Saying ‘YES’ to Economic Alliance Opportunities Opens Doors

Craig Montz, a Business Group Leader for Miron Construction, has been a member of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance for 20 years. While he chose to become a member in large part because of the networking opportunities, he believes saying ‘yes’ to his membership has benefited his career in many ways.

“A surprising benefit of being a member was how well the Economic Alliance connected me to who and what I needed at the time.” Montz attends Biz Mixes on a regular basis and shares they are great way to network. He remembers meeting people there that are now fellow community leaders, and regularly meets new people that look to be future leaders. BizMix events provides the opportunity for members of all levels to come together at a local business establishment and connect, network and building lasting connections with other members on a regular basis

One opportunity Montz said ‘yes’ to was serving to chair the Community Development Innovation Council. “This council has accomplished so much and helped bring many ideas to fruition. Ideas such as Race for the Space, that helped fund Keto Kitchen to open a restaurant in the Armstrong Centre, Market After Dark and the Downtown Murals, to name a few. It has been a great way to get involved in the community.”

”Find a reason to join the Economic Alliance and participate,” Montz emphasized. “It will open up doors for your involvement in the community and help advance your career. When I became an office manager at Miron Construction about fifteen years ago, the Economic Alliance connected me to other like managers. Because of those connections, I formed long term relationships and now we have lunch together and talk through our business challenges.”

Ready to advance your career by becoming a member? Contact Anne Laugen at alaugen@cedarrapids.org

“A surprising benefit of being a member was how well the Economic Alliance connected me to who and what I needed at the time.”

-Craig Montz
Miron Construction