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
ImpactCR Will Engage and Connect with Young Professionals to Support Retainment
Economic Alliance | Mar 27, 2020
The ImpactCR Advisory Board is proud of the progress made over the past decade in affecting change in the young professional com… Read More
Small Businesses Can Create Free Online Storefront to Sell Gift Cards
Economic Alliance | Mar 27, 2020
The spread of COVID-19 is impacting businesses of all kinds. For small businesses, it’s meant closing their doors and/or limitin… Read More
2020 Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market Dates Adjusted Due to Coronavirus Uncertainty
Mar 25, 2020
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has made the decision to delay the opening date of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Ma… Read More
Resources Available for Want-To-Be Downtown Dwellers
Economic Alliance | Mar 16, 2020
The latest released Cedar Rapids Housing Market Analysis commissioned annually by the City of Cedar Rapids indicates that Downto… Read More
Public Art On The Way in Downtown Cedar Rapids
Economic Alliance | Mar 16, 2020
Several new pieces of public art are coming to Downtown Cedar Rapids just in time for spring!Pocket Plaza ArtThe new Pocket Plaz… 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.