CRMEA May/June Report 2018

CULTIVATING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSHIPS
DRIVING DOWNTOWN DWELLING DEMAND • EXISTING INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET NEWS • LFS CALLS FOR INTERNS
REPORT
MAY/JUNE 2018

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BUSINESS INTERNET BUSINESS PHONE BUSINESS TV & MUSIC

New Look,
New Opportunities
Doug Neumann,
Executive Director
Welcome to the new Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Report!
Melissa McCarville
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Ellen Bardsley
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Clarissa Koch
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST
Judith Cobb
CBJ ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Corridor Business Journal
PRINTING & CIRCULATION
WWW.CEDARRAPIDS.ORG
ON THE COVER
The latest Cedar Rapids
Housing Market Analysis,
commissioned annually by the
City of Cedar Rapids, indicates
housing and population
growth rates in flood-affected
areas are expected to outpace
growth in surrounding
neighborhoods due to
increases in high-density
housing downtown. Learn
more on page 9!
Based on feedback from Economic Alliance member businesses, we’re building on the ways we
provide valuable information. Several communications changes have already been implemented,
but this - the refreshed Economic Alliance Report - will be the most visible and apparent initiative,
given its new distribution in the Corridor Business Journal.
For those who might be seeing this for the first time and wondering what is the Cedar Rapids
Metro Economic Alliance...allow me to explain. We’re a membership-based organization
supporting all things growth - growth of our economy, our business community and our
workforce. We don’t do this work alone. We have numerous strategic partners and collaborators
within the community to assist our vision of becoming the top economic growth region in the
country. Many of those partnerships are highlighted in this Report.
For members who have been long-time readers, the purpose of this magazine is the same as the
previous monthly Report you’ve received for years. We still want to provide you valuable, relevant
information about businesses, the economy and how you can best get involved with and use your
Economic Alliance membership. This new format and distribution strategy, though, allows us to
up our game with an enhanced reader experience. We’ve reimagined how the Report looks, feels
and how you read it. Within this issue, and issues to come, we look forward to bringing you more
eye-catching design, and storytelling that clarifies how we work on our members’ behalf to build
the regional economy.
For Economic Alliance members who love reading the digital version of our Reports, and who
appreciate receiving it via email or finding it on our website, that won’t change. Watch for the
Report in your inbox the second Monday of every month. For members who didn’t previously
receive the weekly Corridor Business Journal, you will begin receiving it on the second Monday of
each month, which is the issue in which the Economic Alliance Report is distributed.
We’re excited about this new look and new opportunity to connect with you. We hope it leads to
even greater involvement of members in Economic Alliance initiatives, as we all work together to
help businesses succeed and the economy thrive.
Regards,
Doug Neumann
Executive Director
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
3

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR
Greene
square
MAY
18
For our full Calendar of Events including
member events, visit www.cedarrapids.org.
Food Truck Fridays
May 4 - Sept. 7, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Greene Square
400 4th Ave. SE
Joint Corridor
Business PM
Hosted By
LFS Alumni Spring Breakfast
May 25, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
The Early Bird Cafe
Thursday, May 24th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Please join us for refreshments,wine and appetizers
565 Cameron Way, #108, North Liberty
319- 626- 6873
Cohosts:
*Complimentary for Chamber and EA members
24
333 First St. SE
Great for all members, and
especially new members!
26
2
12
TechBrew AM with Cammie Greif
Co-Founder of Tax Act
June 12, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
501 First St. SE
21
Joint Corridor Business PM
May 24, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
565 Cameron Way, #108, North Liberty
25
Cedar Rapids Downtown
Farmers’ Market
May 26, 7:30 a.m. - Noon
Downtown Cedar Rapids
JUNE
Cedar Rapids Downtown
Farmers’ Market
June 2, 7:30 a.m. - Noon
Downtown Cedar Rapids
Membership 101
June 12, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
501 First St. SE
12
BizMix: Plaid Swan
June 21, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
425 Second St. SE Ste. 300B
4 MAY/JUNE 2018

