CRMEA May/June Report 2018
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CULTIVATING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSHIPS<br />
DRIVING DOWNTOWN DWELLING DEMAND • EXISTING INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT<br />
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET NEWS • LFS CALLS FOR INTERNS<br />
REPORT<br />
MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong>
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New Look,<br />
New Opportunities<br />
Doug Neumann,<br />
Executive Director<br />
Welcome to the new Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance <strong>Report</strong>!<br />
Melissa McCarville<br />
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER<br />
Ellen Bardsley<br />
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST<br />
Clarissa Koch<br />
GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST<br />
Judith Cobb<br />
CBJ ADVERTISING COORDINATOR<br />
Corridor Business Journal<br />
PRINTING & CIRCULATION<br />
WWW.CEDARRAPIDS.ORG<br />
ON THE COVER<br />
The latest Cedar Rapids<br />
Housing Market Analysis,<br />
commissioned annually by the<br />
City of Cedar Rapids, indicates<br />
housing and population<br />
growth rates in flood-affected<br />
areas are expected to outpace<br />
growth in surrounding<br />
neighborhoods due to<br />
increases in high-density<br />
housing downtown. Learn<br />
more on page 9!<br />
Based on feedback from Economic Alliance member businesses, we’re building on the ways we<br />
provide valuable information. Several communications changes have already been implemented,<br />
but this - the refreshed Economic Alliance <strong>Report</strong> - will be the most visible and apparent initiative,<br />
given its new distribution in the Corridor Business Journal.<br />
For those who might be seeing this for the first time and wondering what is the Cedar Rapids<br />
Metro Economic Alliance...allow me to explain. We’re a membership-based organization<br />
supporting all things growth - growth of our economy, our business community and our<br />
workforce. We don’t do this work alone. We have numerous strategic partners and collaborators<br />
within the community to assist our vision of becoming the top economic growth region in the<br />
country. Many of those partnerships are highlighted in this <strong>Report</strong>.<br />
For members who have been long-time readers, the purpose of this magazine is the same as the<br />
previous monthly <strong>Report</strong> you’ve received for years. We still want to provide you valuable, relevant<br />
information about businesses, the economy and how you can best get involved with and use your<br />
Economic Alliance membership. This new format and distribution strategy, though, allows us to<br />
up our game with an enhanced reader experience. We’ve reimagined how the <strong>Report</strong> looks, feels<br />
and how you read it. Within this issue, and issues to come, we look forward to bringing you more<br />
eye-catching design, and storytelling that clarifies how we work on our members’ behalf to build<br />
the regional economy.<br />
For Economic Alliance members who love reading the digital version of our <strong>Report</strong>s, and who<br />
appreciate receiving it via email or finding it on our website, that won’t change. Watch for the<br />
<strong>Report</strong> in your inbox the second Monday of every month. For members who didn’t previously<br />
receive the weekly Corridor Business Journal, you will begin receiving it on the second Monday of<br />
each month, which is the issue in which the Economic Alliance <strong>Report</strong> is distributed.<br />
We’re excited about this new look and new opportunity to connect with you. We hope it leads to<br />
even greater involvement of members in Economic Alliance initiatives, as we all work together to<br />
help businesses succeed and the economy thrive.<br />
Regards,<br />
Doug Neumann<br />
Executive Director<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
3
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR<br />
Greene<br />
square<br />
MAY<br />
18<br />
For our full Calendar of Events including<br />
member events, visit www.cedarrapids.org.<br />
Food Truck Fridays<br />
<strong>May</strong> 4 - Sept. 7, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.<br />
Greene Square<br />
400 4th Ave. SE<br />
Joint Corridor<br />
Business PM<br />
Hosted By<br />
LFS Alumni Spring Breakfast<br />
<strong>May</strong> 25, 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.<br />
The Early Bird Cafe<br />
Thursday, <strong>May</strong> 24th, 4:30-6:30 pm<br />
