Economic Alliance March Report 2013

March 2013

Table of ContentsArticle, Page

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

Featured Member of the Month: Junior Achievement of East Central Iowa . . . .4

Meet Brian Crowe, New Economic Alliance Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

ImpactCR March Siren Wednesday . . . . . . . . .6

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

March Legislative Forum & February Recap . . .7

Strategic Goals 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Save the Date: Breakfast of Champions . . . . 10

Career Fairs: Connecting with Students! . . . 11

Economic Development: Meeting with Prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Hungarian Officials Visit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

PM Exchange Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

March PM Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Downtown Farmers’ Market 2013 . . . . . . . . 15

Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

March 2013Volume 82 No 7 (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 .

TO BE THE TOP ECONOMIC GROWTH REGION IN THE COUNTRY.

TO SERVE AS THE CATALYST FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSITY, GROWTH AND PROSPERITY FOR OUR REGION.

WE VALUE OUR MEMBERS AND STRIVE TO EXCEED THEIR EXPECTATIONS.

WE EMBRACE INNOVATION IN OUR WORK.

WE FOCUS ON COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS IN EVERYTHING WE DO.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO A HIGH-PERFORMANCE CULTURE, CENTEREDON CORE COMPETENCIES.

VISION

MISSION

VALUES

2 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

From the President’s Desk:

In order for us to keep our promise to you of fulfilling our vision, mission and values, we must keep our focus on our strategic priorities . In this report, we outline for you these high level strategies in each of our core functions as well as our priorities in regional development .

Our core functions include business support, community development, economic development and public policy . Business support puts an

emphasis on all employers with specific development of locally-owned and small business growth . In Community Development, we work toward strategies and tactics which grow central districts in our region . As for Economic Development, we focus on retention, growth and attraction of interstate commerce companies . Finally, our attention is targeted at current or new public policy that advances our goals in Business Support, Community Development, Economic Development and our Regional Development strategy .

We are most excited this year to see the leadership and direction of our Innovation Councils influence our strategy at a greater level in year two. These councils are made up of members representing these core functions and we have some important work and new initiatives to fulfill as a result of their strategic direction.

We are fortunate to live in a region with so many great attributes and assets . Our progress is impressive and we look forward to reporting to you at the end of 2013 our results!

Regards,

Dee Baird President & CEO

3march 2013

6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

April 5, 2013

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NEW EVENT LOCATION!NewBo City Market 1100 3rd Street SE Cedar Rapids

Presenting Sponsors:

Contributing Sponsors:

Achievement Sponsors: Apache, Inc., Hellman, F&M Bank, General Mills, Skogman Companies

Taste Sponsors: Bankers Trust, Tektivity

Wine and Beer Provided By: 1st Avenue Wine House, NewBo Beer and Wine, 7G Distributing, Millstream Brewery & Backpocket Brewing

Diamond Sponsor:

Featured Member of the Month


Meet Brian Crowe:New Economic Alliance Staff Member

The Economic Alliance is pleased to announce Brian Crowe is joining the team as its new Interstate Business Attraction and Retention Specialist.

Crowe is a business development manager with the Iowa Economic Development Authority. His first day at the Economic Alliance is slated for April 2 .

In his new role, Crowe will be a member of the Services Team and will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with prospective and existing stakeholders . He will work closely with the economic development strategist, Dennis Jordan. This work will include representing the Economic Alliance at economic development trade shows, conferences, events, meetings and organizations; collaborating with regional partners on economic development-related goals and objectives and being responsible for investor outreach on economic-development related projects and opportunities and hosting prospective clients .

Crowe brings a wealth of experience in this area, including having partnered with the Economic Alliance and the Iowa City Area Development Group to bring prospective companies to the region . In addition, Crowe

has attended many of the same trade shows as the Economic Alliance, including Windpower, the European Wind Energy Conference, and Bio World Congress; and he is familiar with many of the Economic Alliance targeted industries .

“I’ve seen the progress made over the past few years and I’m excited for the opportunity to work and live in the region,” Crowe said .

Dee Baird, Economic Alliance president & CEO, said Crowe’s experience makes him a great addition to the Economic Alliance .

“We’re happy Brian is joining our team,” Baird said . “He has made great relationships over the years and with his background from his work at the state he will provide us additional knowledge as we work to be the top economic growth region in the country .”

