Today marks the first day for our new executive director, Drew Conrad! Drew will continue his role as director for the Institute for Decision Making, bringing over three decades of experience in local and statewide economic development planning, research and technical assistance to his new position within BCS. His appointment marks a pivotal step toward the BCS mission of Building a Better Iowa.

Drew succeeds Randy Pilkington, who will continue in a part-time capacity to assist with the transition. Under Randy’s leadership, BCS has become a powerhouse of innovative business solutions, economic development and strategic planning. Read the announcement to learn more about the legacy that Randy has left at UNI.

To Randy: Thank you for nearly 40 years of service to the University of Northern Iowa and to Iowa’s businesses and communities. You’ve given so much value to us through your business insights, willingness to try new tactics, and penchant for competitive parade float-building. You are the embodiment of Building a Better Iowa. Congratulations on this step toward retirement!

Go Cats! 🐾

Katie Kreis-Voigt
Marketing Manager
BCS & Family Business Center

• July 4: Paid Holiday
• July 7, 2 p.m.: Social Media Affinity Group (Maucker Presidential Room)
• July 14, 9-10:30 a.m. - AI Deep Dive Training
• July 24: RAGBRAI comes to Cedar Falls

On August 12, BCS is taking over UNI’s booth at the Iowa State Fair! Sign up for a time to volunteer, and you’ll get one free ticket to enjoy the fair before or after your shift. We’ll be handing out UNI gear and talking to Panther fans about UNI!

The University of Northern Iowa will be celebrating “Panthers Through Time” at this year’s Homecoming, scheduled for Sept. 28 through Oct. 4. The annual parade will be held in downtown Cedar Falls on Saturday, Oct. 4, and start at 11 a.m. 

Email katie.kreis@uni.edu by July 15 if you’d like to be on the BCS Homecoming Parade Committee and help us continue our winning streak for the fifth consecutive year!

Join the Iowa Center for Employee Ownership for the Employee Ownership Annual Conference on Thursday, October 23, and explore how employee ownership can benefit transitioning business owners, employee owners, professional service providers, and community leaders. Gain valuable insights from industry experts, connect with professionals, and hear firsthand stories from companies that have successfully implemented employee ownership models.

If a client of yours is considering employee ownership, this conference is the perfect opportunity to learn from those who have been through the process, access key resources, and connect with experts who can guide you. Discover how employee ownership can foster a more engaged, motivated, and productive workforce. Learn more about the conference here.

Josie Schauls of Des Moines created a sculpture titled 'Relief, Release,' which was one of the works installed outside the Clear Lake Arts Center on May 20. Schauls, who just finished her sophomore year at the University of Northern Iowa, said the piece was inspired by her experience with creating jewelry, which involves working with chains. Read the full article.

Learn more about the current R.J. McElroy Student Business Incubator tenants.

• July 4: Dan Beenken

• July 5: Annette Stevenson

• July 7: Judy Butler

• July 11: Karla Organist

• July 22: Alicia Rosburg

• July 23: Kiptia Lima

• Ana Bender

• Jordan Burrows

• Megan Pezley

• Bart Schmitz

Submit an item for the next monthly BCS Brief newsletter by emailing katie.kreis@uni.edu.