Please join us for refreshments,wine and appetizers<br />
565 Cameron Way, #108, North Liberty<br />
319- 626- 6873<br />
Cohosts:<br />
*Complimentary for Chamber and EA members<br />
24<br />
333 First St. SE<br />
Great for all members, and<br />
especially new members!<br />
26<br />
2<br />
12<br />
TechBrew AM with Cammie Greif<br />
Co-Founder of Tax Act<br />
<strong>June</strong> 12, 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.<br />
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance<br />
501 First St. SE<br />
21<br />
Joint Corridor Business PM<br />
<strong>May</strong> 24, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.<br />
565 Cameron Way, #108, North Liberty<br />
25<br />
Cedar Rapids Downtown<br />
Farmers’ Market<br />
<strong>May</strong> 26, 7:30 a.m. - Noon<br />
Downtown Cedar Rapids<br />
JUNE<br />
Cedar Rapids Downtown<br />
Farmers’ Market<br />
<strong>June</strong> 2, 7:30 a.m. - Noon<br />
Downtown Cedar Rapids<br />
Membership 101<br />
<strong>June</strong> 12, 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.<br />
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance<br />
501 First St. SE<br />
12<br />
BizMix: Plaid Swan<br />
<strong>June</strong> 21, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.<br />
425 Second St. SE Ste. 300B<br />
4 MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong>
NEW<br />
MEMBERS<br />
AAVIN Private Equity<br />
1245 First Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.aavin.com<br />
Bauer Built Tire & Service<br />
628 58th Ave. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.bauerbuilt.com<br />
Feldco Windows, Siding & Doors<br />
4920 Blairs Forest Ct. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.4feldco.com<br />
Pinnacle Realty<br />
1918 St. Andrews Court NE, Cedar Rapids, IA | www.pinnaclerealtyia.com<br />
The Pointe School of Dance<br />
5331 North Park Place NE, Cedar Rapids, IA| www.thepointeschool.com<br />
The Y. For a Better Us.<br />
150 years of improving lives<br />
in the Cedar Rapids community.<br />
BECOME A<br />
MEMBER TODAY!<br />
Receive access to all five locations in the area plus<br />
any YMCA in the country, a large variety of free<br />
fitness classes daily, discounts on programs, financial<br />
assistance, free child watch and much more!<br />
Coming up in <strong>2018</strong>:<br />
<strong>June</strong> 8th-10th -<br />
Camp Wapsie Alumni Reunion<br />
<strong>June</strong> 9th -<br />
Camp Wapsie Centennial Celebration<br />
August 25th -<br />
“Cranking for 150 More” Y Bike Ride<br />
August 27th -<br />
Golf Classic Fundraiser<br />
November 3rd -<br />
YMCA 150th and Camp Wapsie 100th<br />
Anniversary Celebration Gala<br />
YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area | www.crmetroymca.org<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
5
DOWNTOWN<br />
CEDAR RAPIDS<br />
Sizzles<br />
IN SUMMER<br />
“Summer is a special time<br />
in Downtown Cedar Rapids.<br />
People are out and about<br />
enjoying amenities like bike<br />
lanes, community pianos,<br />
and unique events.<br />
The heart of the city comes<br />
alive with an energy not to<br />
be missed.”<br />
-Jesse Thoeming,<br />
Downtown Executive Director<br />
6 MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong><br />
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT<br />
Glasses clink from the tables of al fresco diners. Flowers bloom on<br />
every corner. Cyclists pedal down the bike lane towards a local<br />
brewery. Tunes from pianos fill the air. Welcome to summer in<br />
Downtown Cedar Rapids. Now, we prep. More than 200 planters are<br />
being filled with spring bulbs, so get ready for tons of color. Greene<br />
Square will once again be green, playing host to Food Truck Fridays<br />
<strong>May</strong> through September.<br />
Pops of color come in more forms than flowers. The Economic<br />
Alliance assisted the City of Cedar Rapids and Iowa BIG with<br />
support for a one-of-a-kind artwork initiative for seven storm drains.<br />
Community pianos are back by popular demand and will also be<br />
beautified by local artists. Look for both this month. And of course, the<br />
Downtown Farmers’ Market returns <strong>May</strong> 26. Read more market news<br />
on page 14.<br />
These beautification projects create a vibrant, lively downtown.<br />
Great downtowns pack a positive economic punch that benefits<br />
the entire city, with their high concentration of businesses and<br />
inhabitants. Our efforts create a district that keeps current and<br />
prospective residents coming back.
