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Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

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The Economic Alliance Report is the monthly newsletter for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. The monthly report features regional news and announcements relevant to the business community, as well as upcoming events. The 20 page newsletter is mailed at the beginning of each month to more than 4,800 members and has a readership far exceeding 5,000.
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August 2012
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Page 1: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

August 2012

Page 2: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Table of ContentsArticle, Page

From the President’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

August Featured Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

JLG Downtown Vision Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Downtown Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Bipartisan Support for Some

Economic Growth Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Recap of RAGBRAI’s 40th Celebration . . . . . .7

ImpactCR: Next Gen . Summit . . . . . . . . . . .8

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Your Innovation Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11

14th Annual Golf Outing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

IFT Trade Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Unlocking Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Conquer the Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

CRBT Drive-in Movie Series . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ribbon Cuttings & New Members . . . . . . . . 17

July PM Exchange Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

August PM Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

MyTERNNOW:

Same Great Program, New Look! . . . . . . . . 19

August 2012Volume 81 No 12 (uSPS558-200)

Economic Alliance Report (ISSN 108-50775) is published monthly by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 501 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 .

Subscription price of $35 per year is included in an annual membership .

Periodicals postage paid at Cedar Rapids, Iowa .

Postmaster: Send changes to:Economic Alliance Report Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance501 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-2011

President & CEO: Dee BairdEditor: Mallory Mohwinkle

Contact the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission .

2 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 3: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

From the President’s Desk:

What an exciting six months it has been since the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance began Jan . 1! We hit the ground running, working toward fulfilling the promises we made during the merger process. Everything we do is concentrated on achieving the Economic Alliance’s vision to be the top economic growth region in the country .

The foundation for the Economic Alliance began in 2011, with significant work done to merge the three legacy organizations—the Chamber of Commerce, Priority One and the Downtown District . A new governance

structure, featuring a Policy Board, three Innovation Councils and a Large Investor Council, was created to provide integral leadership and input into the strategic direction of the Economic Alliance . Our work is guided by the core functions focusing on business support, community development, economic development and public policy .

In addition to those changes, we have made a physical change by moving into a new facility at 501 First Street SE . The building has been designed in a smart, innovative and progressive manner to better reflect our organization, the community and Iowa’s Creative Corridor. As our Policy Board Chairman Barry Boyer has stated, we moved four blocks and 40 years . Formerly the Science Station, this facility is a prime example of repurposing a building closed since before the 2008 flood. We are excited to show off the facility, so please save September 25 from 5–7 p .m . for the Economic Alliance Grand Opening!

As we have marked these milestones, we continue the important day-to-day work for you—our valued customer . Since the start of the year, the following has been accomplished:

• Met with 593 customers to gain feedback about their business and how we may assist

• Retained 86% of our existing customer base

• Welcomed more than 75 new customers who have joined our efforts

• Held 47 employer meetings as part of our workforce development initiative

• Met with more than 900 “pipeline” employees at career fairs and Myternnow events

• Met with over 100 economic development prospects within our target areas of bio-processing, food products, information technology, electronic equipment, and financial services

• Continued to work with 27 companies expected to make expansion decisions within 12 months

• Held 50 Conquer the Corridor presentations, helping more than 1,300 people understand the opportunities in our region

• Held 20 events in which more than 40,000 have attended, advancing support of central districts and the businesses located within

In the coming weeks you will receive additional communication from the Economic Alliance explaining the investment schedule and the benefits you receive as a valued customer. We look forward to serving you to enhance our community and the Creative Corridor .

Regards,

Dee Baird, President & CEO

3AUGUST 2012

Page 4: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Featured Customer of the Month

4 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 5: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Updating C.R.’s Downtown Framework Plan

An update of a Cedar Rapids downtown development plan has involved some 250 stakeholders, including more than 70 who shared their feedback and opinions at a series of meetings at the Economic Alliance late last month. It was a mouthful when it was unveiled in 2007 —the Vision Cedar Rapids Downtown Framework Plan. Stakeholders quickly shortened that to make it popularly known as “The JLG Plan.” And it just as quickly became everyone’s common vision for a host of downtown development issues. Business leaders rallied with plans to invest in several JLG Plan initiatives while elected officials used the plan to prioritize new public sector investments .

