What We Do

Strategically growing the region while supporting our businesses and people

ABOUT US

Here to grow, here to serve.

Our mission is to drive economic, workforce and population growth strategies and to help businesses succeed.

From economic development to business support programs to workforce recruitment and retention to networking, public policy, and hosting community events like the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market, our goal is always the same—to help grow our region while also serving the businesses and the people who live here.

Our vision is to be the top economic growth region in the country.

Who We Are

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is a 1200 member-strong 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization serving the businesses and people in the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area. We’re an economic development organization with equal parts chamber of commerce and community development mixed in—basically a one-stop-shop—for businesses and our community!

What We Do

We work with businesses looking to grow or expand their company operations here. We provide support to our local businesses and their employees with programs, advocacy, workforce recruitment and retention solutions, community events, and most major hurdles that may come their way. Our region is known for its resiliency and the way we help each other out. It’s how we do things here. You’ll find that mentality of work together to get things done comes from organizations like ours.

OUR DEI STATEMENT

Open For Business. Welcome is Our Language.

At the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, our mission is to drive economic, workforce and population growth strategies, and to help businesses succeed. Diversity, equity and inclusion are ingrained in our purpose of creating meaningful connections. An inclusive, equitable business community makes our local economy strong, and a diverse workforce fuels belonging, openness, and innovation.

Sprawling outdoor venue with lawn seating at the McGrath Amphitheater

OUR REGIONAL PLAN

Envision East Central Iowa

We strongly believe in a regional approach to growth and development. Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa were founded by innovators and business leaders who liked to think big. This plan seeks to further what our forefathers started: growth with investment in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

Click here to Read more about our ambitious path forward

The CRMEA office building in downtown Cedar Rapids

OUR ACTION PLAN

Economic Alliance in 2025

Each year, with guidance from our boards, councils, members and our staff, the Economic Alliance identifies an action plan for the year ahead.

Here’s a look at our goals for 2025