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...
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Community Development
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...
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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...
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September 26, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Announce Another Round of Funding for Child Care Business Incentive Grants
The Economic Alliance team hears regularly from our members about their workforce challenges, and that includes access to child care that create barriers for working parents. ...
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September 15, 2022 | Business Support
Squeeze in Summer Fun Before Fall Officially Arrives
According to the calendar, it’s still officially summer. So, before you put pumpkins on the porch or hang skeletons in your yard, here’s a list of all the ways to squeeze ...
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September 14, 2022 | Community Development
Big Little City for Your Housing Investment
​Moving to a new city is a life changing decision. Whether it’s for a new career opportunity or to move closer to family, investing in a home can be a big risk. The Cedar ...
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September 7, 2022 | Community Development
The Story Behind the Story: Next Nature Mural
​In late August local artist and owner of the Underground Art Studio, Scott Takes finished Next Nature, a dual mural that now adorns two sides of the Fix Salon building on t...
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August 30, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce
Welcoming refugees essential to Iowa’s economic future
Though it’s a long drive on I-80 between Cedar Rapids and Council Bluffs, our regional economies face many of the same challenges and opportunities. Iowans are working an...
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August 3, 2022 | Business Support
Freund Vector- 50 Years in the Community
​“There are 10-15 powerhouse players within our industry in this world, and we’re in the top 5. In the United States specifically, it’s just us. We have no other compe...
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August 1, 2022 | Community Development
MedQuarter’s First Commissioned Mural Completed
​An array of artistic beauty lines the west- and north-facing walls of the Citywide Cleaners building along A Avenue NE between 8th and 10th Street. The “Choose Kindnessâ€...
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July 27, 2022 | Community Development
Nearly One in Five Farmers Market Vendors Started After the Pandemic
​The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market can be the door for entrepreneurs to kickstart their passions and new business ideas. Economic downturns such as the 2020 COVID-19 ...
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July 21, 2022 | Business Support
How We Are Supporting Local This Weekend Ft. Michelle Owens
Weekend itineraries featuring great Cedar Rapids area restaurants, shopping, recreation, arts and culture and more! Thanks to GreenState Credit Union, Buy Local Presenting Spo...
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July 15, 2022 | Business Support
How We Are Supporting Local This Weekend Ft. Tasha Stone
Weekend itineraries featuring great Cedar Rapids area restaurants, shopping, recreation, arts and culture and more! Thanks to GreenState Credit Union, Buy Local Presenting Spo...
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July 12, 2022 | Community Development
The Downtown Farmers Market Tradition Spans 17 Years for 7 Vendors
​With a legacy spanning nearly two decades, the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market has been etched into hearts and souls of the local community. While there are new faces ...
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July 6, 2022 | Business Support
How We Are Supporting Local This Weekend Ft. Eric Van Kerckhove
Weekend itineraries featuring great Cedar Rapids area restaurants, shopping, recreation, arts and culture and more! Thanks to GreenState Credit Union, Buy Local Presenting Spo...
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