Previously, Crowe served as the executive officer for the Iowa Office of Energy Independence, and as a program planner, energy analyst for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources . He is a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago . He and his wife, Amanda, have two children: Ellie, 19 months and Lillian, five months.

Economic Development is a core function of the Economic Alliance, which focuses on attracting, growing and retaining interstate commerce business, targeting bio-processing/food ingredients, distribution/logistics, electronic equipment, design, food processing, financial services/insurance, information technology, process manufacturing and wind energy . In 2013, the Economic Alliance goals in this area include assisting in creating $175 million in capital investment, eight new companies and 1,200 new jobs . Staff will also conduct 40 headquarter calls .

5march 2013

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Community Calendar

■ Unlocking Your MembershipMarch 5, Noon-1 p.m.Economic Alliance Multipurpose Room501 First St . SE

No cost to attend; however, registration is requested on cedarrapids .org .

■ ImpactCR Siren WednesdayMarch 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.White Star Ale House 305 Second Ave . SE

No cost to attend .

■ Legislative ForumMarch 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.Economic Alliance Multipurpose Room501 First St . SE

No cost to attend . Bring your lunch!

■ PM ExchangeMarch 21, 5-7 p.m.Cedar Rapids Kernels950 Rockford Rd . SW

No cost to attend .

■ ImpactCR Siren WednesdayApril 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.Gringo’s Mexican Restaurant 207 First Ave . SE

No cost to attend .

■ Breakfast of Champions: Guests from Double Tree by Hilton, CR Convention Center

April 11, 7:30-9 a.m.Economic Alliance Multipurpose Room501 First St . SE

Register at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ PM ExchangeApril 18, 5-7 p.m.ARA Galleries4850 Armar Dr . SE

No cost to attend .

■ Legislative Forum March 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.Economic Alliance Multipurpose Room501 First St . SE

No cost to attend . Bring your lunch!

March Siren WednesdayWednesday, March 6

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.White Star Ale House305 Second Ave. SE

We’re celebrating the month of March with a special Siren Wednesday, complete with appetizers provided by The University of Iowa MBA Program for Professionals and Managers .

Attendees will meet young professionals who live, learn and work in the area, while experiencing a locally-owned establishment . It is also an opportunity to learn more about higher education resources, found right here in downtown Cedar Rapids!

This monthly networking event provides a casual opportunity for young pros from around the community to meet and make connections, while learning about ImpactCR . Whether you’re new to ImpactCR and looking to get involved, or a long-time advocate looking to get reconnected, Siren Wednesday has something for everyone!

The next Siren Wednesday will be a fiesta, happening April 3 at Gringo’s Mexican Restaurant! Stay tuned to impactcr .org for updates .

Sponsored by:

March April

ImpactCR March Committee MeetingsGet involved in ImpactCR events and programs by attending our monthly committee meetings!

Civic & Community Action:March 12, 11:30 a .m .

@ The Early Bird (316 Second St. SE)

Members & Mixers: March 13, 5:30 p .m .

@ Butcher’s Block (1117 First Ave . SE)

Leadership & Service:March 14, 11:30 a .m .

@ Dublin City Pub (415 First St . SE)

Visit impactcr.org for more committee information . If you’re interested, stop by a meeting to try it out and learn more . These meetings are informal, and always open to new members .


Friday, March 15

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Economic Alliance Multipurpose Room

501 First St. SE

FREE Bring your lunch

Please register at cedarrapids.org

March

Legislative ForumJoin us for our Legislative forum, to discuss policies and priority issues with elected officials. These monthly forums are open to the public and a great opportunity to learn more about important policy changes, issues and initiatives happening in the 2013 Legislative Session . During this forum, legislators will be on hand to answer questions of attendees .

There is no cost to attend but a registration is requested at www .cedarrapids .org . Attendees are encouraged to bring a lunch .

Report on Iowa’s Economic Competitiveness The State of Iowa has a competitive disadvantage in its business and tax climate, but despite the challenges the state does well with what it has. That’s according to John Stineman, executive director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance, who provided Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance members a sneak peak of findings from an upcoming study of Iowa’s relative competitiveness in economic development tools and incentives .