NEW
MEMBERS
AAVIN Private Equity
1245 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.aavin.com
Bauer Built Tire & Service
628 58th Ave. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.bauerbuilt.com
Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors
4920 Blairs Forest Ct. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.4feldco.com
Pinnacle Realty
1918 St. Andrews Court NE, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.pinnaclerealtyia.com
The Pointe School of Dance
5331 North Park Place NE, Cedar Rapids, IA| www.thepointeschool.com
The Y. For a Better Us.
150 years of improving lives
in the Cedar Rapids community.
BECOME A
MEMBER TODAY!
Receive access to all five locations in the area plus
any YMCA in the country, a large variety of free
fitness classes daily, discounts on programs, financial
assistance, free child watch and much more!
Coming up in 2018:
June 8th-10th -
Camp Wapsie Alumni Reunion
June 9th -
Camp Wapsie Centennial Celebration
August 25th -
“Cranking for 150 More” Y Bike Ride
August 27th -
Golf Classic Fundraiser
November 3rd -
YMCA 150th and Camp Wapsie 100th
Anniversary Celebration Gala
YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area | www.crmetroymca.org
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
5

DOWNTOWN
CEDAR RAPIDS
Sizzles
IN SUMMER
“Summer is a special time
in Downtown Cedar Rapids.
People are out and about
enjoying amenities like bike
lanes, community pianos,
and unique events.
The heart of the city comes
alive with an energy not to
be missed.”
-Jesse Thoeming,
Downtown Executive Director
6 MAY/JUNE 2018
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Glasses clink from the tables of al fresco diners. Flowers bloom on
every corner. Cyclists pedal down the bike lane towards a local
brewery. Tunes from pianos fill the air. Welcome to summer in
Downtown Cedar Rapids. Now, we prep. More than 200 planters are
being filled with spring bulbs, so get ready for tons of color. Greene
Square will once again be green, playing host to Food Truck Fridays
May through September.
Pops of color come in more forms than flowers. The Economic
Alliance assisted the City of Cedar Rapids and Iowa BIG with
support for a one-of-a-kind artwork initiative for seven storm drains.
Community pianos are back by popular demand and will also be
beautified by local artists. Look for both this month. And of course, the
Downtown Farmers’ Market returns May 26. Read more market news
on page 14.
These beautification projects create a vibrant, lively downtown.
Great downtowns pack a positive economic punch that benefits
the entire city, with their high concentration of businesses and
inhabitants. Our efforts create a district that keeps current and
prospective residents coming back.

EXISTING INDUSTRY
Insights, data and forecasts from business leaders drive the
Economic Alliance’s priorities related to business expansion and
retention, community development, business support and public
policy. Data from our Existing Industry surveys in the past six
months (Nov. 2017 – April 2018) indicate optimistic outlooks for
business growth, but show workforce availability and proposed
legislative policies continue to be a concern for leaders.
SNAPSHOT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
What the Economic Alliance is doing:
• Workforce Availability: Workforce has been the top
concern of businesses for several years now, with a
combination of availability, stability and quality (see graphic)
hurting businesses’ ability to grow. Your concerns were the
primary reason we formed a joint venture with the Iowa
City Area Development Group to create what’s now called
ICR IOWA. Learn more about ICR IOWA’s efforts on page 9.
Efforts extend beyond ICR IOWA with Economic Alliance
partnerships, including the great work being done at
Kirkwood Community College.
• Legislative Policies: The adverse effects businesses noted
regarding public policy include the uncertainties around
tariffs and trade policies that directly affect Iowa’s economy.
The Economic Alliance has represented businesses’ voice
through our Congressional delegation on those issues. On a
more promising legislative front, approval of the statewide
Future Ready Iowa initiative should help make progress on
workforce issues. The aim to get post-secondary education
for 70% of Iowans by 2025 should boost available labor
in high-demand career fields. The Economic Alliance has
incorporated that goal as part of its scorecard metrics and
will support the effort in every way possible.
Availability Quality Stability Productivity
Help Us Help You:
We can only drive meaningful pro-growth strategies if we know
what your business and your industry need to be successful. We
represent the voice of the business community, and we want
your voice to be heard. Reach out to Mike Lukan, Local Business
Project Specialist at mlukan@cedarrapids.org or 319.730.1403
to get connected to available resources and opportunities. 65.3%
OF BUSINESSES SURVEYED
48% 52% 68%
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
WORKFORCE CHARACTERISTICS
3.77
4.01
3.77
5.49
5.21
4.72
5.31
5.12
5.16
SEE RECENT AND ANTICIPATED
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES
ADVERSELY AFFECTING BUSINESS
IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS
5.61
5.32
5.54
CR MSA ‘17 CR MSA ‘16 Iowa ‘17
CR MSA
‘16
IOWA
‘17
CR MSA
‘17
BUSINESSES THAT PLAN TO
EXPAND IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
7

