Almost 40 years ago, the University of Northern Iowa's Business and Community Services began with a vision to improve Iowa. Today, it has grown into 12 diverse programs offering consulting in economic development, waste reduction, family business, employee ownership, entrepreneurship, market research, and more.
UNI’s Advance Iowa is creating an Employee Ownership Center to advance the College’s mission to promote the economic vitality of Iowa communities. Across the U.S., small business closures have been identified as a potential crisis for rural and underserved populations. A 2022 Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) study found over 80% of business owners plan to exit in the next decade. Few of these businesses have a succession plan or plans to transfer ownership. If these businesses close, that could be especially devastating for rural families and economies. Every business…
It’s taken years for the Vermeer family to find their secret sauce. As owners of one the most well-known family businesses in Iowa — Vermeer Corp. in Pella — the Vermeer family has seen three generations come through the business. Jason Andringa, the grandson of Gary Vermeer, who founded the business in 1948, is president and CEO.