The Iowa Chamber Alliance is the coalition of the sixteen largest Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations across Iowa—including Cedar Rapids . Stineman attended the Economic Alliance’s February Legislative Forum where he said the study shows Iowa ranks 42nd in the Tax Foundation’s rankings of states for business tax climate and 25th by Site Selection Magazine for business climate .

Stineman said the research also revealed Iowa:

1) Does not fund its economic development efforts at the level that other competitive states do .

2) Has limits on its programs that other states do not .

That said, Iowa is one of only 13 states to be recognized by Pew Foundation for “leading the way” with regard to transparency and accountability in the use of tax credit incentives, he said .

The conclusion? Iowa does very well with what it has available, but has strong potential to do even more and compete better if adequately resourced with direct “discretionary” incentive dollars in conjunction with more access to tax credits .

The Economic Alliance will make this full study available on our web site in coming weeks . Questions? Contact us at 319/398 .5317 to reach a staff member for assistance .

7march 2013

The Economic Alliance uses annual strategic goals within each of its four core functions to focus our work on priorities that have the most value to you, our members, and which do the most to drive our vision to be the top economic growth region in the country. The goals detailed below took shape via discussions with many of you, as well as strategic discussions driven by our Innovation Councils. We also include our goals within regional development. All of these goals have been approved by the Innovation Councils and the Policy Board and will shape the efforts of the Economic Alliance throughout 2013.

STRATEGIC GOALSC E D A R R A P I D S M E T R O E C O N O M I C A L L I A N C E

BUSINESS SUPPORTCreate a strong business environment, which supports all employers. Focus on small businesses and locally owned businesses to achieve the following goals:

1. Engage and connect businesses through networking, using traditional programs as well as two new programs that tailor connections for like industries/interests. Goal of 13 PM Exchanges and more than 100 engaged in four leadership programs.

2. Offer high-value professional development programs for members, including at least 3 professional development academies, as well as new innovation and entrepreneurial programming.

3. Provide education and awareness on relevant topics, using member feedback, market segmentation and improved communications tools to provide the most useful information to targeted audiences.

4. Celebrate business and community successes via ambassadors, events, newsletter, Web site and other means.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTGrow core central districts in Cedar Rapids and provide business and development support in surrounding communities:

1. Assist in flood protection efforts, including system design, funding, business community education and water shed management policies.

2. Develop and begin implementation of strategic development plans for downtown and medical districts and downtown parking system.

3. Invest additional resources in streetscape maintenance to improve image of core districts.

4. Explore and test programs that may lead to a more robust retail strategy for the region.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTAttract, grow and retain interstate commerce business, targeting bio-processing/food ingredients, distribution/logistics, electronic equipment, design, food processing, financial services/insurance, information technology, process manufac-turing and wind energy. 2013 goals of $175 million in capital investment, 40 headquarters calls, 8 new companies and 1,200 new jobs.

1. Increase interstate commerce lead generation with a goal of 150 new prospects using industry-focused groups to identify prospects and shape value propositions and using regional/national targeted advertising.

2. Maintain workforce data, demographic information and financial programs expertise necessary to assist companies and prospects.

3. Maintain/advance relationships with existing companies to identify growth/retention opportunities with goal to assist 25 companies.

Develop and advocate for policy decisions that help achieve these strategic goals in support of our core functions of business support, community development and economic development.

PUBLIC POLICY

STRATEGIC GOALSREGIONAL DEVELOPMENTIn coordination with our partners, we will contribute to the following regional initiatives:

BRAND/IMAGE – It is imperative we know our importance as a region and communicate our message effectively to the global community.

1. Implement regional message in partnership with the Branding Implementation Task Force to positively and effectively impact our image.

2. Implement brand strategy for organizational promotion, member communication, business development and workforce recruitment and retention efforts.

WORKFORCE – In order to attract, grow and retain talent, our focus is on systems and tools to address the affordability, availability and capability of our workforce.

1. Lead targeted regional marketing campaign to attract new employees to our region.

2. Redesign the MyTernNow website and marketing campaign to promote career and internship opportunities for high school and college students in our region.

3. Build on legacy and strong reputation of developing community and professional leadership programs for high school and college students, adults and executive management for Cedar Rapids.