STRATEGIZING PUBLIC POLICY
PRIORITIES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC POLICY
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is focused on
the growth of our region and we work with our members to
prioritize needs and implement strategies that make local
businesses and our region successful. Our public policy strategy
provides a unified voice of our members to advocate for progrowth
and pro-business policies.
With input from our more than 1,200 member businesses, our
governance leadership, local municipalities and other strategic
partners, we develop our yearly legislative agendas. Our state
priorities this year have focused on programs that address
workforce needs, meaningful tax reform and preserving economic
development programs that help retain and recruit business. Our
federal priorities have focused on pro-Iowa trade policies, job
creating immigration reform and flood protection funding.
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY ON JUNE 5
VISION DOWNTOWN
CEDAR RAPIDS
PLAN OFFERS
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
DEVELOPMENT
The historic flood of 2008 forever changed Cedar Rapids,
but under strong leadership, the disaster was turned into
possibility – an opportunity to reinvent the downtown.
The Economic Alliance supports core district growth
by implementing strategic plans for housing, signature
streets and beautification, quality of life events and flood
protection progress.
In 2007, the Economic Alliance (then the Downtown
District) along with other community partners,
commissioned the first “Vision Downtown Cedar Rapids”
plan, which provided a broad understanding of downtown’s
purpose and helped to direct the energy and resources of
future downtown development opportunities.
With many of the initiatives realized and much of
Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding districts
transformed, we’re at a turning point.
We saw early success when the Future Ready Iowa Act was
signed into law after receiving unanimous support in both the
House and Senate. The Economic Alliance hosted Governor
Reynolds last year during her Future Ready Iowa Tour where
members had the opportunity to provide feedback and
recommendations to address our region’s workforce shortages
and strategies to fill the skills gap. The law provides a plan
for the state to create opportunities for more Iowans to have
careers in high-demand fields by the year 2025.
Our efforts continue through the year with strategies that
utilize our state and national partners, staff lobbying and
organized member grassroots advocacy.
Electing pro-growth, pro-business candidates is vital to the Economic Alliance’s public policy advocacy efforts. This year Iowans will
go to the polls to choose local, state and federal elected officials and our next chance to influence the outcome is on June 5,
Primary Election Day. To vote in the Primary, you must be registered and choose a party affiliation. Go to the Iowa Secretary of
State’s website, https://sos.iowa.gov, and look for the “Elections” section to view a full list of candidates and obtain information
on how to register to vote.
The most recent update to the plan in 2017 will launch an
even bigger and brighter future thanks to some significant
factors like undeveloped land, or impact sites, in the
heart of downtown, collaborative district leadership and a
general feeling of momentum for Downtown Cedar Rapids.
You can read the entire updated Vision Downtown Cedar
Rapids plan, on our website at www.cedarrapids.org/ourcommunity/downtown.
8 MAY/JUNE 2018

