THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 | IN THIS ISSUE

• IWD: Iowa unemployment insurance claims increase
New active seniors complex on track for UI-owned land
Tippie College named among best graduate schools
Thompson named CEO of UnitedHealthcare
SBA begins accepting SVOG applications today
• Corridor events, KCRG-TV9 headlines and First Alert Forecast
IWD: Iowa unemployment insurance claims increase
The number of initial unemployment claims in Iowa filed between March 28 and April 3 was 6,770 - an increase of 2,168 from last week’s adjusted numbers, Iowa Workforce Development officials announced today. There were 5,877 initial claims by individuals who work and live in Iowa and 893 claims by individuals who work in Iowa and live in another state. 

The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims was 38,642, a decrease of 1,015 from the previous week. For the week ending April 3, nearly 50.9% of claimants indicated their claims were not COVID-19 related, which is a decrease from 52.0% the previous week.  

The U.S. Department of Labor adjusted last week’s initial claim number to 4,602 (a decrease of 244) and continuing claims to 39,657 (a decrease of 529). IWD relies upon the weekly data released by the U.S. Department of Labor to report its numbers and as such, adopts the revisions to the previously published data.      

For the week ending April 3, unemployment insurance benefit payments totaled $12,689,851.84. Industries with the most claims included:
  
  • Self-employed, independent contractors, etc., 1,950 
  • Manufacturing, 974 
  • Construction, 407 
  • Accommodation and food services, 404   
  • Retail trade, 395 

For more data on this week’s unemployment claims, visit here.
New active seniors complex on track for UI-owned land
The James at Melrose, a 116-unit active senior development proposed for the site of the former University of Iowa Athletic Club, inched closer to reality Tuesday night after a pair of votes taken by the Iowa City Council.

Despite several defections and some heated rhetoric from the public about the city’s annexation policy and commitment to affordable housing, the council voted 5-2 to absorb and 4-3 to rezone a UI-owned tract at 1360 Melrose Ave. The actions clear the way for developer Build to Suit and property managers Newbury Living to move forward with construction of a four-story senior housing complex on the property located adjacent to Finkbine Golf Course along the Iowa City-University Heights border. Developers plan to lease the land from the university on a long-term basis.

The vote to annex more than three acres of University Heights property was not without controversy.

Because the 6.12-acre site tract straddles two jurisdictions, Iowa City staff has negotiated a so-called “28E agreement” with University Heights that conditions the deal on a tax revenue sharing agreement that will see revenue split 53-47 in Iowa City’s favor over the agreement’s first 40 years and 50-50 thereafter. But several members of the public, including Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition Director Sara Barron, questioned why developers were not being held to the city’s formal annexation policy, which requires at least 10% of units in annexed areas to be set aside for affordable housing.

"I just wanted to take an opportunity to note that the argument 'developers won't like it if we enforce our affordable housing policies' can be made literally every single time you have a proposed development before you," Ms. Barron said, noting the same argument was made during discussion of the Carson Farms project, a large residential development that was put off indefinitely early this year due to thorny annexation questions. "Did you really come prepared to ask the questions that you needed to ask in order to further the city's goals ... and did you make a decision that really reflected the spirit of the discussions you've had about affordable housing? I feel disappointed tonight to say that my answer to those questions is no."

City staff said that policy was intended to deal with absorbing undeveloped areas in the county “fringe,” arguing this annexation amounted to a redrawing of municipal lines in an already urbanized area. And, they added, if Iowa City was not willing to annex the portion of the property outside its city limits, University Heights most likely would be willing to do the reverse.

"Are we potentially missing an opportunity here because we didn't think about this type of situation? Yes we are," said council member Laura Bergus before casting her vote in favor of annexation. "But I don't think it's worth losing the whole project and what that entails."