The Flood of 2008 interrupted that progress and markedly changed the way redevelopment would progress . But even then, the JLG Plan guided land-use decisions, infrastructure priorities and programming initiatives .

Time flies when dealing with one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. It’s been five years since that report from the urban planning and architectural firm JLG Architects was published, and an update was needed to ensure the plan will stay relevant and useful to downtown development .

JLG Architects was re-hired last fall to begin work on a plan update . JLG engaged downtown leaders in two separate planning workshops late last year. The firm also reviewed the City’s new parks and open space plan, as well as the series of riverfront and neighborhood plans that came out of the City-sponsored Neighborhood Planning Process. The final step in the process was to review flood protection planning and to meet one last time with downtown stakeholders. Urban planners met specifically with the Downtown SSMID Board and the Economic Alliance’s Community Development Innovation Council in late July . Additional sessions were held with city government officials, neighborhood leaders and downtown business and property owners .

All of that work will now be compiled into a 2012 JLG Plan Update which will be published this fall .

“The progress you’ve made is extraordinary,” said Lonnie Laffen, a principal with JLG Architects who authored the 2007 plan and also is writing the 2012 update. “It’s clear that you have work to do on flood protection and riverfront development, and that will eventually happen . You also need to work harder to get downtown housing initiatives started, because not a lot of progress has been made on that front in the last five years . But on virtually all other aspects of that original plan, the downtown has made incredible progress . You have a lot to be proud of.”

The original funders of the 2007 plan—the City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, 2001 Development Corp . and the pre-merger legacy organizations that are now the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance—all agreed to fund an update to the plan and work together on a common, cooperative vision for downtown .

An image from the 2007 plan now being updated

5AUGUST 2012

Page 6: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

“They’re a breath of fresh air.”Joe Schmitt& Joe DoddsPresident & Executive VPRapids Wholesale Equipment/Porters Camera Store

BANKERS TRUSTcommercial banker:Jeff Hinestreasury services officer:Jen Welton

“Bankers Trust is like banking the way it used to

be,” says Joe S. His brother-in-law and business

partner Joe D. agrees, “They’re honest, and their

decisions are quick and on point.” Joe S. adds,

“We couldn’t be more content with a bank.“

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

Member FDIC

6 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 7: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

RAGBRAI Recap The Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of Cedar Rapids and the Economic Alliance teamed up to create two days of activities and entertainment, safe haven campgrounds and more for more than 15,000 RAGBRAI riders . As details continue to roll in, we

plan to report the economic impact that this coveted event made on our business community. Here’s a look back at the two-day event .

Bipartisan Support For Some Economic Growth PoliciesMany suggest we’re living in some of the most divisive political times in U .S . history . Certainly ‘compromise’ and ‘bipartisanship’ are dirty words these days, particularly in Congress but in many statehouses across the country as well . Competitive electoral campaign seasons seem to amplify the extremes and polarize political positions even more .

Yet when it comes to economic growth, there are issues finding strong bipartisan support. Some of the top public policy initiatives of the Economic Alliance have united Iowa’s congressional delegation and continue to have support from both Republican and Democratic sources . When issues like this struggle, it’s more often because of differences based on geo-political circumstances or the opposition from just a few lawmakers who happen to be in positions able to stalemate debate .

Two public policy issues getting particular attention right now are the production tax credit and the farm bill . The Economic Alliance is supportive of both, and we continue to urge Iowa lawmakers to find a way to get these bills through Congress .

Production Tax CreditsThe production tax credit gives wind farms a credit of 2 .2 cents per kilowatt hour of energy produced . Without it, wind power would not be economically feasible and the jobs and capital investment that have flowed to Iowa during the expansion of the wind industry would never have occurred .

Iowa is among the nation’s top wind energy producing states . More than 2,000 Iowans are employed in the production of wind turbines and towers, including a strong employment base at Clipper Windpower in Cedar Rapids . An additional 5,000 Iowans are employed in other wind energy businesses . But the promise of additional jobs and new projects have gone cold as Congress failed repeatedly this year to extend the tax credit . Although the credit doesn’t technically end until December 31,

2012, the uncertainty of the tax credit has already caused most projects in planning stages to have been abandoned.