WHAT IS
ICR IOWA?
DRIVING
DOWNTOWN
DWELLING
DEMAND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
The latest Cedar Rapids Housing Market Analysis commissioned
annually by the City of Cedar Rapids, indicates that Downtown
Cedar Rapids housing will continue to grow through 2030. New
options are coming on the market all the time, supporting the
demand. Higher populations of urban dwellers result in districts
that are more viable for business success and improved vitality.
Cedar Rapids developer Fred Timko certainly feels the
continued demand for downtown housing. One of his newest
projects, 15 rowhouse units called The Redstone in Kingston
Village, is part of the surge of development in the downtown
neighborhood of Kingston Village, an area severely impacted
by 2008 flooding. Last year, the Economic Alliance assisted in
securing Workforce Housing Tax Credits for The Redstone in
Kingston Village. The purpose of the tax credit program is to
take an abandoned, empty or decaying and neglected property
and turn it into affordable housing for Iowa communities.
In mid-April, after just two weeks of advertising, Fred received
numerous inquiries about The Redstone, which formally
opens in June. Many of the inquirers have been single, young
professionals.
The Redstone in Kingston Village was one of ten urban
properties showcased on May 6, during Urban Living in
Downtown Cedar Rapids. The open house event supports core
district housing by bringing prospective downtown residents
and property managers together to highlight the unique
amenities enjoyed by those living downtown. If you couldn’t
make the event, view our Interactive Downtown Housing Map
on our website, at www.cedarrapids.org/our-community/coredistricts/downtown/housing.
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ICR IOWA is the new external-facing brand for our
seven-county region and the new name for our
regional economic development group, a joint venture
between the Economic Alliance and Iowa City Area
Development Group. The organization is charged with
leading the efforts to market our region, grow our
workforce, and recruit more businesses and individuals
to locate here.
Collectively across the region, and from our Economic
Alliance members, we understand that recruiting
and retaining a sufficient workforce is a top concern.
We are working together as a region to collectively
strengthen our communities and strategically attract
and develop the necessary talent for growth.
To best identify each of the core areas of ICR IOWA’s
work, the following sub-brands have been created:
• Choose ICR - business attraction efforts
• ICR Future - talent pipeline efforts
• ICR Talent - workforce attraction and retention efforts
• Inclusive ICR - diversity workforce efforts
We are encouraging businesses, organizations, and our
cities and counties to help us amplify ICR IOWA by
using the brand in their own marketing.
• Add the Proud to be in ICR IOWA logo to your
website and printed materials, showcasing that
you are a part of the region.
Visit https://bit.ly/2r4qKnB to download logos.
• Add #ICRIOWA to social media posts that showcase
business growth, workforce development,
and quality of life in our region.
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact
Jennifer Daly, President & CEO of ICR IOWA,
at jdaly@icriowa.org.
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
9

Cultivating Economic Prosperity Through
Entrepreneurial Partnership
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Two years ago, the Economic Alliance announced a new
partnership with the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative,
or NewBoCo, an organization focused on accelerating worldchanging
ideas from Iowa. The flagship of the partnership
is EntreFEST, one of the Midwest’s largest innovation and
entrepreneurial conferences. EntreFEST has existed for nearly a
decade, but 2018 marks the second year the Economic Alliance
and NewBoCo are co-producing the event.
Happening in Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding
neighborhoods May 17-18, EntreFEST gathers hundreds from
across the country to think outside of the box, learn about
emerging technology trends and discover new ways to grow their
business, no matter its size, from world-renowned experts.
The Economic Alliance’s mission is to be the top economic growth
region in the country. There are a lot of avenues to make that
happen, like finding ways to assist businesses in their growth,
advocating for business-friendly policies, offering programs and
training opportunities to develop the region’s talent and planning
events that spur community development, to name a few.
Fostering a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem is another
component in achieving economic prosperity. Startups and
entrepreneurs take innovative approaches to solve problems and
represent the job creators of tomorrow. A healthy entrepreneurial
ecosystem supports a lasting, resilient business community.
We also know that the entrepreneurial mindset can be incredibly
valuable for members of the business community. Since the
Economic Alliance and NewBoCo started co-producing the event,
EntreFEST has been transformed into a corporate innovation event
with programming that’s relevant for numerous people in virtually
any organization. By nature, entrepreneurs must be nimble,
constantly keep customers top of mind, be okay with making
mistakes and are incredibly passionate about what they do.
They’re deeply invested in the outcome of their business. These
are all traits any business would desire in current and potential
employees.
We look forward to the next chapter in our partnership with
NewBoCo and what it will bring for the business community
and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Find everything EntreFEST,
including speakers, after-hours activities and more at
www.EntreFEST.com.
10 MAY/JUNE 2018

