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
Economic Alliance Progress in 2019 & Work Yet to Come
Economic Alliance | Jul 15, 2019
Here we are, already halfway through 2019! While we’re monitoring metrics and the status of our efforts on behalf of the busines… Read More
Food Truck Fridays Debut for a Third Season to Hungry Lunch Crowds
Economic Alliance | Jul 11, 2019
Those looking to squeeze in a walk over lunch will be delighted to find food trucks surrounding Greene Square on six Friday afte… Read More
Downtown Ambassador Pilot Program Embarks to Proactively Curb Violence and Create Welcoming Environment
Economic Alliance | Jul 11, 2019
A safe, clean and welcoming environment is paramount to the success of Downtown Cedar Rapids. Disturbance calls and recordable i… Read More
Summer Passport Program Kicks Off, Encouraging Local Shopping Downtown
Economic Alliance | Jul 11, 2019
Adventure through Downtown Cedar Rapids this summer with the Downtown Cedar Rapids Summer Passport! The Downtown Self-Supported … Read More
New, Interactive Experiences at 5th Annual Market After Dark
Economic Alliance | Jul 11, 2019
Nearly 100 Iowa vendors, entertainment, prepared food, dancing, local wine, beer and cider, a balloon garden and an illuminated … 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.