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News & Stories

January 25, 2023 | Business Support, Economic Development & Workforce

Cedar Rapids Public Library Welcomes International Community with Online Service

According to the latest census data, nearly 7% of the population in Cedar Rapids was born outside of the United States. They help fill our workforce shortage and fuel our econ...

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January 9, 2023 | Business Support, Member Stories

5 Local Businesses Putting Down Roots for Expansion in the Cedar Rapids Metro

Affordable Transportation When Arnold Daniels Jr. relocated from Washington, DC, to Cedar Rapids in 2016, his goal was to become a long-distance truck driver with a local tran...

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A volunteer repairs a house

January 9, 2023 | Business Support, Member Stories

5 Non-Profits to Consider Supporting Locally with Volunteer Time or Funding

Cedar Valley Habitat For Humanity Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) is tackling the housing shortage in Linn and Benton counties by helping qualified families build th...

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January 9, 2023 | Business Support, Member Stories

5 Featured Local Businesses to Support into the New Year

Corner Store Apothecary Kimberly Loeffler opened the Corner Store Apothecary in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village in 2017 after discovering the healing power of CBD or cannabidiol...

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November 29, 2022 | Business Support

Alliant Energy’s Solar Garden Reservations Near Capacity

​With a recent solar block subscription by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 75% of Alliant Energy’s Cedar Rapids Community Solar Garden solar blocks are now ...

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November 23, 2022 | Business Support

YMCA – An Amazing Space

​Many members of our community are navigating obstacles and challenges in their every day lives, and the Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA gives them an amazing space to navigate it a...

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November 18, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce

State Gives Final Approval for Convergen Energy

​During its meeting today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board unanimously approved a financial incentive package for Convergen Energy to operate a new manu...

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November 14, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce

We’re All in This Together – Our Towns

In late October, I had the privilege to play tour guide for authors Jim and Deb Fallows for two days during their first visit to Cedar Rapids. While the Fallows’ have had i...

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November 9, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce

Cedar Rapids Metro Gaining National and International Attention for Business Attraction Projects

2022 has been a monumental year for economic development in the community. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has responded to 22 request for proposals (RFP) in the past...

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November 4, 2022 | Business Support

Local Company Helps Clients Go Green

​We all strive to be environmentally responsible throughout our lives. We recycle. We compost. We conserve energy. AMTek Microwaves, located in southwest Cedar Rapids, he...

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October 27, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce

Nearly $235 Million of Capital Investments Coming to the Cedar Rapids Metro After State Money Awards Announced

​Fifteen Cedar Rapids metro projects received major funding boosts from the state of Iowa as the Iowa Economic Development Authority has announced over $11 million for redev...

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October 24, 2022 | Business Support

Discussions Around DEI Remain Top of Mind for the ICR Region

When diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are ingrained in a society’s core, it’s a win for everyone. An equitable business community not only makes the local economy str...

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October 12, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce

Thinking About What Matters

​Brain drain - the departure of our college graduates to other states – isn’t anything new. We’ve read about, try to recruit against it, and promote the benefits of st...

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September 26, 2022 | Economic Development & Workforce

Engaging Young Professional in the Community…It’s Easy!

​Getting your young professional employees involved in the community is a key retention tool for the Cedar Rapids metro area. ImpactCR is a great place for your employees to...

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