Intern Welcome Reception | Coe College | Thursday,
June 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Interns will network, kick back with yard games, fill up
on BBQ and treats and receive a special welcome from
business community leaders.
RETAINING WORKFORCE
WITH THE LEADERSHIP FOR
FIVE SEASONS COLLEGE &
INTERN PROGRAM
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Summer is quickly approaching, and with it brings summer
interns. Businesses attract interns from near and far. Today’s
interns are tomorrow’s full-time employees, and ultimately,
we want those employees here. Enter the Leadership for Five
Seasons College & Intern Program. Interns need to see what
it’s like to live here before they decide to stay and know their
employer values their growth. That’s why this year’s program
has two parts: the Internship Summer Series and Quality of Life
events.
Internship Summer Series
Higher learning institutions play an important role in retaining
young talent. Presented in conjunction with Coe College, the
Economic Alliance is collaborating with area business leaders
to share their advice and insight. Interns will also hear from
experts on relevant topics like time management, networking,
professional branding, team building in a diverse workplace
and more. Save these dates and share them with interns in your
office:
• Monday, June 25 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Athletic Recreation
Complex, Coe College
• Monday, July 16 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Athletic Recreation
Complex, Coe College
• Monday, August 6 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Athletic
Recreation Complex, Coe College
Quality of Life events are designed to connect interns outside
of the office and showcase some of our community’s amazing
quality of life amenities.
Intern Progressive Dinner | Downtown Cedar Rapids +
surrounding neighborhoods | evening of Saturday, July 21
This is a popular event every summer. The downtown area
has amazing, local restaurants, so we’re putting them
center stage.
Economic Alliance members can register for all events on
our Events Calendar at www.cedarrapids.org. Questions?
Contact Jordan Atwater, Leadership and Business Programs
Specialist at jatwater@cedarrapids.org or 319.730.1412.
Joint Corridor
Business PM
Hosted By
Thursday, May 24th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Please join us for refreshments,wine and appetizers
565 Cameron Way, #108, North Liberty
319- 626- 6873
Cohosts:
*Complimentary for Chamber and EA members
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
11

CEDAR RAPIDS
NAMED
TECHNOLOGY
COMMUNITY
OF THE YEAR
Doug Neumann, executive director,
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance,
accepts award in Des Moines
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Congratulations to Cedar Rapids for receiving the
Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) Prometheus Award for
Technology Community of the Year!
Cedar Rapids was acknowledged as a leader in
telecommunications, manufacturing and alternative
energy. Our local companies improve the way
we feed the world through bioprocessing and
manufacturing, power the planet through
alternative energy, and grow technical
talent through Iowa’s premier code school
and partnerships between employers and
educational institutions.
The Prometheus Awards acknowledge individuals
and companies impacting Iowa’s $11 billion
technology industry, which accounts for 8.8
percent of the state’s GDP and employs over
76,000 workers. Finalists and award winners
epitomize the great talent and innovation
that permeates through our state. We are
proud Cedar Rapids is recognized as a
leading community that embodies these
characteristics.
Thank you to our partners at NewBoCo for
assisting the Economic Alliance in Cedar
Rapids’ nomination.
CELEBRATE ALL-STARS OF ICR WITH
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE!
LARGE INVESTOR NEWS
The event will begin with a networking reception,
followed by lunch and the awards ceremony. Winners
will be recognized from each of the following sectors:
LUNCHEON
May 24, 2018 | The Hotel at Kirkwood Center | 11:30am-1pm
Advanced Manufacturing
Architecture, Construction & Engineering
Health Care
Financial Service, Insurance & Customer Service
Information Technology
Transportation
Join Kirkwood Community College in in celebrating the the All-Stars of
ICR, Iowa City Cedar Rapids region!
of ICR, Iowa City Cedar Rapids region!
Thirteen “all-star” employees will be recognized for demonstrating
leadership skills, work accomplishments and commitment to their careers.
Thirteen Honorees represent “all-star” 18-35 employees year-olds will in diverse be recognized career fields across for a variety
of industries. Winners were chosen by the ICR Iowa Industry Sector Boards.
demonstrating leadership skills, work accomplishments and
The event will begin with a networking reception, followed by lunch and the
commitment to their careers. Honorees represent 18-35
awards ceremony. Winners will be recognized from each of the following
year-olds sectors: in diverse career fields across a variety of industries.
Winners Advanced Manufacturing were chosen by the Architecture, ICR Iowa Construction Industry & Engineering Sector Boards.
Health Care
Information Technology
12 MAY/JUNE 2018
Individual fee: $49
Financial Service , Insurance & Customer Service
Transportation
Individual fee: $49
Table seating (10 people): $400
Pre-registration is required by calling 319-398-1022.

