Economic Alliance May Report

May 2012

Table of ContentsArticle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page

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

Become a Featured Customer . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Professional Development Academy . . . . . . .6

MyTernNow: Prep Your Intern! . . . . . . . . . . .6

Unlocking Your Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

ImpactCR: Clearheart Vodka Crawl . . . . . . . .8

Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Economic Alliance Strategic Goals . . . . . 10-11

Downtown Housing Mixer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Spring Cleaning in Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Conquer the Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Ground Breakings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Policy Board Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

April PM Exchange Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

Breakfast of Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Downtown Farmers’ Market . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

May 2012Volume 81 No 9 (uSPS558-200)

Economic Alliance Report (ISSN 108-50775) is published monthly by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 424 First Avenue NE, 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 Alliance424 First Ave . NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

President & CEO: Dee BairdEditor: Mallory Mohwinkle

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

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2 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

From the President’s Desk:

We are incredibly excited this month to share with you the Economic Alliance’s Vision, Mission, Values and Strategic Goals for 2012 (see pages 10-11). In the first three months of our new organizational structure, the Board and staff have been working diligently to articulate our focus and direction, which was guided and informed by our customers through the merger .

You responded with great enthusiasm and support that our vision should be to be the top economic growth region in the country by

serving as a catalyst for economic diversity, growth and prosperity as our core mission . The Economic Alliance’s values were developed with you as our central focus . Our values include the following:

1 . We value our customers and strive to exceed your expectations .

2 . We embrace innovation in our work .

3 . We focus on collaborative relationships in everything we do .

4 . We are committed to a high performance culture centered on core competencies .

Our 2012 Strategic Goals are focused on our core competencies: Business Support, Community Development, Economic Development and Public Policy . Additionally, our organization plays an important role in advancing regional development goals and those are outlined as well . The regional development framework includes the following: a strong brand and image, a skilled and educated workforce, civic engagement, a diverse and inclusive culture and finally, support of innovation and entrepreneurism . As it relates to this work, we were careful and thoughtful to define where we play a lead role and where we will assist or support other organizations that lead these efforts.

Now the real work begins as we implement and achieve results! We look forward to working with you and for you throughout the year and as always welcome your feedback at any time .

Regards,

Dee Baird CEO/President

3MAY 2012


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PUBLIC POLICY

Stay tuned...

A public policy recap will be included in the June 2012 Report.

The Iowa Legislature was nearing the end of the 2012 session as we were going to print.

The details of legislation that passed and those bills not making it out of this session will be included in next month’s Economic Alliance Report.

TIME MAGAZINE: Boomtown USAIn the April 2 edition of TIME MAGAZINE, Cedar Rapids was featured as a bright spot on the nation's economic landscape. The magazine highlights Cedar Rapids and 10 other cities in an infographic labeled, “Boomtown USA: A look at growing cities and what's fueling their growth." The graphic was a counterpoint to the magazine's cover feature, "The Wimpy Recovery." The portion on Cedar Rapids points to the city's 6 percent unemployment rate and ties it to the city's strength in avionics through major employer Rockwell Collins. It says job growth in Cedar Rapids has topped national levels by 7 percent.

Read the entire article in Time Magazine.

5MAY 2012

Thursday, May 17

8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Economic Alliance Boardroom

$10 Registration cedarrapids.org

Breakfast served

ESOP as a Business Ownership Succession Strategy

Congress likes ESOPs . Iowa Legislature likes ESOPs . Recent proposed legislation is favorable to ESOPs . But what does that mean for you? Join us for breakfast and our Professional Development Academy on Thursday, May 17! This session, we’ll learn how business owners can use the “Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)” as an efficient tax strategy to facilitate an inside sale of their business to management .

Attendees will hear from experienced guest speakers who will focus on ESOP opportunities—leveraged, non-leveraged, partial or full sale .

Owner Exit Planning Perspective Guest Speakers:

Trustee Perspective Guest Speaker:

Professional Development

Jim Schmitt of INTEGRUS Consulting, former CEO of 100% ESOP owned Van Meter Industrial

Neil Brozen, BTC ESOP Services

Michael Harden, ESOP Consulting Services, Eureka Capital

Programs & Events for Your InternEvery summer, hundreds of students take on internships in companies and organizations throughout our community, and their short stay often determines whether they will decide to make the Creative Corridor their permanent home . In an effort to broaden interns’ summer experience, the Economic Alliance has created “MyLifeNow,” an on-going summer schedule that’s packed with events and programs .

From June through August, we will provide high-quality opportunities for your intern to connect with the Corridor, to enhance their leadership skills and learn the essential elements of effective teamwork .

We look forward to beginning this program Thursday, June 7! Stay tuned for further details . Have your intern participate by pre-registering at www .cedarrapids .org .

Seating is limited, so please

register your attendance today

at www .cedarrapids .org .


