January 27, 2023 | Public Policy
Public Policy Update 1-27-23
Week three of the 2023 Iowa legislative session saw plenty of action. The first part of the week was dominated by the Governor’s school choice legislation that will allow lo...
Read Post
News & Stories
January 25, 2023 | Community Development, Economic Development & Workforce
Cedar Rapids Public Library Welcomes International Community with Online Service
According to the latest census data, nearly 7% of the population in Cedar Rapids was born outside of the United States. They help fill our workforce shortage and fuel our econ...
Read Post
January 9, 2023 | Business Support, Member Stories
5 Local Businesses Putting Down Roots for Expansion in the Cedar Rapids Metro
Affordable Transportation When Arnold Daniels Jr. relocated from Washington, DC, to Cedar Rapids in 2016, his goal was to become a long-distance truck driver with a local tran...
Read Post
January 9, 2023 | Business Support, Member Stories
5 Non-Profits to Consider Supporting Locally with Volunteer Time or Funding
Cedar Valley Habitat For Humanity Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) is tackling the housing shortage in Linn and Benton counties by helping qualified families build th...
Read Post
January 9, 2023 | Business Support, Member Stories
5 Featured Local Businesses to Support into the New Year
Corner Store Apothecary Kimberly Loeffler opened the Corner Store Apothecary in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village in 2017 after discovering the healing power of CBD or cannabidiol...
Read Post
November 29, 2022 | Business Support
Alliant Energy’s Solar Garden Reservations Near Capacity
With a recent solar block subscription by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 75% of Alliant Energy’s Cedar Rapids Community Solar Garden solar blocks are now ...
Read Post
November 23, 2022 | Business Support
YMCA – An Amazing Space
Many members of our community are navigating obstacles and challenges in their every day lives, and the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA gives them an amazing space to navigate it a...
Read Post
November 18, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
State Gives Final Approval for Convergen Energy
During its meeting today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board unanimously approved a financial incentive package for Convergen Energy to operate a new manu...
Read Post
November 14, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
We’re All in This Together – Our Towns
In late October, I had the privilege to play tour guide for authors Jim and Deb Fallows for two days during their first visit to Cedar Rapids. While the Fallows’ have had i...
Read Post
November 9, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
Cedar Rapids Metro Gaining National and International Attention for Business Attraction Projects
2022 has been a monumental year for economic development in the community. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has responded to 22 request for proposals (RFP) in the past...
Read Post
November 4, 2022 | Business Support
Local Company Helps Clients Go Green
We all strive to be environmentally responsible throughout our lives. We recycle. We compost. We conserve energy. AMTek Microwaves, located in southwest Cedar Rapids, he...
Read Post
October 27, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
Nearly $235 Million of Capital Investments Coming to the Cedar Rapids Metro After State Money Awards Announced
Fifteen Cedar Rapids metro projects received major funding boosts from the state of Iowa as the Iowa Economic Development Authority has announced over $11 million for redev...
Read Post
October 24, 2022 | Business Support
Discussions Around DEI Remain Top of Mind for the ICR Region
When diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are ingrained in a society’s core, it’s a win for everyone. An equitable business community not only makes the local economy str...
Read Post
October 12, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
Thinking About What Matters
Brain drain - the departure of our college graduates to other states – isn’t anything new. We’ve read about, try to recruit against it, and promote the benefits of st...
Read Post