Annual Meeting

“Congratulations to our Howard Hall recipient, Pat McGrath!” said Juliet Abdel, CEO of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “Every year, nominations inspire us and remind us of what makes our region thrive. The winner demonstrates incredible vision, leadership, contributions toward making Cedar Rapids more prosperous in the future”

Pat McGrath has built opportunity, community and a business that changes people’s lives as the driving force behind McGrath Family of Dealerships. His impact can be felt in every corner of the region and beyond. Read more here!

Featured Speaker, Beth Richardson

Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis spoke at Annual Meeting 2025, on the topic “Navigating Change: Maintaining Canada-U.S. Economic Growth in the Midwest.”

Richardson was appointed Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis in August 2023. As Canada’s Consul General in the Upper Midwest, Ms. Richardson works with a team of 17 Consulate staff to strengthen trade and economic ties with Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota; reinforce our security alliances; enhance political, academic and cultural links; and assist Canadians visiting or living in the five-state region.

Beth Richardson joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Global Affairs Canada) in 1996, where she has worked in the Eastern Europe and Eurasia Division, on the Afghanistan Task Force and at the Canadian International Development Agency. Her assignments abroad include Seoul, London, Moscow, Miami, and Vilnius, Lithuania.