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Join us at Unlocking Your Membership to learn how to best use your membership investment! This popular meeting is the perfect opportunity for new members and other members 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 www .cedarrapids .org . 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

Tuesday, May 15

Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Economic Alliance Boardroom

FREE Please register

at cedarrapids.org

Lunch provided

7MAY 2012

Clearheart Vodka Crawl

Join ImpactCR as we celebrate a local gem and entrepreneurial success story:

Cedar Ridge Vineyards & Distillery and its award winning products—Clearheart Spirits!

Cedar Ridge has invited ImpactCR to co-host its popular annual Spring Vodka Crawl May 11, beginning at 5:30 p .m . with registration at Downtown Wrigleyville . Throughout the evening, we’ll crawl through downtown to Brick’s Bar & Grill, Red’s, La Cantina, Fieldhouse and Dublin City . For just $10, attendees will receive one unique beverage featuring Clearheart Spirits at each crawl stop .

Cedar Ridge has generously selected ImpactCR as the recipient of proceeds from this special event . Please join us in celebrating their success, and help us continue ours by attending this special event . Stay tuned to www .impactcr .org for more event details .

Cedar Ridge Vineyards & Distillery is the first licensed distillery in the state of Iowa since the age of prohibition . Clearheart Spirits has been awarded a Gold Medal by the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition, and designated in the “Best of Category .” To read more about Cedar Ridge’s products and success story, please visit www .clearheartspirits .com .

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May ■ ImpactCR’s May Siren WednesdayMay 2, 5:30-7:30 p .m .Smuggler’s Wharf95 16th Avenue SW, Czech Village

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

■ ImpactCR – Clearheart Vodka Crawl May 11, 5:30-10:30 p .m .Downtown Wrigleyville315 2nd Avenue SE

Join Cedar Ridge Vineyards and ImpactCR for the 2012 Clearheart Vodka Crawl . Registration is from 5:30-7:30 p .m . at Downtown Wrigleyville . Cedar Ridge Vineyards has once again selected ImpactCR to be the recipients of proceeds made from this always popular event! Must be 21 .

■ Downtown Housing MixerMay 16, 5:30-7:30 p .m .Bottleworks Loft Condos905 3rd Street SE

This event enables current downtown residents to mingle, and learn about upcoming events in their neighborhood . Thinking about living downtown? Stop by to learn more on housing and amenities found in the core of our community . Food and beverages will be served, compliments of our event sponsors: Bottleworks Loft Condos and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust . Free to attend . Please register at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ Unlocking Your MembershipMay 15, Noon-1 p .m .Economic Alliance Boardroom424 1st Avenue SE

Join us at Unlocking Your Membership to learn how to best utilize your membership investment. Lunch will be provided. Can’t attend? Send a colleague or employee who can! Those attending are encouraged to bring business cards . Free to attend . Please register at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ May PM ExchangeMay 17, 5-7 p .m .University of Iowa Community Credit Union2340 Edgewood Road SW

No registration required . Free to attend .

■ Breakfast of ChampionsMay 24, 7-8:30 a .m .CSPS1103 3rd Street SE

Join the Economic Alliance for a community conversation on RAGBRAI with Marilee Fowler, President & CEO of The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau . Please register at www .cedarrapids .org .

Community Calendar ■ Joint Corridor PM ExchangeMay 24, 5-7 p .m .Hills Bank & Trust Company 590 West Forevergreen Road, North Liberty

This is a joint PM Exchange led by the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce . This event is complimentary for Economic Alliance customers . No registration required .

■ Conquer the CorridorMay 30, 8-9 a .m .Shores Event Center 700 16th Street NE

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 . Free to attend . Please register at www .cedarrapids .org .

June

■ Downtown Farmers’ Market First of the Season! June 2, 7:30 a .m .–Noon, Rain or Shine!

Enjoy vendors surrounding 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 .

■ ImpactCR’s Bigwig Lunch Talk June 13, Noon-1 p .m .Economic Alliance Boardroom424 1st Avenue SE

Join ImpactCR for a community conversation with Marilee Fowler, President & CEO of The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau . This event is a brown bag lunch and free to attend . Please register at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ Downtown Farmers’ Market June 16, 7:30 a .m . – Noon, Rain or Shine!

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

■ June PM ExchangeJune 21, 5-7 p .m .Cedar Rapids Smile Center1260 3rd Avenue SE

No registration required . Free to attend .

9MAY 2012

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance combines the economic and community development efforts of the former Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Rapids Downtown District and Priority One. The new organization began on January 1, 2012.

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 CUSTOMERS 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.


Create a strong business environment which supports all employers. Additionally, we will focus on small and locally-owned businesses to achieve the following goals:

1. Engage and connect businesses through networking, community and professional development programs.2. Provide education and awareness on local, regional and state initiatives which enhance regional and state trade.