According to developers, units at The James would range from about 750-2,000 square feet and rent for about $2 per square foot, or between $1,500 and $4,000 monthly. The project, aimed at mid- to upper-income people in the latter stages of their careers and near retirement age, includes 263 parking spaces, to be located both underneath the building and on a surface lot behind the building. It would not include a restaurant of its own, although it would have a lounge area where food could be catered and access to the Finkbine Golf Course clubhouse restaurant and bar.

The development would be accessed from Melrose Avenue through a drive leading directly to the surface parking lot behind the building, with limited guest parking and deliveries accessible off Finkbine Commuter Drive.

“This is a unique development on vacant land owned by the University of Iowa that does not currently generate any tax revenue for the community,” MMS Consultants said in a memo detailing the project, noting the property is located at an important gateway to the university and that development plans, site plans and architectural renderings had already been extensively vetted and approved by the UI, which owns the land. “The buildings and improvements developed on the site will be assessed and create new tax base for the community.”

IMAGE: A rendering of the main entrance to The James at Melrose, a 116-unit active senior living project proposed for UI-owned land along the Iowa City-University Heights border. CREDIT ASK STUDIO
Tippie College named among best graduate schools
The University of Iowa's  Professional MBA Program at the Tippie College of Business is ranked as the No. 35 part-time MBA program in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report's 2022 Best Graduate Schools rankings.

The new ranking is up a point from No. 36 last year. The UI program is also the only one in Iowa ranked among the top 50 part-time MBA programs.

“This program is designed so students can move at their own pace, customize their curriculum with five concentrations, and choose the course format that matches their learning style. Working professionals require persistent upskilling, and this program meets that need perfectly,” said Dean Amy Kristof-Brown in a news release. “I am tremendously proud of the team who grew this program during the most difficult year in our history.”

Since first participating in the part-time MBA program rankings in 2011, the program has consistently ranked as the state of Iowa’s No. 1 part-time MBA for working professionals.
Since its inception in 1966, it has grown to 847 students, making it one of the 10 largest programs in the country, with off-campus locations in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, plus a growing number of online courses.

While the college has delivered some classes online since 2003, the pandemic temporarily took all classes online. The curriculum of this top ranked program is now available fully online and taught by the same faculty through the Online MBA Program, which launched in 2019. 

Part-time MBA programs are assessed by U.S. News with a combination of data points including peer assessment, average GMAT/GRE scores, average undergraduate GPA, years of work experience, and percentage of full-time vs. part-time MBA program enrollment. Statistical data was collected fall 2020 and early 2021. Read about the full methodology here.

Highlights of the rankings will be published in the America’s Best Graduate Schools 2022 guidebook. A paid subscription is required to access the information.
Thompson named CEO of UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealth Group has named Brian Thompson as chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare, the company’s health benefits business, reports the Des Moines Business Record.

With 70 million members, Minnesota-based UnitedHealthcare is the largest U.S. health insurance company in number of covered lives.

Mr. Thompson joined UnitedHealth Group in 2004 and most recently was CEO of UnitedHealthcare's Medicare & Retirement business. He has held numerous leadership positions, including chief financial officer for several UnitedHealthcare business units, as well as financial controller for UnitedHealthcare's Employer & Individual business and a director in Corporate Development. Before joining UnitedHealth Group, he was a practicing CPA with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

“Brian’s experience, relationships and values make him especially well-suited to help UnitedHealthcare improve how health care works for consumers, physicians, employers, governments and our other partners, leading to continued and sustained long-term growth,” said Andrew Witty, CEO of UnitedHealth Group.

Mr. Thompson was the valedictorian of the Class of 1997 at the University of Iowa, where he received a bachelor’s degree in business administration, according to his LinkedIn profile.
SBA begins accepting SVOG applications today
The U.S. Small Business Administrationhas announced it will officially open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal today.

Operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theaters, as well as live venue promoters, theatrical producers and talent representatives may apply for the economic relief.