EXISTING INDUSTRY<br />
Insights, data and forecasts from business leaders drive the<br />
Economic Alliance’s priorities related to business expansion and<br />
retention, community development, business support and public<br />
policy. Data from our Existing Industry surveys in the past six<br />
months (Nov. 2017 – April <strong>2018</strong>) indicate optimistic outlooks for<br />
business growth, but show workforce availability and proposed<br />
legislative policies continue to be a concern for leaders.<br />
SNAPSHOT<br />
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT<br />
What the Economic Alliance is doing:<br />
• Workforce Availability: Workforce has been the top<br />
concern of businesses for several years now, with a<br />
combination of availability, stability and quality (see graphic)<br />
hurting businesses’ ability to grow. Your concerns were the<br />
primary reason we formed a joint venture with the Iowa<br />
City Area Development Group to create what’s now called<br />
ICR IOWA. Learn more about ICR IOWA’s efforts on page 9.<br />
Efforts extend beyond ICR IOWA with Economic Alliance<br />
partnerships, including the great work being done at<br />
Kirkwood Community College.<br />
• Legislative Policies: The adverse effects businesses noted<br />
regarding public policy include the uncertainties around<br />
tariffs and trade policies that directly affect Iowa’s economy.<br />
The Economic Alliance has represented businesses’ voice<br />
through our Congressional delegation on those issues. On a<br />
more promising legislative front, approval of the statewide<br />
Future Ready Iowa initiative should help make progress on<br />
workforce issues. The aim to get post-secondary education<br />
for 70% of Iowans by 2025 should boost available labor<br />
in high-demand career fields. The Economic Alliance has<br />
incorporated that goal as part of its scorecard metrics and<br />
will support the effort in every way possible.<br />
Availability Quality Stability Productivity<br />
Help Us Help You:<br />
We can only drive meaningful pro-growth strategies if we know<br />
what your business and your industry need to be successful. We<br />
represent the voice of the business community, and we want<br />
your voice to be heard. Reach out to Mike Lukan, Local Business<br />
Project Specialist at mlukan@cedarrapids.org or 319.730.1403<br />
to get connected to available resources and opportunities. 65.3%<br />
OF BUSINESSES SURVEYED<br />
48% 52% 68%<br />
7<br />
6<br />
5<br />
4<br />
3<br />
2<br />
1<br />
WORKFORCE CHARACTERISTICS<br />
3.77<br />
4.01<br />
3.77<br />
5.49<br />
5.21<br />
4.72<br />
5.31<br />
5.12<br />
5.16<br />
SEE RECENT AND ANTICIPATED<br />
LEGISLATIVE CHANGES<br />
ADVERSELY AFFECTING BUSINESS<br />
IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS<br />
5.61<br />
5.32<br />
5.54<br />
CR MSA ‘17 CR MSA ‘16 Iowa ‘17<br />
CR MSA<br />
‘16<br />
IOWA<br />
‘17<br />
CR MSA<br />
‘17<br />
BUSINESSES THAT PLAN TO<br />
EXPAND IN THE NEXT 3 YEARS<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
7
STRATEGIZING PUBLIC POLICY<br />
PRIORITIES<br />
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PUBLIC POLICY<br />
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is focused on<br />
the growth of our region and we work with our members to<br />
prioritize needs and implement strategies that make local<br />
businesses and our region successful. Our public policy strategy<br />
provides a unified voice of our members to advocate for progrowth<br />
and pro-business policies.<br />
With input from our more than 1,200 member businesses, our<br />
governance leadership, local municipalities and other strategic<br />
partners, we develop our yearly legislative agendas. Our state<br />
priorities this year have focused on programs that address<br />
workforce needs, meaningful tax reform and preserving economic<br />
development programs that help retain and recruit business. Our<br />
federal priorities have focused on pro-Iowa trade policies, job<br />
creating immigration reform and flood protection funding.<br />
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY ON JUNE 5<br />
VISION DOWNTOWN<br />
CEDAR RAPIDS<br />
PLAN OFFERS<br />
OPPORTUNITIES FOR<br />
DEVELOPMENT<br />
The historic flood of 2008 forever changed Cedar Rapids,<br />
but under strong leadership, the disaster was turned into<br />
possibility – an opportunity to reinvent the downtown.<br />
The Economic Alliance supports core district growth<br />
by implementing strategic plans for housing, signature<br />
streets and beautification, quality of life events and flood<br />
protection progress.<br />
In 2007, the Economic Alliance (then the Downtown<br />
District) along with other community partners,<br />
commissioned the first “Vision Downtown Cedar Rapids”<br />
plan, which provided a broad understanding of downtown’s<br />
purpose and helped to direct the energy and resources of<br />
future downtown development opportunities.<br />
With many of the initiatives realized and much of<br />
Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding districts<br />
transformed, we’re at a turning point.<br />
We saw early success when the Future Ready Iowa Act was<br />
signed into law after receiving unanimous support in both the<br />
House and Senate. The Economic Alliance hosted Governor<br />
