ImpactCR
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With ImpactCR, young professionals don’t just come to exchange business cards; they come to create opportunities for learning and development, support civic engagement and to cultivate the future business and community leaders of Cedar Rapids. For over 15 years, ImpactCR has aimed to empower young professionals to discover their “why” and provide them the tools to act on it and create a lasting, positive impact on their community.
Traditionally, our members are between the ages of 20 and 40 years old, however, we welcome professionals who are “young at heart,” and of all industries, skill sets and specialties. Our vision is a dynamic, inclusive and diverse community where young professionals want to live, work and play. All events and programming are free of charge, and made possible by the generous sponsorships of the following companies:
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ImpactCR is a program of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.
Young Professionals
Build your CR Legacy:
ImpactCR is the best way to connect with other young professionals, engage with the community, and gain skills to succeed in your career. From recurring after work socials to engaging events with our area’s top business leaders, find the right connections in the heart of Cedar Rapids and leave a lasting impact. Even if you’ve lived here your entire life, you might be surprised by the access you’ll gain through ImpactCR. Did we mention getting involved is free?
Are you interested in helping chart the course for area young professionals? Applications are open September 1-30 for ImpactCR Advisory Board positions! Nominate yourself or someone who you feel is qualified!
Apply for the ImpactCR Advisory Board
Sign up for the ImpactCR Newsletter
Employers
Getting your YP employees involved in the community is a key component in employee retention. ImpactCR is a great place to begin having your employees get involved in our community, building their own network, finding volunteer opportunities and experiencing what makes our community great!
Want to discuss how best to get new or existing YPs involved? Contact us below!
Community Partners
Partnering with ImpactCR:
ImpactCR is the best way to connect with other young professionals, engage with the community, and gain skills to succeed in your career. From recurring after work socials to engaging events with our area’s top business leaders, find the right connections in the heart of Cedar Rapids and leave a lasting impact. Even if you’ve lived here your entire life, you might be surprised by the access you’ll gain through ImpactCR. Did we mention getting involved is free?
Events
These are just a few of the events ImpactCR hosts annually, and all are free to the young professional community.
Siren Wednesdays
Grab a friend and join us for an after work social on the first Wednesday of each month (listen for the Sirens!) to develop your professional network, meet new people, and engage with community organizations in a relaxed environment.
Big Wig Lunch Talk (BLT)
Join us for lunch and hear from Cedar Rapids’ top community and business leaders as they share their unique leadership story.
Leadership Roundtable
Pull up a seat at the table for intimate conversations with several business leaders, public officials, and industry experts *If you have a leader in the community you would like to hear speak or meet, use our contact form below.
Meet the Board
Board members apply and are selected for two-year terms. They meet monthly and represent the greater YP community from a wide spectrum of businesses, backgrounds and passions. If you are a member of the YP community, consider applying and advocate for your vision of Cedar Rapids and how to get there. There is no financial obligation to join this board. Contact us to sign up to be notified once applications open in Fall of 2021.
Aaron Murphy
Owner + Principal Designer at Aaron Murphy Interiors
My favorite things to do in Cedar Rapids are go to local theatre shows on and offstage, grab coffee at Cafe St. Pio, happy hour at Hotel Kirkwood, and enjoy dinner at Cobble Hill. There are excellent nature trails that I enjoy biking as well. Coffee meetings are a great way to catch up!
Benjamin Roberson
Owner/Attorney at Community Law Office
Carissa Johnson
Executive Director at Variety
There are so many opportunities in Cedar Rapids to get connected and be involved in making our city great. From job opportunities to YP's serving on boards, it seems like nothing is out of reach for anyone. I like to have business meetings locally at Dash Coffee in Kingston Village.
Jaime Mead
Recruiting Talent Manager at The Overture Group
Cedar Rapids has a wealth of opportunities in terms of jobs and the community involvement. I love biking the trails, and finding new local menus to try. I'd have business meetings at Black sheep, and my favorite spot to eat is Caucho!
Pankit Kotecha
Program Manager at Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids has amazing people with low housing prices and easy commutes. I most enjoy spending time with my family in NewBo, playing soccer, and photography.
Lindsay Handy
Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
There are so many opportunities for children here in Cedar Rapids. I enjoy volunteering and giving back. My go-to restaurants here are Villas Patio and Mix Sushi.
Kayla Hesseltine
Account Executive at PayProp
My favorite thing to do in Cedar Rapids is go to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets in the summer or grabbing afternoon drinks.
Meghan Erhart
Talent Acquisition Partner at UFG
I love Cedar Rapids and ICR for the wide variety of offerings from local bars and restaurants. I enjoy sharing job opportunities and giving tips and tricks on interviewing, as well as afternoon drinks at Local Pour!
Molly LaKose
Leadership Support Specialist at Van Meter Inc.
Cedar Rapids is home to me for the people. Our community is filled with talented, good people who want to see Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area thrive. It's been really fun to see all the growth over the last several years. I have so many favorite local restaurants; Caucho; 30Hop, Zeppelins, Black Sheep, Lion Bridge and others!
Sam Hammes
Area Vice President, Health and Welfare Consultant at Gallagher
Cedar Rapids is a great place to live and work. I like to spend as much time as I can outdoors, volunteering, and staying active so you'll usually find me hunting, fishing, boating, attending an athletic event, or going to a concert. My favorite restaurants are LP Street Food and Taste of India.
Taylor Gehrls
Customer Experience Analyst at UFG
Cedar Rapids has a lot of the perks of bigger cities, while still keeping a smaller city vibe. It’s easy to get involved and make a difference, and the people here are the best! My favorite local restaurant is Caucho.