Corridor Business Journal
2345 Landon Road, Ste. 100
North Liberty, IA 52317
REFER - A - FRIEND PROGRAM
ENDS JUNE 29
Refer a friend, get rewarded!
Members join the Economic Alliance to grow their business,
connect with resources and business leaders, develop their
team and community leaders and help build our region,
workforce, economy and quality of life. Know of a business that
isn’t a member yet but needs to get in on the action? Refer
them to become a member and YOU could receive one of the
rewards shown on the right, as our way of saying “thank you!”
ONE TWO-HOUR CONFERENCE
ROOM RENTAL CREDIT
ONE BANNER AD IN A
MONTHLY EBLAST
MEMBERSHIP
Don’t wait! If you refer a friend, they must become a member
by Friday, June 29 for you to receive your reward. Send
your friend a link to the Become a Member form at www.
cedarrapids.org/membership/become-member and remind
them to fill in who referred them (that’s you!)
ONE TICKET TO A
SIGNATURE EVENT
Any questions? Contact Jody Guither, Business Relations
Specialist at jguither@cedarrapids.org or 319.730.1404.
GETCONNECTED…
2017
$2.00 I A LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS WEEKLY IN IOWA’S CREATIVE CORRIDOR I JULY 17 - 23, 2017
2017's Best of
the Corridor II
Sparks fly when we discuss who’s the best in the
Corridor. In the spirit of democracy, however, the
CBJ held a calm and orderly vote by readers back in
June, which we call our annual Best of the Corridor
competition. After profiling the first group of 25
winners in last week’s edition, we invite you turn the
page to see who cleaned up in Best Cleaning Service,
who locked down Best Security Company, and who
wrote the book on Best Printer, among others. >>
CBJ's Hall
of Fame
See the nex two
businesses to be
inducted into the
Corridor's most
exclusive club.
$2.00 I A LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS WEEKLY IN IOWA’S CREATIVE CORRIDOR I APRIL 16 - 22, 2018
Fireworks burst around the Tree of Five Seasons in downtown Cedar Rapids. PHOTO WILLIAM BUCKETS
HALL
OF
FAME
CULTIVATING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSHIPS
DRIVING DOWNTOWN DWELLING DEMAND • EXISTING INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET NEWS • LFS CALLS FOR INTERNS
R E P O R T
MAY/JUNE 2018
When you promote your
business in the monthly Cedar
Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
Report, you connect with a wide
audience of decision makers.
The CBJ has been proud to serve
business news to a targeted
audience of community leaders
and top professionals since 2004.
FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT:
Judith Cobb at (319) 665-6397, ext. 318 or judith@corridorbusiness.com
Corridor Business Journal
2345 Landon Road, Ste. 100
North Liberty, IA 52317
NEXT WEEK’S CBJ
The April 23rd edition of the CBJ wi l include a special senior
living section. The focus wi l be Going Up: Building Projects in the
Corridor and the CBJ List wi l be Architecture Firms.
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
13