The U .S senators and representatives from Iowa have been pushing for the extension, and have even been willing to do some politically difficult lobbying for wind energy . When the campaign of presumptive Republic presidential nominee Mitt Romney came out last month in opposition to extending the wind energy tax credit, Congressman Tom Latham urged Romney to educate himself on the issue and reconsider that position. “Wind energy represents one of the most innovative and exciting sectors of Iowa’s economy,” a statement from Latham said. “… A continuation of the wind energy tax credit is in the best interest of our nation’s all-of-the-above energy policy for American energy independence and for our economy.”

Food, Farm & Jobs BillCommonly known as the “Farm Bill,” this legislation is championed by former Iowa governor and now U .S . Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack . It also has had unanimous support of Iowa’s U .S . senators and representatives from both parties . The Senate’s version of the bill was approved on a 65-35 bipartisan vote, with Senators Grassley and Harkin both in support. The House Agriculture Committee passed its version by an even stronger bipartisan margin, 35-11 . But the bill stalled and has not been debated on the House floor.

All five Iowa congressman—three Democrats and two Republicans—have united to try to force the House to vote on the bill, contending that passage of the bill would be good for the Iowa economy .

The legislation includes crop insurance provisions and other elements to safeguard and enhance crop and livestock farmers . It also includes food stamp spending and regulations, which have proved more controversial than many of the agricultural issues .

7AUGUST 2012

Page 8: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Monday, October 15

8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.The Hotel at Kirkwood Center7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Quinn Pettifer at 319/730.1404 or [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE! Next Gen. Summit

ImpactCR and EPIC are collaborating to create a special half-day Next Gen . Summit from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. October 15 at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center.

The morning will feature a variety of workshops and panels for young professionals living and working in Iowa’s Creative Corridor, followed by a special Non-profit Fair hosted by United Way . We are also honored and excited to announce this event will feature nationally-known speaker Rebecca Ryan, who will keynote our lunch session .

Rebecca Ryan is a human sparkplug . She is one part economist, one part futurist, and one part humorist . (That’s right: economists can be funny .) Rebecca inspires audiences to think differently about the future…their future. Author of “Live First, Work Second,” and “ReGENERATION,” Rebecca is earning accolades as “a voice for the next generation.”

Special thanks to our sponsors Kaplan University, Van Meter Inc., Dardis Communications and Corridor Coworks/Business Exchange Center .

Stay tuned to impactcr.org for registration and full details on this exciting fall event!

Upcoming ImpactCR Events

BigWig Lunch Talk August 16Noon to 1:00 p .m .Economic Alliance Multi-Purpose Room501 First Street SE

Join ImpactCR for their professional development brown bag lunch on August 16 from Noon-1 p .m . with this month’s BigWig—Ann Poe, director of the NewBo Market . This event is free to attend . Seats are limited, so please register at cedarrapids .org . Our BigWig Lunch Talk (BLT) is a unique way to connect with a local leader—like Ann—in an informal setting, learn about their professional adventures and ask questions that might influence your own professional journey.

Sponsored by:

ImpactCR Night at the KernelsAugust 166:30 p .m .Veterans Memorial Stadium950 Rockford Road SW

Join ImpactCR for a group night to watch the Cedar Rapids Kernels take on the Quad City River Bandits on August 16 . Gates open at 5:35 p .m . with the game set to start at 6:35 p .m . Pre-payment is required on cedarrapids .org and your tickets will be available the day of the game at the Will Call window .

The MBA for Professionals & Managers delivered in Cedar Rapids

8 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 9: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

August

■ Downtown Farmers’ Market August 4, 7:30 a.m.–Noon, Rain or Shine!

Enjoy vendors in Greene Square Park, along 3rd & 4th Avenues, looping from 5th Street to 2nd Street .

