weeks ago

October 29, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater Des Moines Partnership recently celebrated the winners of the 2024 Economic Impact Awards. Celebrating their 42nd anniversary this year, the Economic Impact Awards originated to recognize and honor companies that have recently made significant contributions to the economic vitality of Greater Des Moines (DSM) in terms of capital investment, job creation and facility expansion.

The 2024 Economic Impact Award winners are:

Bud & Mary’s Cannabis
Bud & Mary’s is Iowa’s first medical cannabis manufacturer and dispensary operator. In 2022, the company recognized that its current capacity wouldn’t be able to serve the needs of the growing medical patient base, so it embarked on a major expansion of the cultivation space, along with packaging, vault storage and office space. The project was key to making sure the company could uphold the obligation to provide safe, tested and legitimate THC projects from marijuana plants grown in its Iowa facility. Overall, the Bud & Mary’s team has invested more than $10 million into the facility. The company was able to triple its flowering cannabis space to more than 10,000 square feet and through this expansion grow its team by more than 15 people – with more to come. These jobs pay more than a living wage, with full benefits – something still not common in the cannabis industry. The company also transformed its space from an empty warehouse to first class facility that should sustain their business for years to come.

Hy-Vee, Inc.
Hy-Vee’s Cumming Distribution Center, opened in May 2024, represents Hy-Vee’s largest investment in its distribution operations in the company’s history, employs approximately 260 workers and offers more than 560,000 square feet of warehouse space to house Hy-Vee’s growing specialty foods offerings. The new facility includes not only warehouse space, but also showers and breakroom facilities for inbound freight drivers, a light duty truck shop and truck wash, specialized storage areas for aerosol and flammable products, and a temperature-controlled storage area for chocolate and candy products. The location on the south edge of Des Moines represents an ideal location for Hy-Vee in relation to its existing distribution facilities, its corporate headquarters and the crossroads of multiple highways and interstates.

Ihle Fabrications, LLC
Ihle Fabrications, LLC’s much needed building expansion of 78,000 square feet includes additional warehouse space, manufacturing space, employee breakroom and restrooms. Along with that was purchases of new equipment which consists of an overhead crane, automated steel loading system, welding area, racking for finished goods/augers/steel/tubes, several dock doors for shipping area, new rollers, a press brake and welding tables. The company also went from 38 employees in 2023 to 55 as of August 2024, with additional openings to be filled yet.

Maverik – Adventure’s First Stop
Maverik’s acquisition of Kum & Go (K&G) propelled the company to become the 12th largest c-store operator in the country, now serving customers in over 800 stores across 20 states supported by nearly 15,000 dedicated Team Members. The growth and integration of the two leading c-store brands is focused on delivering an elevated, differentiated, and adventurous c-store experience to even more customers from the Midwest to the West Coast, with K&G’s longstanding presence in the Greater Des Moines area bolstering Maverik’s ongoing expansion in the region. As a longstanding community partner and subsidiary of FJ Management, Maverik is proud to help fund the mission of Call to Action Philanthropies, which is dedicated to increasing access to food, education, and affordable housing. Since 2007, the organizations have invested nearly $100 million to support these causes in the communities where Maverik Team Members live and work, including nearly $15 million in affordable housing projects in West Des Moines.

Michael Foods, Inc.
Michael Foods is the nation’s largest processor of egg products, producing and distributing value-added egg and refrigerated potato products to foodservice and food ingredient customers. Michael Foods, a subsidiary of Post Holdings, is headquartered in Hopkins, Minnesota. Through a series of business building platforms and a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network, Michael Foods also offers inspirational culinary and marketing solutions while delivering supply chain efficiencies, back-of-restaurant convenience and food safety. Michael Foods opened a 150,000 square-foot facility, which processes eggs and precooked egg products in 2019 in Norwalk. Recently, the decision to expand was made and will add approximately 132,000 square-feet and is expected to create an estimated 120 new jobs. Construction on the new project is in progress and will be completed in 2025.

Summit Products, Inc
From humble beginnings in a garage, Summit Products has grown into a company that now supplies virtually every coach manufacturer across the country. In 2022, they added a 72,000 square foot building to their manufacturing campus located in Altoona. Today, Summit Products produces a wide range of accessories for high-end motor coaches designed to enhance the appearance while adding grace. With several new product ideas always incubating, the executive team transforms new ideas into products that customers buy. This past year Summit Products moved the unique Matrix topper from prototype into production. The product is such a leap forward that they are expecting to add 125 jobs to support the demand. This helps everyone in the community and showcases Summit Products Inc. commitment to innovation.

Practitioner of the Year Award: Carla Eysink, IOM
Carla Eysink, IOM, is currently the Marion County Development (MCD) Director. Her unique combination of data analytics skills and creative thinking have provided innovation for Marion County’s approach to economic development. Under her leadership, the MCD was selected as one of the first MyEntreNet pilot counties as well as a recipient of the National Go-Getter Award through Synchronist for their rural business retention and expansion employer call program. Through these business retention and expansion efforts, projects in housing, childcare, exit planning and training have been developed. Eysink was awarded the 2004 Iowa Tourism Leadership Award for her innovative work in tourism as well as the 2023 iTIP Joe Tayler Vision Award and over 15 different Iowa Tourism Awards. Through the work of many leaders, Marion County has increased traveler expenditures from $15 million to $55 million.