“Concerts, plays, dance performances, movie premieres, museum exhibits – these are the lifeblood of culture and community, and often the anchor for travel, tourism and neighborhood food and retail stores," said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman in a news release. "We know that for the stage and venue operators across the nation that help make this culture happen, the pandemic has been devastating. Too many have been forced to lower the final curtain on their businesses." 
 
The SVOG program was appropriated more than $16.2 billion for grants via the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits and Venues Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. Of these funds, at least than $2 billion is reserved for eligible SVOG applications with up to 50 full-time employees. Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue up to a maximum amount of $10 million for a single grant.
 
The SBA is accepting SVOG applications on a first-in, first-out basis and allocating applicants to respective priority periods as it receives applications.

The first 14 days of SVOG awards, which are expected to begin in late April, will be dedicated to entities that suffered a 90% or greater revenue loss between April and December 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The second 14 days (days 15-28) will include entities that suffered a 70% or greater revenue loss between April and December 2020. Following those periods, SVOG awards will include entities that suffered a 25% or greater revenue loss between one quarter of 2019 and the corresponding quarter of 2020.

Applicants can find a local resource partner via SBA’s website at sba.gov/local-assistance or via a zip code at sba.gov/localassistance. To learn more about SVOG, including eligibility requirements, visit sba.gov/svogrant.
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Short Term Event Planner

April 13
Smart Series: 7 Tips to Ride the Digital Revolution, by Iowa City Area Business Partnership, 2-3 p.m., online. Learn how to create the most effective online communication strategy for your business with Adam Engel, owner and CEO of Running Robots. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3llHJwp

The Art of Making & Breaking Habits, by Iowa City Area Business Partnership, noon, online. Learn how to make new habits to build a strong foundation for lasting lifestyle change. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3sxMWUC.

April 14
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Cedar Rapids, 8:30 a.m., online. Join for community connections and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MCICR.

1 Million Cups, by 1MC Iowa City, 9 a.m., online. Join for community connections and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MillionCupsIC.
 
Demystifying the Business Plan, by NewBo City Market, 6-7:15 p.m., NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Learn the key components of a successful business plan, how to use your business plan as a tool for growth and create an actionable project plan by setting milestones. Julie Lammers, of the Small Business Development Center, will facilitate. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3dlZrwj.
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Headlines from KCRG-TV9
These news items are provided by KCRG-TV9 

One Cedar Rapids neighborhood is cleaning up after storms that might have included a tornado Wednesday night. The damage happened at about 8:30 p.m. inside the Summit View Mobile Home Park, just west of Wilson Avenue at Wiley Boulevard. The National Weather Service says a possible tornado may have caused the damage.
Witnesses say the storm damaged several homes, including one that had a portion of its roof blown off. Windows in one home were blown out, including one in the room where a child had been in bed. Devin Whitman, one of the homeowners, told TV9 the experience reminded them of last year’s derecho. “This made the derecho look like child’s play,” Whitman said. “It was weak. The derecho was weak compared to this. Whatever this was, you know?” Members of the National Weather Service will be out today to survey the damage to determine if a tornado actually hit.

Emergency crews battled a major fire at a building used by UnityPoint Health in northeast Cedar Rapids on Wednesday evening. At 6:07 p.m., fire crews responded to 3851 River Ridge Road NE, near the intersection of Glass Road and Edgewood Road Northeast. The building is owned by TBD Investments, LLC and is being leased by UnityPoint Health.
Authorities say there were two employees inside the structure at the time of the fire, but they were able to safely escape. No injuries have been reported at this time. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found approximately half of the second floor of the two-story commercial structure engulfed in flames. The fire response was upgraded to a two-alarm fire and fire crews from Hiawatha were also dispatched to assist the Cedar Rapids Fire Department. Read the full story here.

These news items are provided by KCRG-TV9
Your KCRG-TV9 First Alert Forecast
Showers continue Thursday. The upper-level area of low pressure moves across the state keeping a chance for scattered showers with us into Friday. A second, separate system, brings an additional light rain chance to start the weekend on Saturday.