4. Engage and welcome new community members through events and programs such as Conquer the Creative Corridor and Welcome Receptions.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT – In order for Iowa’s Creative Corridor to grow and develop, we must serve as a lead facilitator and coordinated of advancing a pro-business culture in the communities we serve.

1. Assist and partner with Linn County, Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha as well as other communities we serve in advancing business and community development plans.

2. Increase the number of business leaders in our regional development strategy.

3. Increase the number of business leaders from our region on local and state boards and commissions.

ENTREPRENEURISM – It is imperative we create a region where entrepreneurism and innovation are embraced and celebrated.

1. Provide programming within customer base to advance entrepreneurism and innovation.

2. Assist partner organization to increase education and awareness of programs and resources

DIVERSITY/INCLUSION – Our region is growing and changing every year. Efforts to continue to be inclusive and welcoming to all members of our community are essential to economic growth and vitality.

1. We will assist partner organization to increase education and awareness of programs and resources.

2. Obtain diversity and inclusion training for all of our employees and make available to our governance structure.

To learn more about our core functions, goals and initiatives, visit www.cedarrapids.org.

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Thursday, April 11

7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.Economic Alliance Multipurpose Room 501 First St. SE

FREEPlease register at www.cedarrapids.org.

Opening day for the DoubleTree by Hilton —June 1—is fast approaching. When the DoubleTree opens in downtown Cedar Rapids, residents and visitors will see a completely remodeled facility with spacious guestrooms and suites, along with access to more than 80,000 square feet of flexible event and banquet space within the Cedar Rapids Convention Center .

Visitors will be able to enjoy amenities such as a 37-inch HDTV and high-speed internet access . Spacious suites will be ideal for extended stays with separate living and dining areas and for those who want to maintain their fitness routine, you can use the 24-hour fitness center or invigorate with a dip in the indoor pool. And people will be able to dine on delicious local cuisine in the stunning rooftop restaurant or need clients for a casual drink in the Bud Light Lounge .

Join us on April 11 for Breakfast of Champions, where we’ll hear more from special guest speaker Bill Tirone, Director of Sales and Marketing for the DoubleTree by Hilton.

DoubleTree by Hilton hotels (and their freshly baked “Welcome Cookies!”) can be found in more than 200 cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations around the world—and downtown Cedar Rapids will be part of that respected family. Perfect for vacation stays, meetings, private soirees, sporting events and concerts, these new facilities will become a true hotspot for our community and its visitors .

During this event, a light breakfast and coffee will be provided by Costco at 7:30 a .m . The program will begin at 8:00 a.m. There is no cost to attend the Breakfast of Champions; however space is limited, so registration is requested at cedarrapids .org .

For more details on the new DoubleTree by Hilton and Cedar Rapids Convention Center, visit www .doubletree3 .hilton .com .

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, Van Meter for their support of this informative event!

Breakfast of10 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Connecting with College StudentsEconomic Alliance staff made contact with more than 350

college students since January and is expected to make contact with hundreds more attending career fairs throughout the Midwest.

To date, staff has attended career fairs at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Iowa State University in Ames, and a combined public and private institution fair for Minnesota in Minneapolis . Other careers fairs the Economic Alliance will attend this spring include the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terra Haute, IN.

Workforce development is one of the Economic Alliance’s key strategic goals and attendance at these fairs is one strategy used to build the pipeline of employees . At each career fair, staff has a display that provides information about internship and job opportunities and information about the Creative Corridor .

Tools used at careers fairs—and available for anyone’s use—include MyTERNNOW at www.cedarrapids.org and Pick Your Pace at www.pickyourpace.com.

And, one of the newest tools being used to attract and retain talent is the Economic Alliance’s video—“Iowa’s Creative Corridor Has What You’re Looking For .”

Visit www.cedarrapids.org to see a unique and informative video that reminds us what a wonderful place the Cedar Rapids metro is to live and work!

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11march 2013

Economic Development News

International Visitors Tour the Creative CorridorA group of Hungarian visitors recently learned more about the Creative Corridor and how local government works as part of a month-long tour of the United States .

The visit was organized by the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) and Mississippi consortium for International Development . The Economic Alliance helped to serve as a host for the group during their February visit .

Dr. Laszlo Papp, deputy mayor, City of Debrecen; Sandor Szabo, chief of cabinet to mayor, City of Szeged; Eva Tetenyi, mayor City of Esztergom; along with their interpreter Emese Purger-Kedmen visited various locales in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids .

The group attended the Economic Alliance’s legislative forum, where state legislators representing the Cedar Rapids metro area were on hand to provide constituents updates about the work being done at the Capitol .

Economic Alliance staff also provided an overview of the organization, a tour of the metro region and the group had a presentation from Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett .

The United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of International Visitors were the program sponsors.

The Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities is sponsored in part by grants from

The United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs International Visitor Leadership Program

Without their aid and assistance, these programs would not be possible.

Program Manager, MCID Washington Email: tkevonian@mcidwashington .org

Economic Alliance Staff Meets with ProspectsThe Economic Alliance traveled much of February, meeting with prospects and corporate executives that do business in Iowa’s Creative Corridor .

Dennis Jordan, economic development strategist, traveled with Gov. Terry Branstad and Iowa Economic Development Authority staff to southern California where they met with business prospects . In addition, the group visited with corporate executives of Toyota Financial Services. Toyota employs 600 people in the Creative Corridor .

Jordan is also participating in the 2013 Site Selectors Guild Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Site Selectors Guild Conference is the largest gathering of site consultants in the world .

Participating in these trips is part of the strategic focus of the Economic Alliance’s core function of economic development .

1

International Visitors Tour the Creative Corridor A group of Hungarian visitors recently learned more about the Creative Corridor and how local government works as part of a month-long tour of the United States. The visit was organized by the Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities (CIVIC) and Mississippi consortium for International Development. The Economic Alliance helped to serve as a host for the group during their February visit. Dr. Laszlo Papp, deputy mayor, City of Debrecen; Sandor Szabo, chief of cabinet to mayor, City of Szeged; Eva Tetenyi, mayor City of Esztergom; along with their interpreter Emese Purger-Kedmen visited various locales in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. The group attended the Economic Alliance’s legislative forum, where state legislators representing the Cedar Rapids metro area were on hand to provide constituents updates about the work being done at the Capitol. Economic Alliance staff also provided an overview of the organization, a tour of the metro region and the group had a presentation from Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett. The United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Office of International Visitors was the program sponsor.

Dr. Laszlo PAPP Deputy Mayor, City of Debrecen

Mr. Sandor SZABO

Chief of Cabinet to Mayor, City of Szeged

Ms. Eva TETENYI Mayor, City of Esztergom

Accompanied By: Ms. Emese Purger-Kedmen, Interpreter

The Council for International Visitors to Iowa Cities

2

Is sponsored in part by grants from


From

Without their aid and assistance, these programs would not be possible. Program Manager, MCID Washington Email: [email protected]

2



From


2



From



AcumenTracy Buresh, Marketing Specialist425 2nd St. SE, Ste. 1275Cedar Rapids, IA 52401P: 319.731.0500 F: 319.366.3636W: www.acumenadv.com

Acumen, a premier employee benefits consulting firm in the Midwest, provides clients with greater insight about their employee benefits plans in order to help them make informed, long term, cost effective decisions that ultimately give them more control . Acumen, the wise choice .

Brewed CaféRichard Marsceau1101 Third St. SECedar Rapids, IA 52401Richard MarsceauP: 319/364-0802W: www.brewedcr.comE: [email protected]

Brewed Café is a locally owned coffeehouse that concentrates in specialty coffee, craft beer and wine, artisanal food with a focus on organic and homegrown produce, while also providing vegan and gluten free options . Rental space and catering available on site at CSPS .

Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention ComplexMatt Felling, General ManagerPre-opening office101 Second St. SWCedar Rapids, IA 52405Physical Address350 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401P: 319.731.4444 F: 319.731.4455W: www.cedarrapidsconventioncomplex.doubletree.comE: [email protected]

The Doubletree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex combines a 267 room hotel, the U .S Cellular Arena and the U .S . Cellular Convention Center all under one roof. The complex has the capabilities of accommodating groups from 10 to 9,600 in our 80,000 square feet of meeting an exhibit space .

Kaleidoscope Information Services, Inc dba DialogsMark Schmidt, Business Development270 Miller Ave. SWCedar Rapids, IA 52404P: 800.707.0106W: www.dialogs.comE: [email protected]

An eBusiness solutions provider that focuses on back-end cloud/server systems to support web and mobile clients .