Our Downtown Farmers’ Market has become one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest, with as many as 15,000 patrons visiting each market! We are proud to have more than 220 local Iowa vendors offering fresh produce, a variety of baked goods, artisan gifts, meats and dairy products . Live music, dancers and street performances round out this eclectic Cedar Rapids original .

■ MyTERNNOW: Progressive Dinner August 4, 7 p.m.Czech Village/New Bohemia Neighborhood

The last progressive dinner of our summer intern series will center around history, culture and entertainment in Cedar Rapids . This neighborhood is growing quickly, offering a variety of bars and restaurants with outdoor seating and live music . Please register your intern at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ CRBT Drive-in Movie Series featuring “UP”August 11, 7:00 p.m. Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, 500 First Avenue NE

Join us for a free movie night under the stars! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, or arrive early to park and watch from your car . Popcorn is compliments of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust . Parking and activities begin at 7 p .m . The movie begins at dusk .

■ ImpactCR: BigWig Lunch Talk with Ann PoeAugust 16, Noon-1 p.m.Economic Alliance Multi-purpose Room501 First Street SE

Join ImpactCR for a community conversation with Ann Poe, director of the NewBo District . This event is a brown bag lunch and free to attend . Please register at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ August PM ExchangeAugust 16, 5-7 p.m.Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, 701 10th Street SE

No registration required . Free to attend .

■ ImpactCR: Night at the Kernels! August 16, 6:30 p.m.Veterans Memorial Stadium 950 Rockford Rd SW

Join ImpactCR as the Cedar Rapids Kernels take on the Quad City River Bandits! Gates open at 5:35 p.m. with first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Pre-payment is required on www .cedarrapids .org, and your tickets will be available at Will Call on the day of the game .

■ Downtown Farmers’ Market August 18, 7:30 a.m.–Noon, Rain or Shine!

Enjoy vendors in Greene Square Park, along 3rd & 4th Avenues, looping from 5th Street to 2nd Street .

Community Calendar ■ 14th Annual Golf OutingAugust 20, Noon-6 p.m.Elmcrest Country Club, 1 Zach Johnson Drive NE

Gather your team for our 4-person, Best Shot day at the course . Registration and driving range open at 11 a .m . with shotgun start at noon . Register online at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ Unlocking Your MembershipAugust 21, Noon-1 p.m.Economic Alliance, 501 First Street SE

This popular meeting is the perfect opportunity for customers who want to become familiar or reacquainted with all the benefits, events and programs offered to you to help grow your business . Meet our professional team and learn ways to get involved and help grow our business community . This event is free to attend; however please register at www .cedarrapids .org . Lunch will be provided .

■ Conquer the CorridorAugust 28, 8-9 a.m.Economic Alliance Multi-purpose Room501 First Street SE

Join staff and volunteers from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance as they share their stories of resource triumph through Conquer the Corridor—an interactive presentation designed to get you familiar with everything in the Creative Corridor . This event is free to attend; however please register at cedarrapids .org .

September

■ Downtown Farmers’ Market Sept. 1, 7:30 a.m.–Noon, Rain or Shine!

Enjoy vendors in Greene Square Park, along 3rd & 4th Avenues, looping from 5th Street to 2nd Street .

■ ImpactCR Siren WednesdaySept. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Elmcrest Country Club, 1 Zach Johnson Drive NE

Enjoy a casual and fun night of networking with ImpactCR on the first Wednesday of the month! No registration required. Free to attend .

■ Leadership for Five Seasons: 12th Annual Golf OutingSept. 7, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.Airport National Public Golf, Range & Mini Golf3001 Wright Brothers Boulevard

■ Downtown Farmers’ Market Sept. 15, 7:30 a.m.–Noon, Rain or Shine!

Enjoy vendors in Greene Square Park, along 3rd & 4th Avenues, looping from 5th Street to 2nd Street .

■ September PM ExchangeSept. 20, 5-7 p.m.Rapids Reproductions, 6015 Huntington Court NE

No registration required . Free to attend .

The MBA for Professionals & Managers delivered in Cedar Rapids

9AUGUST 2012

Page 10: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Smart. Innovative. Progressive.

