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News & Stories

October 25, 2024 | Business Support

SCORE Helps Small Businesses Reach Their Goals

Across the Cedar Rapids Metro, two organizations work hand in hand to ensure that the dreams of entrepreneurs flourish. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, a hub of supp...

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Public Policy Update

October 17, 2024 | Public Policy

2024 Voter Resource Guide is Live

Election 2024 has arrived, and again the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has made it easy for our members to get to the polls and VOTE! With our 2024 Voter Resource Guide...

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Caleb Knutson

October 3, 2024 | Downtown Cedar Rapids

Caleb Knutson Named Downtown Executive Director

The Downtown District announced October 2, 2024 that Caleb Knutson has been hired as the Downtown Executive Director. Knutson will begin his new position on Monday, October 14...

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Public Policy Update

September 24, 2024 | Business Support, Public Policy

Public Policy Update: Economic Alliance Joins Coalition to Prevent Significant Tax Increases on Businesses

Coalition Urges the Next Congress and Administration to Pursue Pro-Growth Tax Policy The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance joined over 500 state and local chambers of comme...

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City View High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

August 21, 2024 | Community Development, Downtown Cedar Rapids, Economic Development & Workforce

City View High School Year Two: New Curriculum, New Opportunity

If you have ever visited us at 501 First St. SE, you may have noticed that the building is a bit...unorthodox. Nestled on the banks of the Cedar River, this three-story concre...

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Public Policy Update

August 20, 2024 | Business Support, Public Policy

Public Policy Update: We Need Your Input for 2025 Public Policy Priorities

Help us develop our 2025 public policy priorities by taking this quick survey. Our advocacy priorities are based on input from leaders in business, education, non-profit, gove...

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Big Grove Brewery and Pickle Palace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, both recipients of Brownfield/Grayfield Grant recipients.

August 7, 2024 | Economic Development & Workforce

Revitalizing Iowa: The Story of Brownfield and Grayfield Grants

In the heartland of America, Iowa stands as a testament to agricultural prowess and industrial ingenuity. However, like many states, it faces challenges with aging infrastruct...

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Financial Times Article Featuring Kelly Ortberg Named CEO of Boeing

August 2, 2024 | Economic Development & Workforce, Membership

Kelly Ortberg, Former Head of Rockwell, Named CEO of Boeing

Kelly Ortberg, Former CEO of Rockwell Collins, now Collins Aerospace, an RTX Company, has been named CEO of Boeing. The Dubuque, Iowa native graduated from the University of I...

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Patrons walk the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

July 25, 2024 | Community Development, Economic Development & Workforce

Growing Communities: An Interview with one of our Market’s Longest-Serving Vendors

Can you believe the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market is 19 years old? Over the years, it has grown from a small gathering to a destination occasion, attracting a variety o...

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Public Policy Update

July 12, 2024 | Public Policy

Public Policy Update: Expanding Workforce is Focus On State and Federal Levels

State and Federal Policy Updates for July 2024...

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July 1, 2024 | Economic Development & Workforce, Public Policy

Collaboration Wins: Community Leaders Unify in Washington D.C.

Each day we lead efforts to champion and promote the projects, products and people in our communities and throughout the region to support economic resiliency and growth....

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Regional leaders from Cedar Rapids Metro area meet with Senator Chuck Grassley on Capitol Hill

June 24, 2024 | Public Policy

Public Policy Update: Regional Leaders Go to Washington, D.C.

Last week, members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Greater Iowa City, Inc. traveled to Washington, D.C. to share regional priorities with our federal delegatio...

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June 3, 2024 | Economic Development & Workforce

Collaborative Growth Partners Seek Director

The area’s Collaborative Growth Initiative will take another step forward with the launch this week of a search for a full-time leader of the effort. The new director-level ...

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Public Policy Update

May 8, 2024 | Public Policy

Public Policy Update: 2024 Legislative Session Comes to End

Each year, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance puts forth public policy priorities after much consultation and input from our members. Together as a region, along with ou...

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Evan McGuire, Colin Glandon, and Jennifar Bassett make up the Downtown Cedar Rapids team.

May 3, 2024 | Downtown Cedar Rapids

Downtown Team – Year Round Commitment

As you walk or drive through Downtown Cedar Rapids, you likely take some things for granted. Sidewalks being cleared of snow. Beautiful flowers planted in the spring. Festive ...

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