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
Support Local Eateries and Servers this National Waitstaff Day
May 20, 2022
Whether you're dining out for a weekend brunch or celebrating special occasions with your loved ones, the people who make the… Read More
Volunteer for the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market
May 12, 2022
Have you ever wanted the opportunity to help bring one of Cedar Rapids’ most anticipated annual events to life? Early Saturday m… Read More
Regional Advocacy Efforts Provide Results
May 12, 2022
At a press conference in March, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the creation of the Iowa Commercial Aviation Infrastructure Fund… Read More
Cinco De Mayo Celebrations: Many Local Options to Choose From!
May 05, 2022
It may not be an official U.S. holiday, but don’t tell that to most people in Eastern Iowa. Cinco de Mayo has grown in popular… 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.