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Economic Development

The Cedar Rapids region's strengths include manufacturing, food processing, logistics, space and aviation, education technology and agriculture. We are actively seeking new frontiers and opportunities in bioscience, renewable energy, sustainability and innovative technology.

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Locate and grow here

A robust, innovative region in America’s welcoming heartland

Find the land, logistics and educated workforce you need to build or expand. With shovel-ready certified sites, we make it easy for businesses looking to grow quickly.

We offer big city infrastructure and amenities, with easy access to the insiders–the decision makers–who will help your business prosper.

Partners in Economic Development

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Get to Know the Cedar Rapids Metro

Guide to Business Investment

We have a lot to offer. Gain insights and understanding of the business climate in Iowa City – Cedar Rapids with a guide to the area featuring statistics on transportation, infrastructure, workforce, and demographics, and highlights including certified sites, taxes and incentives, sustainability and more.

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News & Stories

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance’s membership includes nearly 1,200 invested and motivated area businesses. Sharing stories and area accomplishments shows off the strength and ingenuity of this region and everything we offer as a unified business community.

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Leaders discuss policy at a local public house

Public Policy

The Economic Alliance is a non-partisan organization that advocates for economic growth policies on the local, state and federal levels. We collaborate with the business community and other stakeholders and partners to develop our yearly policy agendas, to create a consistent voice for the region.

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THE PERFECT LOCATION

Cedar Rapids’ central location is ideal for quick day trips

Whether it’s for work or play, it’s a one-day drive to eight major cities in the Midwest. Cedar Rapids is the hub connected to a network of metropolitan areas, giving you quick and easy access to a large customer base.

Looking to go farther? The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids can connect you to other national and global markets—and here’s a secret—our airport is one of the most convenient airports you will find anywhere. It’s easy to get in and out, and parking is a short walking distance from the terminal.

The Eastern Iowa Airport

Interested in becoming a member?

Learn more about membership here

Three people discuss items at a business luncheon

“The Cedar Rapids Metro is the perfect size and location for CRST, The Transportation Solution, one of the 10 largest truckload carriers in the country. With easy access to major decision makers, we can make things happen quickly when we need to. There’s no big city bureaucracy or politics—just hardworking people, working together to get things done.

Hugh B. Ekberg, President and CEO, CRST International

“We really could have built this plant anywhere. We could have built in Asia, we could have built in Europe, we could have built in South America, but we chose to build right here in Cedar Rapids, and for good reason. Cedar Rapids offers us stability, safety, and a competent professional and capable workforce.”

Ken Seufert, CEO, JRS Pharma.