Mark Norman, vice president of development for the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the company has closed the factory that employed about 40 people.
American Republic released a statement that the company is converting its Council Bluffs operation from a fixed-location sales operation to a home-based agent model.
According to the release from company spokeswoman Amy Doll: "The primary reason for the transition is the challenge to recruit, hire and retain enough qualified agents to meet direct sales expense and revenue goals."
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
Diamond Marketing Solutions, a company that offers data and postal processing services, is considering moving its Omaha operation to Council Bluffs, according to officials at the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce.
The company is looking at the vacant building formerly occupied by Mastercraft Furniture, 1209 S. 31st St. The company currently works in a building that's becoming too small, as well as a couple of satellite facilities, said Mark Norman, director of business development for the chamber.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
Wow. Bummer. Hopefully the Omaha business moving in will pan out. CB has a lot of potential. Anything moving in there is a win for the whole metro area.
Eighty-seven jobs have landed in Council Bluffs with Diamond Marketing Solutions' purchase of the 70,000-square-foot building that was home to Mastercraft Furniture at 1209 31st Ave.
"We're here," said Patsi Trotter, vice president of administration and personnel for Diamond Marketing.
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."