Strategic Print Solutions, Inc.Skylar Price, Business Development Executive1420 Stamy Rd.Hiawatha, IA 52233P: 319.398.9898 F: 319.294.0123W: www.strategicprintsol.comE: [email protected]

Strategic Print Solutions, Inc . offers a new way of thinking and a unique service . We have creative strategies to manage the printed page output at the best cost and productive advantage .

Stonefield Investment Advisory, Inc.Theresa Mickelson, Executive Office Manager425 Second St. SE, Suite 1200Cedar Rapids, IA 52401P: 319.377.7811 x20 F: 319.377.7834W: www.stonefieldinvestments.comE: [email protected]

Stonefield Investment Advisory, Inc. actively manages individual’s 401(k) plans, IRA’s Rollovers and a variety of other financial accounts. They equip business owners with employer/employee retirement plans, help retirees design their distributions and advise the current workforce in strategically managing their portfolio .

VenuworksSara Madalinski, Marketing Director370 First Ave. NECedar Rapids, IA 52401P: 319.398.5211W: www.uscellularcenter.comW: www.paramounttheatrecr.comW: www.cricearena.comE: [email protected]

Venuworks Cedar Rapids provides full management services to the U .S . Cellular Center Arena, Paramount Theatre, and the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena.

New Members

13march 2013

FebruaryPM Exchange Recap

Bankers Trust celebrated their 10 year anniversary by hosting February’s PM Exchange . Approximately 200 guests came out to enjoy an evening of networking along with food and drink provided by Dostal’s Catering Service. Bankers Trust is located at 221 3rd Ave S.E. and is a member of the FDIC. Thank you to all who attended, and special thanks to Bankers Trust for hosting a great event . Congratulations!

Contact the Economic Alliance to learn more about the numerous opportunities that will help you get involved and maximize your

marketing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Member of the Month, our Monthly Report, online opportunities and more—the Economic Alliance

can help you gain exposure and positively impact your bottom line.

Thursday, March 21st5:00 to 7:00 pm

PMPMPMPMPMEXCHANGEEXCHANGEEXCHANGEEXCHANGEEXCHANGE

Veterans Memorial Stadium950 Rockford Road SW

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hosted on the Miller Mezzanine(Please enter at the ADMINISTRATION OFFICE entrance)

NCAA March Madness gameson the stadium TV's!

Catering provided by:

5:00 to 7:00 pm

Hosted on the Miller MezzanineHosted on the Miller Mezzanine

Drawings for Door Prizes:Night in a Diamond Suite

Pair of Tickets to a Twins gameThrow out a first pitch

at a Kernels GameAutographed baseball


It’s that time again! The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is proud to host our 8th season of the Downtown Farmers’ Market . With more than 220 local Iowa vendors offering fresh produce, dairy, baked good, meats and locally crafted artisan gifts, the Downtown Farmers’ Market has become one of the largest open air markets in the Midwest .

Downtown Farmers’ Markets are held from 7:30 a.m. to Noon on the first and third Saturdays June through September in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Many come for the classic market elements, and there also a variety of activities throughout the morning schedule including interactive cooking demonstrations, main stage musical acts, street entertainment and family activities .

Is your company interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Quinn Pettifer at qpettifer@cedarrapids .org or 319/730 .1404 for details .

For more information on the Downtown Farmers’ Market, please visit www .cedarrapids .org .

Mark your calendars to join us for our 2013 Downtown Farmers’ Market season:

June 1 August 3June 15 August 17July 6 September 7July 20 September 21

St. Luke’s Hemphill Hospice UnitFebruary 7, 2013

Ribbon Cuttings

My Time Ally January 28, 2013 Hometown Inn & Suites February 12, 2013

CR Web Development February 27, 2013

15march 2013

501 First Street SECedar Rapids, IA 52401-2011

P E R I O D I C A L S

POSTAGE PAID AT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

www.cedarrapids.org

Register at: aafcric.com

April 9, 2013

A Workshop with John Jantsch

“The World’s Most Practical Small Business Marketing Expert”

8:30 am-12:00 pmCedar Rapids Marriott

AAF Members-$65 Nonmembers-$79Presenting sponsors

Economic Alliance March Report 2013

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Transcript of Economic Alliance March Report 2013