Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you know who we are and what we do- But why should You, your family, and your business be in Cedar Rapids? We’re glad you asked!

Exciting things happening in our surrounding communities! Ely’s largest ever private commercial investment project broke ground this morning👏. Between FJ Krob and Dan and Debbie's Creamery, Inc. used to be a gravel lot that was empty for many years- until now. Main Street Legacy, LLC, celebrated the groundbreaking of a mixed-use facility, with commercial space on the bottom floor and 10 condos on the top floor. Speakers at the event included Mark Krob, Manager at FJ Krob, Bob Gaffney, President of Rinderknecht, and Scott Ladwig, the mayor of Ely. We are thrilled to celebrate another big win in economic development! 🎉🎉🎉

🚨Final Reminder: Our July BizMix is on the 18th! 🚨 The fiesta-themed block party is sponsored by Martin Gardner Architecture, P.C., and Farmers State Bank featuring delectable food offerings from Carlos O'Kelly's. This BizMix is one of the largest of the year, so mark your calendars- you won’t want to miss the party! 🗓 Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024 🕓 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Marion Uptown Artway - 1048 7th Ave, Marion, IA 52302 Get ready to network and mingle with fellow professionals from various industries! This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new contacts, forge valuable connections, and expand your business network. BizMix events are hosted by different member businesses each month, providing E.A. members with increased opportunities for participation and connections. No registration is required, but be sure to mark your calendar and join us for an evening of networking and community building!

Thank you to Jackie Pelland of Slingshot25 for a wonderfully informative session on the importance of accountability in the workplace. Her seminar was part of our Let’s Get Down to Business speaker series, which aims to assist with business development, professional growth, collaboration, and networking. Our next session is on August 8, covering the impact of AI in marketing. Visit https://lnkd.in/g_WrVf7H to learn more about the seminar and register while there’s still seats!

We’re hiring! Take a look at our newest opening, facilitated by The Overture Group, LLC.

Our mission of growth in the Cedar Rapids Metro is multifaceted. From public policy to events and workforce initiatives, we are much more involved than you may have thought! Here are four functions we perform that fly under the radar. 

🎉✂️ Celebrating June Milestones in Our Community! 🙌🏼 June was another month packed with new businesses opening in our area. Ribbon cuttings mark the beginning of a new chapter for a business, and we’re proud to be part of your story! 🧾Hogan - Hansen, A Professional Corporation 📈 Choreo 🌮 La Terraza 🏗️ Emergent Architecture A big congratulations to everyone involved in making these milestones possible! Your dedication paves the way for a month filled with promise and community impact. 👏

🎉 We are pleased to welcome Josh Smithey to the team as our new Marketing and Communications Specialist! 🎉 Josh joins us after several years of marketing in the financial industry for a corporation in the Greater Chicago Area. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2022 and moved back to Illinois, where he began his marketing career. However, he was hopeful he would someday move back to Iowa, where he could make a more meaningful, local impact with his work. Josh brings considerable experience, energy, and ideas to the team, and we are thrilled to have him with us. Welcome to the team!👏 🤝Contact Josh or get ahold of anyone on the Economic Alliance team by visiting our Contact page https://lnkd.in/gPmUeymC

🎊Our July BizMix is on the 18th! 🎊 The fiesta-themed block party is sponsored by Martin Gardner Architecture, P.C., and Farmers State Bank featuring delectable food offerings from Carlos O'Kelly's. This BizMix is one of the largest of the year, so mark your calendars- you won’t want to miss the party! 🗓 Date: Thursday, July 18, 2024 🕓 Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Marion Uptown Artway - 1048 7th Ave, Marion, IA 52302 Get ready to network and mingle with fellow professionals from various industries! This event is a fantastic opportunity to meet new contacts, forge valuable connections, and expand your business network. BizMix events are hosted by different member businesses each month, providing E.A. members with increased opportunities for participation and connections. No registration is required, but be sure to mark your calendar and join us for an evening of networking and community building!

In the latest edition of the Inside Scoop, discover Leadership for Five Seasons’ historic role in creating the pillars of our city. Plus, find out who was selected to the program's fall sessions. 🎉Congratulations to the classes of 2025! 🎉