The Economic Alliance is all moved into our beautiful, new facility along the river in downtown Cedar Rapids and we want you to join us! First, we’d like you to “save the date” for our Open House, 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25. We’ll provide more details about this event in the coming days. And, second, we want to invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to use one of the several meeting room and collaborative work spaces—available for rent by our valued customers and stakeholders. Re-opened in July 2012 after extensive renovation, the Economic Alliance building was designed to be an economic development beacon and hub for the community and region. The Economic Alliance and Innovation Center will play a critical role in the organization and serve as a great first impression for all who live in, and visit our area.

At 17,500 square feet, the facility was designed to reflect an organization that represents a smart, innovative and progressive region. It offers Iowa’s Creative Corridor a professional, modern and open air space for employers, organizations and individuals interested in off-site meeting and event space. The latest in technology, lighting and amenities have been included to meet the needs of employers, organizations and individuals alike. The building is equipped with reliable, fast wireless Internet capability along with comfortable and flexible furniture. Whether you need a large conference room, or simply need a satellite work space for the day, the Economic Alliance can accommodate your needs. Economic Alliance customers are provided a discounted rate.

Your Innovation Center

Contact Us:

Conference Room C (Library)

Conference Room B (Community Room)

Innovation Office Workspace

For more information or to reserve your space now, please call 319/398.5317.

10 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 11: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

7.25.12 2

Rental Space Information

First Floor Spaces Square Ft. Size Additional Services Rental Rate

Conference Room A (Board Room) 650 Seats 20

Fully equipped for conference calls and presentations with

70” screen; also includes a sink and

serving counter

½ day - $200 full day - $375

Conference Room B (Community Room) 459 Seats 12-14

Fully equipped for conference calls and presentations with

70” screen

½ day - $150 full day - $275

Conference Room C (Library) 452 Seats 6-10 white board

no charge to customers - 2 hrs

maximum use/day

Conference Room D 180 Seats 6-8 white board no charge to

customers - 2 hrs maximum use/day

Multipurpose Room 1553

Seats 104 theater style Seats 48 w/

12 square tables

Seats 64 w/ 8 round tables

Room comes with a podium and two 80”

screens and a full sound system;

also includes a sink and serving counter

½ day - $600 full day - $1000

Second Floor Spaces Square Ft. Size Additional Services Rental Rate

Innovation Office Workspace

12 Individual

Workspace Stations

Rates per workstation

Individuals are responsible for their own phone and computer equipment.

daily - $50 weekly - $200 monthly - $750 annual - $7,500

Innovation Collaboration Area 952

Two Seating Areas for Groups of

2-4

Available only to business & economic development partners to provide services to customers & stakeholders.

Innovation Conference Room E 439 10-12 Conference call and

presentation equipment available

½ day - $150 full day - $250 weekly - $1,000 monthly - $3,500

Innovation Conference Room F 439 10-12 Conference call and

presentation equipment available

½ day - $150 full day - $250 weekly - $1,000 monthly - $3,500

2 hours - $350

Rental Space Information

Conference Room B (Community Room)

11AUGUST 2012

Page 12: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

LIFE | AUTO | BUSINESS | HOME | HEALTH

Don’t leave your priorities to chance.At TrueNorth, we specialize in developing plans that help you manage your business and personal risks to meet your unique needs.

truenorthcompanies.com

A TRUE SOLUTION Y U.MADEFOR

14th Annual Golf Outing

Elmcrest Country Club1 Zach Johnson DriveCedar Rapids, IA 52402

Presented by

Dinner Sponsor

Cart Sponsor

08.20.12Registration and Driving Range open at 11 a.m., shot gun start at noon.

Register today!Our 4-person, Best Shot event sells out each year— don’t miss out! Register today at www .cedarrapids .org to participate. Questions? Contact Nikki Durham at 319 .730 .1421 or ndurham@cedarrapids .org for details .

12 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 13: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

www.deltadentalia.com

Bigger smiles. Better vision. Brighter outlook.

Delta Dental provides affordable dental benefit options for businesses of all sizes –

and quality vision coverage through DeltaVision®.

