About Us
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance combines the economic and community development efforts of the former Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Rapids Downtown District and Priority One. The new organization began January 1, 2012.
Through the following core functions of business support, business retention & expansion, community development, and public policy, we strive to be the top economic growth region in the country.
Check out the events calendar for upcoming Economic Alliance signature events!
Business Support
Our Business Support core function is dedicated to creating a strong business environment which supports all employers. The Economic Alliance focuses on small and locally-owned businesses to engage and connect them through networking, business and professional development programs.
See more in Business Resources.
Community Development
The Economic Alliance's Community Development core function is focused on growing core districts in Cedar Rapids and supporting surrounding communities. We work to implement strategic plans for core area housing, signature streets and beautification, quality of life events and flood protection progress.
See more in Our Community.
Economic Development & Workforce
The Economic Development core function of Economic Development & Workforce is designed to grow and retain new and existing business. Our focus is targeted toward bio-processing/food ingredients, distribution/logistics, electronic equipment/design, food processing, financial services/insurance, information technology, process manufacturing and wind energy.
Public Policy
The Economic Alliance is focused on public policy advocacy that supports the organization's other four core functions: Business Support, Community Development, and Business Retention & Expansion.
The Economic Alliance collaborates with the business community and other stakeholders and partners, including local municipalities and entities, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Chamber Alliance to develop a local, state and federal policy agenda. We then provide a unified voice to advocate for pro-business and pro-growth issues key to our members and the region.
See more in Public Policy.
Economic Alliance News
Trade Agreement Goes into Effect July 1
Economic Alliance | Jun 22, 2020
In late April, United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer notified Congress that the new US-Mexico-Canada (USMC… Read More
Downtown Gets a Boost from Groups Eager to Create a Welcoming and Clean Environment
Economic Alliance | Jun 22, 2020
Two programs this summer will work to make Downtown Cedar Rapids a safe, welcoming, and clean environment for residents and visi… Read More
Announcing the LFS Adult Class of 2021
Economic Alliance | Jun 22, 2020
Each year, 35 of the area’s next generation of leaders embark on a 10-month journey known as the Leadership for Five Seasons (LF… Read More
Advocacy Strategies Remain Focused
Economic Alliance | Jun 22, 2020
It seems more like five years ago rather than five months ago when the Economic Alliance joined with our partners from Iowa City… Read More
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market Announces Drive-Thru Markets for Remaining Season Dates, Cancels Market After Dark
Economic Alliance | Jun 16, 2020
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance today announced that all remaining dates of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market pr… Read MoreMission, Vision, and Values
VISION
TO BE THE TOP ECONOMIC GROWTH REGION IN THE COUNTRY.
MISSION
TO DRIVE ECONOMIC, WORKFORCE AND POPULATION GROWTH STRATEGIES, AND TO HELP BUSINESSES SUCCEED.
VALUES
- WE VALUE OUR MEMBERS AND STRIVE TO EXCEED THEIR EXPECTATIONS.
- WE EMBRACE INNOVATION IN OUR WORK.
- WE FOCUS ON COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.
- WE ARE COMMITTED TO A HIGH-PERFORMANCE CULTURE, CENTERED ON CORE COMPETENCIES.