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
Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada is a Big Deal for Iowa
Sep 12, 2019
The continued success of manufacturing and other industries in Iowa depends on all of us using our collective voice to urge Cong… Read More
New Mural in Greene Square Pays Homage to the American Discovery Trail
Economic Alliance | Sep 11, 2019
Did you know that Cedar Rapids is part of a 6,800+ mile trail that spans across the county? It’s called the American Discovery T… Read More
MedQuarter Celebrates Accomplishments Over the Last Eight Years
Economic Alliance | Sep 11, 2019
Of the three self-supported municipal improvement districts (or SSMIDs, as we often refer to them) in Cedar Rapids, the MedQuart… Read More
Announcing the 2019 BRAVO Award Recipients
Economic Alliance | Sep 11, 2019
The annual breakfast gathering celebrating locally-owned businesses and community organizations, Good Morning, Cedar Rapids! i… Read More
Young Professionals: Apply for ImpactCR Board Open in September
Aug 30, 2019
Could you be the next ImpactCR Advisory Board member?During the month of September, young professionals can apply to join the te… 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.