Jennings Kallen Advisors Entrepreneurial Award: Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds offers a unique, people-powered marketing platform led by two Iowa women. It connects businesses seeking sustainable, authentic growth with hyper-local content creators. By tapping into these local creators’ trusted networks of friends and followers, Hummingbirds generates visibility and sales for brands in specific geographies, helping businesses increase revenue and their social media followings to upwards of 1400% and by 80% respectively. The team has now expanded to 18 cities across the Midwest and employs 12 full-time people in Iowa. These results are all pivotal indicators for small business and Iowa’s economic success. Hummingbirds has also raised more than $4.4 million in financing to date from multiple venture capital firms, including ISA Ventures, Next Level Ventures, InnoVenture Iowa and several Iowa angel investors.

Strategic Headquarters Investment Award: West Bank
West Bank’s strategic investment in a new corporate headquarters reinforces its deep roots in the City of West Des Moines. West Bank’s rich history spans over 130 years, making it the oldest business of any type to be founded and remain headquartered in West Des Moines. The new headquarters on Westown Parkway opened in April 2024 and is a point of pride where teams will work, collaborate, and continue to provide excellent service to its customers for years to come. By choosing a location in need of revitalization, West Bank is contributing to the growth and prosperity of the community, while also providing strong leadership and an investment model for other businesses to follow. The new headquarters will serve as a space for business development and give West Bank more opportunities to build strong relationships with community members and make a positive impact in West Des Moines.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

Contact:
Kyle Oppenhuizen
[email protected]
(515) 286-4972
Learn More About DSM USA

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China’s AIMA brand electric motorbike is now in Bangladesh

Published

19 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

DHAKA, Bangladesh, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With the popularity of electric vehicles in Bangladesh, the globally renowned AIMA brand has also arrived in Bangladesh. The esteemed DX Group has brought the AIMA F-626 to customers. This environmentally friendly battery-operated electric motorbike has already been approved by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) now.

In light of the increasing popularity of electric motorcycles in the country, the internationally-leading brand AIMA has entered the market. By the end of 2023, AIMA electric two-wheelers had established a presence in over 50 countries worldwide, with 11 global production bases, including overseas factories in Indonesia and Vietnam. In 2022, AIMA collaborated with Rob Janoff, the designer of the Apple logo, to refresh the brand’s VI system with a youthful and fashionable image. In 2023, AIMA teamed up with PANTONE, the global authority in color expertise, to create the trending color of the year. As an industry leader, AIMA spearheads the electric two-wheeler sector and showcases the prowess of a leading electric two-wheeler brand on a global scale. As of March 31, 2024, AIMA’s total electric two-wheeler sales had reached 80 million units, earning certification from Frost & Sullivan, a globally recognized business growth consulting firm, as the “Global Leading Electric Two-wheeler Brand”.

Over the years, AIMA has always been a product trendsetter in the electric two-wheeler sector. As of March 31, 2024, the total sales volume of AIMA electric two-wheelers reached 80 million, and Frost & Sullivan, a world-renowned market consulting company, awarded AIMA with the market status certification of the “Global Leading Electric Two-wheeler Brand (by Sales)”.

AIMA adhere to the customer-centered product philosophy and technologies that support long-term innovation and breakthroughs. We believe that the efficiency and modern technology of the AIMA F-626 will present an excellent alternative means of communication for our customers.

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China Telecom Gulf Officially Launches in Saudi Arabia for Business

Published

1 hour ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

china-telecom-gulf-officially-launches-in-saudi-arabia-for-business

HONG KONG, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On November 21, China Telecom Gulf was officially launched in Riyadh. This milestone marks a significant step in China Telecom’s efforts to provide deep services under the “Belt and Road Initiative” and to promote the building of a “China-Arab Community with a Shared Future.” It signifies another solid advancement on China Telecom’s path toward internationalization. Mr. Liu Guiqing, Executive Director and EVP of China Telecom Corporation, delivered an opening speech, along with Mr. Fawaz, Representative of Contact Office of Chinese Companies in the KSA, Deputy General Manager of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Riyadh Branch. Over 100 guests and leaders from the Economic and Commercial Office of Embassy of the PRC of the KSA, Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Bank of China, Huawei, and others attended to witness this momentous occasion.

In his address, Mr. Liu Guiqing emphasized China Telecom’s commitment to openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. He expressed the company’s willingness to share its experiences in cloud-network integration, cloud transformation, intelligent operations, and technological innovation. China Telecom aims to work closely with various levels of Saudi governments, enterprises, and partners to actively participate in the development of local digital infrastructure, drive the rapid advancement of next-generation information technologies, and establish a robust bridge for cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in the field of information technology. Leveraging its extensive resources and global operational capabilities, China Telecom plans to bring its strengths in 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other fields to provide innovative, high-quality communication products and services to Saudi enterprises, institutions, and consumers.