Ready to offer your employees two of the most requested employee benefits?

Talk to your broker or Delta Dental of Iowa representative today.

3310-D1.indd 1 2/15/12 8:38 AM

The following pictures show the trade show exhibits of Cedar Rapids area companies at the International Food Technologist Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Las Vegas .

More than 18,000 food professionals from around the world attended to discover the latest food science developments and learned about the newest products and trends . Dennis Jordan of the Economic Alliance attended this event, and met with 15 prospects .

Economic Alliance attends International Food Technologist Conference

13AUGUST 2012

Page 14: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319-364-8900

A Sony HVR-S270U 1080P HD Camera,

four CL-655P Softlights,

a Carl Zeiss Vario-SonnarT 1, 6/4, 4 - 52.8 lens

and one refl ector.

Wednesday, August 15

Noon to 1:00 p.m.Economic Alliance Multi-Purpose Room501 First Street SE

FREEPlease register at cedarrapids.org

Lunch provided

Join us at Unlocking Your Membership to learn how to best utilize your membership investment! This popular meeting is the perfect opportunity for customers who want to become familiar or reacquainted with all the benefits, events and programs offered to you to help grow your business . Meet our professional team and learn ways to get involved and help grow our business community .

There is no cost to attend this high-quality event; however registration is requested at cedarrapids .org as lunch will be provided .

Can’t attend? Send a colleague or employee who can! Those attending are encouraged to bring business cards .

Unl cking Your Membership

14 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 15: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Where do you want to go?

Mark SillmanVice President/Manager, Residential LendingCedar Rapids

We’re all about making a positive impact. On your financial life. When we help you purchase your family home. Or improve

it. When we help you shape your future. Your way. Experienced lenders. Residential. Commercial. Personalized solutions

to meet your needs. Exceed your expectations. Let us take you where you want to be.

MOVE FORWARD

Cedar Rapids Marion Monticello Cascade Onslow Baldwin OhnwardBank.com

Member FDIC

Our community is filled with things to do and ways to get involved, but where do you go to find it all?Join staff and volunteers from the Economic Alliance as they share their stories of resource triumph through Conquer the Corridor —an interactive presentation designed to get you familiar with everything in the Creative Corridor .

Discover the where and how of culture, nightlife, events, the downtown scene, volunteer opportunities, and more! Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your entire life, this FREE guide through our community will open your eyes to what the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area has to offer . Attendees will be given a resource packet along with a calendar of upcoming events .

Reserve your seat at cedarrapids .org or call 398-5317 .

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Bankers Trust .

ConquerTheCorridor

O n e C o m m u n i t y . E n d l e s s O p p o r t u n i t i e s .

Tuesday, August 28

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Economic Alliance Multi-Purpose Room

501 First Street SE

FREEPlease register

at cedarrapids.org

15AUGUST 2012

Page 16: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

BE A BIG FISH IN A BIG POOLAchieve Goals in Life.

CEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCAwww.crmetroymca.org

When kids play sports they get more than just exercise. They have higher self esteem and a healthier body image. Sign your kid up for Y sports NOW online or in a branch.

CRBT Drive-in Movie Series

Join us for our final free movie night of

our series, under the stars at Cedar Rapids

Bank & Trust! Admission is FREE! Parking

and activities begin at 7 p.m. at Cedar

Rapids Bank & Trust.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the movie outside. Patrons who wish to view the movie from their vehicles are encouraged to arrive early due to limited space . Attendees are invited to purchase refreshments from food vendors who will be on site: Cruise Inn Concessions, Peppy’s Ice Cream, and Grace Episcopal Church . Popcorn will be available, compliments of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust .

This free movie series was brought to you by:

Animated, PG

“ ”

16 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 17: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

Mound View Neighborhood Resource Center1700 B Avenue NE Suite 201Cedar Rapids, IA 52402Ruth Hart: Office ManagerP: 319-362-3303F: 319-286-0775E: [email protected]

The Mound View Resource Center is in the heart of the Mound View Neighborhood . We provide resources and adovcacy for residents of Mound View and beyond . We are an Iowa Work Force Access Point for those seeking employment and skill building .