Produce & flowers
Toiletries & Pet Items
Specialty Food & Alcohol
Prepared Food & Baked Goods
Artisans
KWWL
KCRG
The
Gazette
DAY
SPONSORS
DAY
SPONSORS
WMT
MAY 26
JUNE 2
JUNE 16
JULY 7
JULY 21
AUGUST 4
AUGUST 18
SEPTEMBER 1
NEW START DATE FOR 13TH
SEASON OF CEDAR RAPIDS
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKETS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Downtown Farmers’ Market Saturdays are closer than you may
think! The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market presented
by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust begins Saturday, May 26 from
7:30 a.m. to noon.
Each Downtown Farmers’ Market brings an average of 14,000
people to Downtown Cedar Rapids. Not only does the event
serve as a catalyst for small businesses in Iowa who are selected
to vend, but brick and mortar businesses in the venue and
surrounding area benefit from the thousands of potential
customers. Each Downtown Farmers’ Market season sees an
average economic impact of $3.1M to our community.
Search by vendor name or product type as you plan your
morning at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, using the online
venue map, available at CRDowntownMarket.com. Be sure
to pick up the Sunday, May 20 edition of The Gazette for our
Downtown Farmers’ Market Guide, filled with the venue map,
entertainment, market tips and more. The Downtown Farmers’
Market Guide is the perfect companion all market season long.
New This Season: Mug Club, which offers exclusive deals
and discounts from a variety of vendors all season long
14 MAY/JUNE 2018
BASKET
BOWTIQUE
126B
2S
KGAN
MARIE’S
JEWELRY
106
108
110
112
114
116
118
120
122
124
126
SIMPLY
DIVINE
2nd St. SE
87
89
102
85
100
128
83
98
130
2nd Ave. SE
81
BALLOON
ANIMALS
96
NEED PIZZA
GRINGOS
94
2A
92
ENCHANTED
GIFT
COFFEE
EMPORIUM
PARKING
111
2A GRIN ‘N’
2A 2A
GOOSE
113
PUB 217
INSIGHTS
BOUTIQUE
PARKING
ART
MUSEUM
125
3A 3A 3A
127
3rd Ave. SE
3A
MAP KEY
90
88
4th Ave. SE
86
84
3S
SNAP
CRBT
3rd St. SE
INFO
when you show your mug. It’s not just for
coffee! Discounts will extend to all types of
products with participating vendors. Purchase
the mug (pictured right) for $10 online
at CRDowntownMarket.com, at our office
(501 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids) or at the Info
Booth every Downtown Farmers’ Market.
A list of Mug Club specials can be found at
CRDowntownMarket.com. See you downtown
on Saturday, May 26!
Thanks to our
Presenting Sponsor
91
93
95
132
79
97
134
77
99
Media
com
75
101
138
73
103
140
105
142
COLORING
MURAL
107
Wick
wire
109
144
146
148
NP
152
154
FACEPAINTING
115
117
119
121
129
131
133
135
3S
3S
KZIA
VanDer
Ginst
82
71
156
139
80
69
158
141
ImOn
67
160
143
76
65
162
145
2A
74
63
166
147
3A
72
61
168
149
BRICKS BAR
70
59
170
151
68
57
172
153
66
55
174
155
176
157
64
53
178
159
Life
101.9
Stage
BALLOON
ANIMALS
51
180
161
60
182
163
49
58
184
165
47
2A
56
186
167
45
3A
54
188
169
ADDITIONAL
ENTERTAINMENT
43
52
190
171
Greene Square
41
BIKE CORRAL
50
192
173
39
5S
48
5S
194
175
46
44
NP
40
38
36
34
NP
30
28
26
24
22
196
177
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
5th St. SE
37
35
33
31
29
27
25
23
19
15
13
11
9
7
5
3
1
5S 5S
Pick Up Your
Mug Club Mug at the
Info Booth for $10!

ROBERT HALF:
A PIONEER
IN PROFESSIONAL
STAFFING
MEMBER
SPOTLIGHT
MEMBERSHIP
Robert Half is a specialized staffing firm with 300 locations across
the globe. The Cedar Rapids office services Cedar Rapids, Iowa City,
Waterloo and Cedar Falls. We spoke with Julie Albert, Cedar Rapids
Branch Manager, to learn more about Robert Half and trends they’re
seeing in the current job market.
What makes Robert Half unique?
We match great people with great companies. Robert Half is the
world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm, as we pioneered the
idea of professional staffing services nearly 70 years ago. As the needs
of businesses have evolved, so have we. Our clients and candidates
find value in professional-level staffing, which is why we launched a
series of professional staffing divisions in the finance and accounting,
legal, creative and marketing, technology and administrative fields.
Specialization benefits both us and our clients because we can
focus on the top 10% of local candidates to make sure we’re placing
qualified and readily available professionals.
Availability of workforce is a top concern
for our member businesses. What strategy
does Robert Half use to find qualified
candidates for businesses with open
positions?
Iowa’s unemployment rate recently hit an 18-year low. This is very
positive news for job seekers and our local economy, but it can prove
difficult for businesses looking to hire top talent. In this case, it’s
important for employers to reach candidates who are both actively
and passively seeking a new job opportunity. A passive candidate is
someone who’s currently employed and not actively searching for a
job, but may be open to changing positions if the right opportunity
arose. That’s the advantage of partnering with a specialized staffing
firm such as Robert Half; we have access to an extensive network of
both active and passive job seekers, and can identify the right match in
terms of skills, as well as corporate culture fit.
Another trend we’re seeing is more employers – and candidates –
interested in temp-to-full time positions. Hiring a full-time employee is
an investment for businesses, and temp-to-full time is an ideal way for
the candidate and employer to try each other out before making a final
decision. Businesses that adopt a temp-to-hire strategy benefit from
observing job candidates firsthand — and by hiring people who’ve
gained a familiarity with the organization and its corporate culture.
This approach to staffing provides a hands-on, realistic way of choosing
a new employee with a lower risk of a hiring mistake.
Learn more about Robert Half on their website, RobertHalf.com.
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT
15

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