Reynolds last year during her Future Ready Iowa Tour where<br />
members had the opportunity to provide feedback and<br />
recommendations to address our region’s workforce shortages<br />
and strategies to fill the skills gap. The law provides a plan<br />
for the state to create opportunities for more Iowans to have<br />
careers in high-demand fields by the year 2025.<br />
Our efforts continue through the year with strategies that<br />
utilize our state and national partners, staff lobbying and<br />
organized member grassroots advocacy.<br />
Electing pro-growth, pro-business candidates is vital to the Economic Alliance’s public policy advocacy efforts. This year Iowans will<br />
go to the polls to choose local, state and federal elected officials and our next chance to influence the outcome is on <strong>June</strong> 5,<br />
Primary Election Day. To vote in the Primary, you must be registered and choose a party affiliation. Go to the Iowa Secretary of<br />
State’s website, https://sos.iowa.gov, and look for the “Elections” section to view a full list of candidates and obtain information<br />
on how to register to vote.<br />
The most recent update to the plan in 2017 will launch an<br />
even bigger and brighter future thanks to some significant<br />
factors like undeveloped land, or impact sites, in the<br />
heart of downtown, collaborative district leadership and a<br />
general feeling of momentum for Downtown Cedar Rapids.<br />
You can read the entire updated Vision Downtown Cedar<br />
Rapids plan, on our website at www.cedarrapids.org/ourcommunity/downtown.<br />
8 MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong>
WHAT IS<br />
ICR IOWA?<br />
DRIVING<br />
DOWNTOWN<br />
DWELLING<br />
DEMAND<br />
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT<br />
The latest Cedar Rapids Housing Market Analysis commissioned<br />
annually by the City of Cedar Rapids, indicates that Downtown<br />
Cedar Rapids housing will continue to grow through 2030. New<br />
options are coming on the market all the time, supporting the<br />
demand. Higher populations of urban dwellers result in districts<br />
that are more viable for business success and improved vitality.<br />
Cedar Rapids developer Fred Timko certainly feels the<br />
continued demand for downtown housing. One of his newest<br />
projects, 15 rowhouse units called The Redstone in Kingston<br />
Village, is part of the surge of development in the downtown<br />
neighborhood of Kingston Village, an area severely impacted<br />
by 2008 flooding. Last year, the Economic Alliance assisted in<br />
securing Workforce Housing Tax Credits for The Redstone in<br />
Kingston Village. The purpose of the tax credit program is to<br />
take an abandoned, empty or decaying and neglected property<br />
and turn it into affordable housing for Iowa communities.<br />
In mid-April, after just two weeks of advertising, Fred received<br />
numerous inquiries about The Redstone, which formally<br />
opens in <strong>June</strong>. Many of the inquirers have been single, young<br />
professionals.<br />
The Redstone in Kingston Village was one of ten urban<br />
properties showcased on <strong>May</strong> 6, during Urban Living in<br />
Downtown Cedar Rapids. The open house event supports core<br />
district housing by bringing prospective downtown residents<br />
and property managers together to highlight the unique<br />
amenities enjoyed by those living downtown. If you couldn’t<br />
make the event, view our Interactive Downtown Housing Map<br />
on our website, at www.cedarrapids.org/our-community/coredistricts/downtown/housing.<br />
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT<br />
ICR IOWA is the new external-facing brand for our<br />
seven-county region and the new name for our<br />
regional economic development group, a joint venture<br />
between the Economic Alliance and Iowa City Area<br />
Development Group. The organization is charged with<br />
leading the efforts to market our region, grow our<br />
workforce, and recruit more businesses and individuals<br />
to locate here.<br />
Collectively across the region, and from our Economic<br />
Alliance members, we understand that recruiting<br />
and retaining a sufficient workforce is a top concern.<br />
We are working together as a region to collectively<br />
strengthen our communities and strategically attract<br />
and develop the necessary talent for growth.<br />
To best identify each of the core areas of ICR IOWA’s<br />
work, the following sub-brands have been created:<br />
• Choose ICR - business attraction efforts<br />
• ICR Future - talent pipeline efforts<br />
• ICR Talent - workforce attraction and retention efforts<br />
• Inclusive ICR - diversity workforce efforts<br />
We are encouraging businesses, organizations, and our<br />
cities and counties to help us amplify ICR IOWA by<br />
using the brand in their own marketing.<br />
• Add the Proud to be in ICR IOWA logo to your<br />
website and printed materials, showcasing that<br />
you are a part of the region.<br />
Visit https://bit.ly/2r4qKnB to download logos.<br />
• Add #ICRIOWA to social media posts that showcase<br />
business growth, workforce development,<br />
and quality of life in our region.<br />
If you’re interested in learning more, please contact<br />