Mr. Fawaz extended his warm congratulations on the opening of China Telecom Gulf. He highlighted that as a leading global provider of communication services, China Telecom possesses abundant cloud-network resources and mature international service capabilities. The establishment of China Telecom Gulf is a significant step toward supporting the digital transformation of businesses in the region. He expressed confidence that through joint efforts, the company will seize opportunities in the digital era and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic development and practical cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in various fields.

China Telecom showcased its global resources, business capabilities, and its investments and partnerships in the Middle East and Africa. Key services introduced included eSurfing Cloud, computing power solutions, quantum technology, and customized 5G networks. Currently, China Telecom operates branches in 42 countries and regions worldwide, owns 53 international submarine cables, and manages 27 self-operated Internet Data Centers (IDCs). Its cloud-network integrated infrastructure and customer-centric digital service systems provide coverage across the globe.

During the event, China Telecom Gulf signed strategic cooperation agreements with Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Huawei Saudi Arabia, and Baud Telecom Company. The parties committed to deep collaboration, leveraging their respective strengths to provide optimized and convenient digital experiences to Saudi customers.

The establishment of China Telecom’s presence in Saudi Arabia marks a major milestone in the company’s entry into the Middle Eastern communications market, representing a key development in its global strategy. Moving forward, China Telecom Gulf will leverage China Telecom’s robust digital infrastructure and resource integration capabilities. We will collaborate closely with local Saudi enterprises, Chinese businesses expanding internationally, and global companies to strengthen cooperation and enhance exchanges. The company aims to contribute to the growth of Sino-Saudi and Middle Eastern industrial cooperation, continuously offering more smart solutions for the development of the Middle East’s digital economy, while striving to become a world-class provider of digital and intelligent technology services.

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Redefining Financial Frontiers: Nucleus Software Celebrates 30 Years with Synapse 2024 in Singapore

Published

16 hours ago

November 23, 2024

CISION (PR Newswire)

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The thriving India–Singapore partnership in banking and technology reached a new milestone as Nucleus Software celebrated 30 years of transformative innovation at Synapse 2024, held in Singapore. The event underscored the company’s role in redefining financial services across Southeast Asia (SEA) and the globe, bringing together leaders in finance and technology to explore a shared vision for the future of banking.

Synapse 2024 celebrated 30 years of Nucleus Software’s leadership in driving transformative change across Singapore and Southeast Asia’s financial ecosystem. The event also shone a spotlight on the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), an initiative supported by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to champion responsible technology adoption. The event highlighted the deepening synergies between India and Singapore, driven by their shared commitment to innovation, cross-border collaboration, and financial inclusion. As the financial services sector undergoes rapid evolution with advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital banking, these partnerships are setting the stage for a more connected, resilient, and inclusive global ecosystem.

Vishnu R. Dusad, Co-founder and Managing Director of Nucleus Software, reflected on the milestone: “For over 30 years, we’ve had the privilege of aligning our journey with Singapore’s ascent as a global financial powerhouse. Back in 1994, when we chose to go East instead of West, it was a bold and emotional decision—guided by our belief in Singapore as a hub for innovation and collaboration. We saw then what remains true today: Singapore is at the heart of the global financial landscape, a place where new ideas take root, and partnerships thrive.”

The event brought together a distinguished array of participants, highlighting the transformative potential of India–Singapore collaboration. Mr. Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Group and the Guest of Honor, set the tone for the event with his opening remarks, emphasizing the transformative role of big tech in reimagining scalable, customer-centric financial services in the digital age.

Following his address, key speakers enriched the discussions with their insights. Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Group CEO-Designate of The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), underlined the importance of fostering responsible technology adoption and building inclusive financial ecosystems. Mr. Vinod Rai, globally respected public policy expert, Distinguished Visiting Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, and former Comptroller and Auditor General of India, shared his perspectives on governance and policy frameworks in financial systems. Mr. S.M. Acharya, Chairman of Nucleus Software and former Defence Secretary of India, offered a visionary outlook on leveraging technology to modernize and secure banking frameworks. Finally, Mr. Pieter Franken, Co-founder and Director of GFTN (Japan), a global FinTech pioneer and deep tech innovator, discussed the future of decentralized finance and its implications for the financial sector.

The event showcased the transformative role of technology in global financial systems, emphasizing innovations that set benchmarks for scalability and inclusivity. Panelists discussed the importance of localized solutions, the challenges of cross-border integration, and leveraging dual business models to optimize capital and foster public participation. The dialogue highlighted the need for common standards, unified frameworks like APIs, and collaborative efforts to accelerate financial inclusion and drive global connectivity in the digital age.

For 30 years, Nucleus Software has consistently introduced advanced lending and banking solutions that support financial institutions’ evolving needs in Singapore and South East Asia. Driven by lean development methodologies like Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CICD), Nucleus Software continues to push boundaries in efficient, flexible, and secure financial technology.

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