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!
Read the 2020 Economic Alliance Annual Report
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
Stronger Together: "We Are CR" Mural
Jul 28, 2021
Our community and nation have been through much tragedy and tumult over the past 18 months, but during these tough times our com… Read More
New MedQuarter Banners Encourage Wellness
Jul 28, 2021
One of the greatest concerns expressed by physicians and other health care workers throughout the pandemic was that people were … Read More
Cedar Rapids Lights Up With Façade Improvements
Jul 28, 2021
Each year, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance facilitates a façade improvement program intended to encourage property and … Read More
Cybersecurity and Risk Mitigation for Businesses
Jul 27, 2021
Ransomware attacks in 2020 were up 300% with targets ranging from government agencies to small businesses. Homeland Security Sec… Read More
CR Summer Rally Kicks Off
Jul 27, 2021
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance’s new buy local initiative, CR Summer Rally, kicks off July 12 and runs through Septemb… 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.