Jennifer Daly, President & CEO of ICR IOWA,<br />
at jdaly@icriowa.org.<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
9
Cultivating Economic Prosperity Through<br />
Entrepreneurial Partnership<br />
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT<br />
Two years ago, the Economic Alliance announced a new<br />
partnership with the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative,<br />
or NewBoCo, an organization focused on accelerating worldchanging<br />
ideas from Iowa. The flagship of the partnership<br />
is EntreFEST, one of the Midwest’s largest innovation and<br />
entrepreneurial conferences. EntreFEST has existed for nearly a<br />
decade, but <strong>2018</strong> marks the second year the Economic Alliance<br />
and NewBoCo are co-producing the event.<br />
Happening in Downtown Cedar Rapids and surrounding<br />
neighborhoods <strong>May</strong> 17-18, EntreFEST gathers hundreds from<br />
across the country to think outside of the box, learn about<br />
emerging technology trends and discover new ways to grow their<br />
business, no matter its size, from world-renowned experts.<br />
The Economic Alliance’s mission is to be the top economic growth<br />
region in the country. There are a lot of avenues to make that<br />
happen, like finding ways to assist businesses in their growth,<br />
advocating for business-friendly policies, offering programs and<br />
training opportunities to develop the region’s talent and planning<br />
events that spur community development, to name a few.<br />
Fostering a successful entrepreneurial ecosystem is another<br />
component in achieving economic prosperity. Startups and<br />
entrepreneurs take innovative approaches to solve problems and<br />
represent the job creators of tomorrow. A healthy entrepreneurial<br />
ecosystem supports a lasting, resilient business community.<br />
We also know that the entrepreneurial mindset can be incredibly<br />
valuable for members of the business community. Since the<br />
Economic Alliance and NewBoCo started co-producing the event,<br />
EntreFEST has been transformed into a corporate innovation event<br />
with programming that’s relevant for numerous people in virtually<br />
any organization. By nature, entrepreneurs must be nimble,<br />
constantly keep customers top of mind, be okay with making<br />
mistakes and are incredibly passionate about what they do.<br />
They’re deeply invested in the outcome of their business. These<br />
are all traits any business would desire in current and potential<br />
employees.<br />
We look forward to the next chapter in our partnership with<br />
NewBoCo and what it will bring for the business community<br />
and the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Find everything EntreFEST,<br />
including speakers, after-hours activities and more at<br />
www.EntreFEST.com.<br />
10 MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong>
Intern Welcome Reception | Coe College | Thursday,<br />
<strong>June</strong> 14 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.<br />
Interns will network, kick back with yard games, fill up<br />
on BBQ and treats and receive a special welcome from<br />
business community leaders.<br />
RETAINING WORKFORCE<br />
WITH THE LEADERSHIP FOR<br />
FIVE SEASONS COLLEGE &<br />
INTERN PROGRAM<br />
REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT<br />
Summer is quickly approaching, and with it brings summer<br />
interns. Businesses attract interns from near and far. Today’s<br />
interns are tomorrow’s full-time employees, and ultimately,<br />
we want those employees here. Enter the Leadership for Five<br />
Seasons College & Intern Program. Interns need to see what<br />
it’s like to live here before they decide to stay and know their<br />
employer values their growth. That’s why this year’s program<br />
has two parts: the Internship Summer Series and Quality of Life<br />
events.<br />
Internship Summer Series<br />
Higher learning institutions play an important role in retaining<br />
young talent. Presented in conjunction with Coe College, the<br />
Economic Alliance is collaborating with area business leaders<br />
to share their advice and insight. Interns will also hear from<br />
experts on relevant topics like time management, networking,<br />
professional branding, team building in a diverse workplace<br />
and more. Save these dates and share them with interns in your<br />
office:<br />
• Monday, <strong>June</strong> 25 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Athletic Recreation<br />
Complex, Coe College<br />
• Monday, July 16 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Athletic Recreation<br />
Complex, Coe College<br />
• Monday, August 6 from 4 – 5:30 p.m. | Athletic<br />
Recreation Complex, Coe College<br />
Quality of Life events are designed to connect interns outside<br />
of the office and showcase some of our community’s amazing<br />
quality of life amenities.<br />
Intern Progressive Dinner | Downtown Cedar Rapids +<br />
surrounding neighborhoods | evening of Saturday, July 21<br />
This is a popular event every summer. The downtown area<br />
has amazing, local restaurants, so we’re putting them<br />
center stage.<br />
Economic Alliance members can register for all events on<br />
our Events Calendar at www.cedarrapids.org. Questions?<br />
