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 Ambassador Applications Open Throughout September - Apply Now!
Economic Alliance | Sep 18, 2020
Ambassadors are vital to the Economic Alliance’s success! Ambassadors welcome new members, staff monthly BizMix events, attend r… Read More
Financial Assistance for Businesses and Individuals Impacted by the Derecho Storm
Economic Alliance | Sep 18, 2020
The year 2020 has become a year to once again remind us that emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere and at any time. Empl… Read More
Stay Well in the MedQuarter
Economic Alliance | Sep 18, 2020
The MedQuarter Regional Medical District has launched multiple initiatives to encourage patients, visitors, employees and the co… Read More
Good Morning, Cedar Rapids! LIVE - Grab a ticket now to the Virtual Morning Variety Celebration of Community Businesses!
Economic Alliance | Sep 18, 2020
The annual breakfast gathering, Good Morning, Cedar Rapids! is back Thursday, October 29th, and modified for a virtual format to… Read More
Governor Reynolds Announces Adjustments to Mitigation Efforts
Economic Alliance | Sep 15, 2020
Effective September 16, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. through September 20, 2020, bars, taverns, wineries, breweries, distilleries and night… 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.