Ames EDC

Ribbon Cutting Feature: Alliant Energy/CIRAS

Posted on August 21, 2019 at 10:00 AM by Guest Writer Guest Writer

     Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to 965,000 electric and 415,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver the energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of the Nasdaq CRD Sustainability Index, Bloomberg’s 2019 Gender-Equality Index, and the S&P 500. Learn more about Alliant Energy in this Q&A from Community outreach Manager, Nick Peterson.

What is your business celebrating? Why are you hosting a ribbon cutting?:

     Many companies are hesitant to embrace new business methods and technologies that could improve and expand their business. The new ISU Digital Manufacturing Lab powered by Alliant Energy will provide Iowa manufacturers a place to experiment with new approaches in a risk-free setting. 

     A grant from Alliant Energy will fund the efforts conducted by Iowa State University’s Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS). CIRAS will open the new lab September 26th in the ISU Research Park. Alliant Energy will use the space to provide advice and counsel to businesses, while also collaborating with ISU faculty and students on research opportunities and internships. 

     “Affordability and success go hand-in-hand,” says Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company. “When our industrial and commercial customers are more successful, it gives us greater flexibility to control costs for all of our customers.” 

     “The next new idea or machine could hold the key to success that a growing company needs,” says Joel Schmidt, vice president of business development for Alliant Energy. “This lab provides the perfect opportunity to refine a new approach before it is introduced into the workplace.” 

     “This is what CIRAS does,” says Mike O’Donnell, director of the CIRAS Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. “We are going to be an unbiased source to help manufacturers identify the right technology for them at the right time.” 

     Alliant Energy’s grant is the largest private gift to CIRAS in the center’s 55-year history. A sizeable contribution from the Iowa Economic Development Authority will help with purchasing equipment and covering remodeling expenses.

Why Ames / Story County? Why this location?:

     Alliant is committed to serving it customers across the state.  Our partnership with Iowa State University and CIRAS makes having a footprint at the research park vital to carrying out our goals of caring for our customers, making things better, acting for tomorrow, and thinking beyond.

Where can we go to learn more about Alliant Energy?

                    


Alliant Energy/CIRAS will celebrate the grand opening of their new facility on Thursday, September 26 in the ISU Research Park.

If you or your business is interested in hosting a ribbon cutting, reach out to us today at 515-232-2310!

Categories: Ribbon Cuttings

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