Integrity Integrated305 2nd Ave SECedar Rapids, IA 52401Ginny Wilson-Peters: President & OwnerP: 319-310-4938W: www.integrityintegrated.comE: [email protected]

At Integrity Integrated, we work with individuals, large corporations, small businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to create authentic leaders, build dynamic leadership teams, and connect leaders around the world . We provide customized training, executive coaching, leadership development programs, etc .

Gilded Pear Gallery808 Third Avenue SECedar Rapids, IA 52403Suzy McGrane-Hop: Art Consultant & Certified Fine Art AppraiserP: 319-366-0205F: 319-366-2052W: gildedpeargallery.comE: [email protected]

Gilded Pear Gallery offers fine art and framing consultation, art conservations and restoration, exhibition space and certified fine art appraisals. Whether for a business or home, Gilded Pear Gallery and assist with art selection, budgeting large projects, framing, & installation .

New Customers Ribbon Cuttings

Cedar Rapids City HallJune 26, 2012

NewBo BooksJuly 7, 2012

Collins Community Credit UnionJuly 7, 2012

Hall-Perrine Cancer CenterJuly 19, 2012

17AUGUST 2012

Page 18: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

JulyPM Exchange Recap

More than 340 guests attended the Summer Fiesta Block Party PM Exchange in Uptown Marion on July 19 . This annual event hosted by Farmers State Bank, Martin Design and Carlos O’Kelly’s featured a taco bar, margaritas and salsa music. The hosts also provided gift certificates to various Uptown Marion merchants for door prizes .

Freund-Vector Corporation in Marion celebrated its 40th anniversary July 31 with a PM Exchange . The company, at 675 44th St ., Marion, designs, manufactures and markets processing equipment and services for the processing of powders and other materials to several industries, including pharmaceutical, nutritional and food operations . Freund Corporation of Tokyo, Japan has been a business partner since 1974 and purchased controlling interest of Vector Corporation 1997 . Food, sake and beverages were provided to visitors at the event .

Contact the Economic Alliance and learn more about the numerous opportunities to maximize your

marketing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Customer of the Month, newsletter, on-line and more; The Economic Alliance can help you gain exposure

and positively impact your bottom line.

Mercy has a legacy of marking the completionof a patient’s treatment with a bell-ringing ceremony

to signify a new beginning.

Ringing in Hope

Celebrating the opening of Mercy Medical Center’s

Hall-Perrine Cancer Center

Business PM ExchangeThursday, August 16, 2012

5 to 7 p.m.Hall-Perrine Cancer Center

701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids

We invite you to tour this new facility to see howwe’ve met expectations for world-class cancer

care in one location.

Refreshments will be served.

For more information regardingthis event, please call (319) 398-6086.

18 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Page 19: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

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Same Great Program with a New Look

MyTERNNOW, one of the Economic Alliance’s specialized workforce programs, is getting a new look!The program, established by the former Priority One organization, MyTERNNOW is a key tool promoted by the Economic Alliance to help build a workforce pipeline . In keeping with the new structure and “look” of the Economic Alliance, MyTERNNOW is undergoing a bit of a transformation as well. A new logo, to better reflect its direct tie to the Economic Alliance has been created .

What hasn’t changed is the commitment the Economic Alliance has in assisting with the development of Iowa’s Creative Corridor workforce .

DeMaris McKee, Economic Alliance program specialist, leads the MyTERNNOW efforts, aimed at helping those 18–25 years old identify careers and internship opportunities . Preparations are underway for travel throughout the Midwest to talk to college students about the opportunities in Iowa’s Creative Corridor .

McKee will attend career events at the following institutions: University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, University of Dubuque Tri-Fair (including University of Dubuque, Loras College, Clarke College and University of Wisconsin-Platteville), Kansas State University, Michigan State University and Minnesota State University.

Workforce development is a key strategic goal of the Economic Alliance . We are committed to focus on systems and tools to address the affordability, availability and capability of our workforce .

For more information about MyTERNNOW, go to www.myternnow.com or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myternnow.

19AUGUST 2012

Page 20: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance August Report

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