After more than ten years of manufacturing planters Bauer Built Manufacturing, Inc. is being purchased by John Deere. The purchase is expected to be finalized by the end of John Deere's fiscal year, October 31, 2013. 

Govenor Branstad with the staff at Agri Drain.

Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds kicked off the start of National Manufacturing Week last week with a visit to Agri Drain in Adair County. The purpose of their week-long tour is to highlight the contributions made by manufacturers and their employees, and touring several manufacturing facilities throughout Iowa.

"Though we appreciate the contributions of manufacturers each and every day, Manufacturing Week will give us a special opportunity to highlight and celebrate Iowa's manufacturing sector," said Branstad.

More than 200,000 Iowans are employed by over 3,500 companies engaged in manufacturing in Iowa with an average wage of more than $50,000. This means the manufacturing sector contributes over $27.6 billion, or 18 percent, to Iowa's Gross State Product.

The lieutenant governor added the tour is their way to say thank you to Iowa's employers, recognize employees for their hard work and dedication and encouraging additional job growth through Iowa's manufacturing sector.

"As we travel the state this week and throughout our time in office, we want to use this as yet another opportunity to listen to our constituents, and to find ways to continuously improve our great state," said Reynolds.

"It was a great honor to have our region represented by two exceptional businesses. Both companies did an excellent job representing themselves and our communities, and this contact will help keep our part of the state and our business's needs at the top of state leaders' minds."  

Governor and Lt. Governor speaking at Quality Machine.

Westergaard is a sought-after speaker on branding and social media at conferences and workshops across the country.  He teaches social media marketing at the University of Iowa and has been quoted by news sources such as US News & World Report, Entrepreneur magazine, Mashable, and The Des Moines Register.  Westergaard is also set to present information on marketing your business through social media, which is one of three breakout sessions being offered throughout the day.

Other guest speakers from across Iowa will be presenting, as well.  Additional topics to be covered during the expo include business records and accounting, building a business plan and setting goals, customer service, financing your business, licenses and permits, how to stand out as a local business, as well as using technology for your business, including websites, iPads, mobile payment options, and smartphones.  The event will also include a panel discussion and small roundtables, as well as networking breaks throughout the day, a lunch buffet and several door prizes from local small businesses and entrepreneurs.  One lucky door prize winner will leave as the owner of a new iPad Mini.

"We're looking forward to an excellent turnout," said Michael Cooley, county Extension coordinator for Greene County Extension.  "There's a strong entrepreneurial spirit happening right now in the county, and we hope this event will be an opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to network and learn new tools to continue to provide unique and local products and services in Greene County."

Registration for the event is $15 by October 18, which includes lunch and refreshments.  The cost is $20 after October 18, including registration at the door.  High school students are invited and will be able to participate free of charge.  To register, contact the Greene County Extension office at 515-386-2138 or email mcooley@iastate.edu.  

The expo is being organized by the local Expanding Entrepreneurs group in conjunction with Greene County Extension.  Funding is being provided through a grant from the Greene County Community Foundation.