Contact Jordan Atwater, Leadership and Business Programs<br />
Specialist at jatwater@cedarrapids.org or 319.730.1412.<br />
Joint Corridor<br />
Business PM<br />
Hosted By<br />
Thursday, <strong>May</strong> 24th, 4:30-6:30 pm<br />
Please join us for refreshments,wine and appetizers<br />
565 Cameron Way, #108, North Liberty<br />
319- 626- 6873<br />
Cohosts:<br />
*Complimentary for Chamber and EA members<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
11
CEDAR RAPIDS<br />
NAMED<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
COMMUNITY<br />
OF THE YEAR<br />
Doug Neumann, executive director,<br />
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance,<br />
accepts award in Des Moines<br />
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT<br />
Congratulations to Cedar Rapids for receiving the<br />
Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) Prometheus Award for<br />
Technology Community of the Year!<br />
Cedar Rapids was acknowledged as a leader in<br />
telecommunications, manufacturing and alternative<br />
energy. Our local companies improve the way<br />
we feed the world through bioprocessing and<br />
manufacturing, power the planet through<br />
alternative energy, and grow technical<br />
talent through Iowa’s premier code school<br />
and partnerships between employers and<br />
educational institutions.<br />
The Prometheus Awards acknowledge individuals<br />
and companies impacting Iowa’s $11 billion<br />
technology industry, which accounts for 8.8<br />
percent of the state’s GDP and employs over<br />
76,000 workers. Finalists and award winners<br />
epitomize the great talent and innovation<br />
that permeates through our state. We are<br />
proud Cedar Rapids is recognized as a<br />
leading community that embodies these<br />
characteristics.<br />
Thank you to our partners at NewBoCo for<br />
assisting the Economic Alliance in Cedar<br />
Rapids’ nomination.<br />
CELEBRATE ALL-STARS OF ICR WITH<br />
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE!<br />
LARGE INVESTOR NEWS<br />
The event will begin with a networking reception,<br />
followed by lunch and the awards ceremony. Winners<br />
will be recognized from each of the following sectors:<br />
LUNCHEON<br />
<strong>May</strong> 24, <strong>2018</strong> | The Hotel at Kirkwood Center | 11:30am-1pm<br />
Advanced Manufacturing<br />
Architecture, Construction & Engineering<br />
Health Care<br />
Financial Service, Insurance & Customer Service<br />
Information Technology<br />
Transportation<br />
Join Kirkwood Community College in in celebrating the the All-Stars of<br />
ICR, Iowa City Cedar Rapids region!<br />
of ICR, Iowa City Cedar Rapids region!<br />
Thirteen “all-star” employees will be recognized for demonstrating<br />
leadership skills, work accomplishments and commitment to their careers.<br />
Thirteen Honorees represent “all-star” 18-35 employees year-olds will in diverse be recognized career fields across for a variety<br />
of industries. Winners were chosen by the ICR Iowa Industry Sector Boards.<br />
demonstrating leadership skills, work accomplishments and<br />
The event will begin with a networking reception, followed by lunch and the<br />
commitment to their careers. Honorees represent 18-35<br />
awards ceremony. Winners will be recognized from each of the following<br />
year-olds sectors: in diverse career fields across a variety of industries.<br />
Winners Advanced Manufacturing were chosen by the Architecture, ICR Iowa Construction Industry & Engineering Sector Boards.<br />
Health Care<br />
Information Technology<br />
12 MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong><br />
Individual fee: $49<br />
Financial Service , Insurance & Customer Service<br />
Transportation<br />
Individual fee: $49<br />
Table seating (10 people): $400<br />
Pre-registration is required by calling 319-398-1022.
Corridor Business Journal<br />
2345 Landon Road, Ste. 100<br />
North Liberty, IA 52317<br />
REFER - A - FRIEND PROGRAM<br />
ENDS JUNE 29<br />
Refer a friend, get rewarded!<br />
Members join the Economic Alliance to grow their business,<br />
connect with resources and business leaders, develop their<br />
team and community leaders and help build our region,<br />
workforce, economy and quality of life. Know of a business that<br />
isn’t a member yet but needs to get in on the action? Refer<br />
them to become a member and YOU could receive one of the<br />
rewards shown on the right, as our way of saying “thank you!”<br />
ONE TWO-HOUR CONFERENCE<br />
ROOM RENTAL CREDIT<br />
ONE BANNER AD IN A<br />
MONTHLY EBLAST<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
Don’t wait! If you refer a friend, they must become a member<br />
by Friday, <strong>June</strong> 29 for you to receive your reward. Send<br />
your friend a link to the Become a Member form at www.<br />
cedarrapids.org/membership/become-member and remind<br />
them to fill in who referred them (that’s you!)<br />
ONE TICKET TO A<br />
SIGNATURE EVENT<br />
Any questions? Contact Jody Guither, Business Relations<br />
Specialist at jguither@cedarrapids.org or 319.730.1404.<br />
GETCONNECTED…<br />
2017<br />
$2.00 I A LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS WEEKLY IN IOWA’S CREATIVE CORRIDOR I JULY 17 - 23, 2017<br />
2017's Best of<br />
the Corridor II<br />
