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, economic development & workforce, 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 Economic Development & Workforce.
The Economic Alliance collaborates with the business community and other stakeholders and partners, including local municipalities and entities 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

How We Are Supporting Local This Weekend Ft. Kyle Zimmerman
Aug 11, 2022
Thank you to our Buy Local Presenting Sponsor, GreenState Credit Union. Read More
Freund Vector- 50 Years in the Community
Aug 03, 2022
“There are 10-15 powerhouse players within our industry in this world, and we’re in the top 5. In the United States specifically… Read More
How We Are Supporting Local This Weekend Ft. Patti Seda
Aug 03, 2022
Thank you to our Buy Local Presenting Sponsor, GreenState Credit Union. Read More
MedQuarter’s First Commissioned Mural Completed
Aug 01, 2022
An array of artistic beauty lines the west- and north-facing walls of the Citywide Cleaners building along A Avenue NE between 8… Read More
Economic Alliance Honored by Corridor Business Journal Among Top Coolest Places to Work in 2022
Jul 28, 2022
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has been honored by the Corridor Business Journal as one of the area’s “Coolest Place… 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.