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.
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
8 Sept 2026
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
11 Aug 2026
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
7 Jul 2026
Iowa Economy: Around the dinner table - A conversation on Iowa’s restaurant economics
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
9 Jun 2026
Iowa Economy: Banking on Stability - A Strong Foundation, A Changing Industry
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
5 May 2026
Iowa Economy: Pulling back the curtain - The lesser-seen impacts of health on Iowa’s 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.
7 Apr 2026
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
10 Mar 2026
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
10 Mar 2026
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
10 Feb 2026
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
12 Jan 2026
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
11 Dec 2025
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.
13 Nov 2025
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.
13 Nov 2025
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.
13 Nov 2025
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.
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