Sparks fly when we discuss who’s the best in the<br />
Corridor. In the spirit of democracy, however, the<br />
CBJ held a calm and orderly vote by readers back in<br />
<strong>June</strong>, which we call our annual Best of the Corridor<br />
competition. After profiling the first group of 25<br />
winners in last week’s edition, we invite you turn the<br />
page to see who cleaned up in Best Cleaning Service,<br />
who locked down Best Security Company, and who<br />
wrote the book on Best Printer, among others. >><br />
CBJ's Hall<br />
of Fame<br />
See the nex two<br />
businesses to be<br />
inducted into the<br />
Corridor's most<br />
exclusive club.<br />
$2.00 I A LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS WEEKLY IN IOWA’S CREATIVE CORRIDOR I APRIL 16 - 22, <strong>2018</strong><br />
Fireworks burst around the Tree of Five Seasons in downtown Cedar Rapids. PHOTO WILLIAM BUCKETS<br />
HALL<br />
OF<br />
FAME<br />
CULTIVATING ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH ENTREPRENEURIAL PARTNERSHIPS<br />
DRIVING DOWNTOWN DWELLING DEMAND • EXISTING INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT<br />
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET NEWS • LFS CALLS FOR INTERNS<br />
R E P O R T<br />
MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong><br />
When you promote your<br />
business in the monthly Cedar<br />
Rapids Metro Economic Alliance<br />
<strong>Report</strong>, you connect with a wide<br />
audience of decision makers.<br />
The CBJ has been proud to serve<br />
business news to a targeted<br />
audience of community leaders<br />
and top professionals since 2004.<br />
FOR ADVERTISING RATES CONTACT:<br />
Judith Cobb at (319) 665-6397, ext. 318 or judith@corridorbusiness.com<br />
Corridor Business Journal<br />
2345 Landon Road, Ste. 100<br />
North Liberty, IA 52317<br />
NEXT WEEK’S CBJ<br />
The April 23rd edition of the CBJ wi l include a special senior<br />
living section. The focus wi l be Going Up: Building Projects in the<br />
Corridor and the CBJ List wi l be Architecture Firms.<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
13
Produce & flowers<br />
Toiletries & Pet Items<br />
Specialty Food & Alcohol<br />
Prepared Food & Baked Goods<br />
Artisans<br />
KWWL<br />
KCRG<br />
The<br />
Gazette<br />
DAY<br />
SPONSORS<br />
DAY<br />
SPONSORS<br />
WMT<br />
MAY 26<br />
JUNE 2<br />
JUNE 16<br />
JULY 7<br />
JULY 21<br />
AUGUST 4<br />
AUGUST 18<br />
SEPTEMBER 1<br />
NEW START DATE FOR 13TH<br />
SEASON OF CEDAR RAPIDS<br />
DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKETS<br />
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT<br />
Downtown Farmers’ Market Saturdays are closer than you may<br />
think! The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market presented<br />
by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust begins Saturday, <strong>May</strong> 26 from<br />
7:30 a.m. to noon.<br />
Each Downtown Farmers’ Market brings an average of 14,000<br />
people to Downtown Cedar Rapids. Not only does the event<br />
serve as a catalyst for small businesses in Iowa who are selected<br />
to vend, but brick and mortar businesses in the venue and<br />
surrounding area benefit from the thousands of potential<br />
customers. Each Downtown Farmers’ Market season sees an<br />
average economic impact of $3.1M to our community.<br />
Search by vendor name or product type as you plan your<br />
morning at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, using the online<br />
venue map, available at CRDowntownMarket.com. Be sure<br />
to pick up the Sunday, <strong>May</strong> 20 edition of The Gazette for our<br />
Downtown Farmers’ Market Guide, filled with the venue map,<br />
entertainment, market tips and more. The Downtown Farmers’<br />
Market Guide is the perfect companion all market season long.<br />
New This Season: Mug Club, which offers exclusive deals<br />
and discounts from a variety of vendors all season long<br />
14 MAY/JUNE <strong>2018</strong><br />
BASKET<br />
BOWTIQUE<br />
126B<br />
2S<br />
KGAN<br />
MARIE’S<br />
JEWELRY<br />
106<br />
108<br />
110<br />
112<br />
114<br />
116<br />
118<br />
120<br />
122<br />
124<br />
126<br />
SIMPLY<br />
DIVINE<br />
2nd St. SE<br />
87<br />
89<br />
102<br />
85<br />
100<br />
128<br />
83<br />
98<br />
130<br />
2nd Ave. SE<br />
81<br />
BALLOON<br />
ANIMALS<br />
96<br />
NEED PIZZA<br />
GRINGOS<br />
94<br />
2A<br />
92<br />
ENCHANTED<br />
GIFT<br />
COFFEE<br />
EMPORIUM<br />
PARKING<br />
111<br />
2A GRIN ‘N’<br />
2A 2A<br />
GOOSE<br />
113<br />
PUB 217<br />
INSIGHTS<br />
BOUTIQUE<br />
PARKING<br />
ART<br />
MUSEUM<br />
125<br />
3A 3A 3A<br />
127<br />
3rd Ave. SE<br />
3A<br />
MAP KEY<br />
90<br />
88<br />
4th Ave. SE<br />
86<br />
84<br />
3S<br />
SNAP<br />
CRBT<br />
3rd St. SE<br />
INFO<br />
when you show your mug. It’s not just for<br />
coffee! Discounts will extend to all types of<br />
products with participating vendors. Purchase<br />
the mug (pictured right) for $10 online<br />
at CRDowntownMarket.com, at our office<br />
(501 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids) or at the Info<br />
Booth every Downtown Farmers’ Market.<br />
A list of Mug Club specials can be found at<br />
CRDowntownMarket.com. See you downtown<br />
on Saturday, <strong>May</strong> 26!<br />
Thanks to our<br />
Presenting Sponsor<br />
91<br />
93<br />
95<br />
132<br />
79<br />
97<br />
134<br />
77<br />
99<br />
Media<br />
com<br />
75<br />
101<br />
138<br />
73<br />
103<br />
140<br />
105<br />
142<br />
COLORING<br />
MURAL<br />
107<br />
Wick<br />
wire<br />
109<br />
144<br />
146<br />
148<br />
NP<br />
152<br />
154<br />
FACEPAINTING<br />
115<br />
117<br />
119<br />
121<br />
129<br />
131<br />
133<br />
135<br />
3S<br />
3S<br />
KZIA<br />
VanDer<br />
Ginst<br />
82<br />
71<br />
156<br />
139<br />
80<br />
69<br />
158<br />
141<br />
ImOn<br />
67<br />
160<br />
143<br />
76<br />
65<br />
162<br />
145<br />
2A<br />
74<br />
63<br />
166<br />
147<br />
3A<br />
72<br />
61<br />
168<br />
149<br />
BRICKS BAR<br />
70<br />
59<br />
170<br />
151<br />
68<br />
57<br />
172<br />
153<br />
66<br />
55<br />
174<br />
155<br />
176<br />
157<br />
64<br />
53<br />
178<br />
159<br />
Life<br />
101.9<br />
Stage<br />
BALLOON<br />
ANIMALS<br />
51<br />
180<br />
161<br />
60<br />
182<br />
163<br />
49<br />
58<br />
184<br />
165<br />
47<br />
2A<br />
56<br />
186<br />
167<br />
45<br />
3A<br />
54<br />
188<br />
169<br />
ADDITIONAL<br />
ENTERTAINMENT<br />
43<br />
52<br />
190<br />
171<br />
Greene Square<br />
41<br />
BIKE CORRAL<br />
50<br />
192<br />
173<br />
39<br />
5S<br />
48<br />
5S<br />
194<br />
175<br />
46<br />
44<br />
NP<br />
40<br />
38<br />
36<br />
34<br />
NP<br />
30<br />
28<br />
26<br />
24<br />
22<br />
196<br />
177<br />
20<br />
18<br />
16<br />
14<br />
12<br />
10<br />
8<br />
6<br />
4<br />
2<br />
5th St. SE<br />
37<br />
35<br />
33<br />
31<br />
29<br />
27<br />
25<br />
23<br />
19<br />
15<br />
13<br />
11<br />
9<br />
7<br />
5<br />
3<br />
1<br />
5S 5S<br />
Pick Up Your<br />
Mug Club Mug at the<br />
Info Booth for $10!
ROBERT HALF:<br />
A PIONEER<br />
IN PROFESSIONAL<br />
STAFFING<br />
MEMBER<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
Robert Half is a specialized staffing firm with 300 locations across<br />
the globe. The Cedar Rapids office services Cedar Rapids, Iowa City,<br />
Waterloo and Cedar Falls. We spoke with Julie Albert, Cedar Rapids<br />
Branch Manager, to learn more about Robert Half and trends they’re<br />
seeing in the current job market.<br />
What makes Robert Half unique?<br />
We match great people with great companies. Robert Half is the<br />
world’s first and largest specialized staffing firm, as we pioneered the<br />
idea of professional staffing services nearly 70 years ago. As the needs<br />
of businesses have evolved, so have we. Our clients and candidates<br />
find value in professional-level staffing, which is why we launched a<br />
series of professional staffing divisions in the finance and accounting,<br />
legal, creative and marketing, technology and administrative fields.<br />
Specialization benefits both us and our clients because we can<br />
focus on the top 10% of local candidates to make sure we’re placing<br />
qualified and readily available professionals.<br />
Availability of workforce is a top concern<br />
for our member businesses. What strategy<br />
does Robert Half use to find qualified<br />
candidates for businesses with open<br />
positions?<br />
Iowa’s unemployment rate recently hit an 18-year low. This is very<br />
positive news for job seekers and our local economy, but it can prove<br />
difficult for businesses looking to hire top talent. In this case, it’s<br />
important for employers to reach candidates who are both actively<br />
and passively seeking a new job opportunity. A passive candidate is<br />
someone who’s currently employed and not actively searching for a<br />
job, but may be open to changing positions if the right opportunity<br />
arose. That’s the advantage of partnering with a specialized staffing<br />
firm such as Robert Half; we have access to an extensive network of<br />
both active and passive job seekers, and can identify the right match in<br />
terms of skills, as well as corporate culture fit.<br />
Another trend we’re seeing is more employers – and candidates –<br />
interested in temp-to-full time positions. Hiring a full-time employee is<br />
an investment for businesses, and temp-to-full time is an ideal way for<br />
the candidate and employer to try each other out before making a final<br />
decision. Businesses that adopt a temp-to-hire strategy benefit from<br />
observing job candidates firsthand — and by hiring people who’ve<br />
gained a familiarity with the organization and its corporate culture.<br />
This approach to staffing provides a hands-on, realistic way of choosing<br />
a new employee with a lower risk of a hiring mistake.<br />
Learn more about Robert Half on their website, RobertHalf.com.<br />
ECONOMIC ALLIANCE REPORT<br />
15
Stop the burnout<br />
Upgrade to LED lighting<br />
LEDs last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. That means less time changing<br />
bulbs and more time running your business. With money-saving rebates, it’s the<br />
perfect time to make the switch.<br />
alliantenergy.com/rebates<br />
1-866-ALLIANT (866-255-4268)<br />
Rebates are for existing buildings only. Must be ENERGY STAR ®<br />
or DesignLights Consortium ® (DLC) qualified.<br />
© <strong>2018</strong> Alliant Energy 6280701 3/18 MJ