Grow core central districts in Cedar Rapids and support surrounding communities.1. Develop and begin implementation of updated strategic plan for Cedar Rapids downtown district and medical district.2. Implement interstate and intrastate business recruitment strategy.3. Assist City of Cedar Rapids in plan for flood protection and financial support.

Attract, Grow & Retain Interstate Commerce Business. Our focus is targeted toward bio-processing/food ingredients, distribution/logistics, electronic equipment/design, food processing, financial services/insurance, information technology, process manufacturing and wind energy.

1. Develop and maintain reports of data tools to assist with project management, business and workforce development.2. Coordinate and facilitate projects to utilize financial tools and programs for prospects and clients.3. Maintain and advance relationships with existing companies to identify growth and retention opportunities.4. Develop and implement strategies to improve recruitment of new companies.

Develop and advocate for policy decisions in support of business support, community development and economic development.

In 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. Develop regional message to positively and effectively impact our image.2. Develop brand strategy for organizational promotion, customer 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. Continue to develop strategies and lead targeted regional marketing campaign to attract new employees to our region.2. Continue to build a website and marketing campaign to promote career and internship opportunities for high school and college students in our region.3. Build on a 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.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT - In order for Iowa’s Creative Corridor to grow and develop, we must serve as a lead facilitator and coordinator of advancing a pro-business culture in the communities we serve.1. Develop and lead a constructive community conversation about development and growth.2. Assist and partner on the above goal with Linn County, Marion and Hiawatha.3. Increase the number of business leaders on local and state boards and commissions.

ENTREPRENEURISM/INNOVATION - It is imperative we create a region where entrepreneurism and innovation are embraced and celebrated.1. Assist partner organizations to increase education and awareness of programs and resources.2. Determine potential gaps within customer base to advance entrepreneurism and innovation.

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. Serve as a role model by having all employees obtain diversity and inclusion training.2. Assist partner organizations to increase education and awareness of programs and resources.

11MAY 2012

Wednesday, May 16

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Bottleworks Loft Condos905 Third Ave SE

FREEPlease register at cedarrapids.org

Join your neighbors (and could-be neighbors) for an informational night about—well, everything downtown . Attendees will enjoy free food, beverages and trivia games with prizes! Meet and mingle with people who live downtown, and those interested in becoming a part of the neighborhood . This event is your one-stop-shop for learning about how to take advantage of living in the core of our community .

Register for this free event at www .cedarrapids .org .

Special thanks to our sponsors:

DOWNTOWNHousing Mixer


Wednesday, May 16

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.Bottleworks Loft Condos905 Third Ave SE


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Spring Cleaning in Downtown CoreOn May 10, the Economic Alliance will welcome more than 20 employees from Kirkwood Community College to volunteer on downtown streetscape and maintenance projects, in partnership with the United Way of Eastern Iowa’s Day of Caring event . With direction from our maintenance team and Economic Alliance Development Committee members, Kirkwood volunteers will help with bench staining, sidewalk and alley clean-up, trail beautification, installation of three new bike racks, plus graffiti removal.

In conjunction with Day of Caring, the Economic Alliance maintenance team has been hard at work cleaning and preparing the downtown district streetscape for our summer events season . More than likely, when visiting downtown you’ve seen our maintenance coordinator, Dennis and his assistant Wayne in their bright green shirts and vests working diligently to maintain and improve the streetscape in the core of downtown. Our organization’s maintenance program covers a lot of ground, and we are working hard to improve the aesthetics of downtown . Especially through the month of May, you’ll notice signs of summer nearing with flower pots prepped and planted, Greene Square Park beautification, swept sidewalks, power-washed benches and more .

13MAY 2012

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 .

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 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 .

Please register at cedarrapids .org .

Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Bankers Trust .

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Ground Breakings

IntermecIntermec Technologies Corporation recently held a ground-breaking ceremony for the start of construction on a $12 .5 million two-story, 81,000 square-foot facility in downtown Cedar Rapids . The building, at 601 Third St . SE, will replace the company’s existing facility at 550 Second St . SE . Expected to be complete in June 2013, Intermec said the total investment of the project is $28 million .

NewBo City MarketThe NewBo City Market recently celebrated its ground-breaking ceremony, kicking off construction of the $3 million facility located at 1100 Third St . SE, in New Bohemia neighborhood . The venue will include permanent and seasonal vendors, distribution center, community focused market yard, 1,500-square-foot teaching kitchen in partnership with Kirkwood Community College’s Continuing Education Program and more . The NewBo City Market is projected to open to the public in November 2012 .

15MAY 2012

Need Printing or Mailing?

Call Chuck atCornerstone Press

378-4451

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance newsletter3.625” x 7.75”May 2012

Julie BirkyHills Bank and Trust Company319-679-5082

Join us for beverages and progressive appetizers from: Catering by Charlotte • Johncy’s • Okoboji GrillRed’s Ale House • The Brown BottleYummy’s Gourmet Cakes

Joint Chamber Business PM ExchangeThursday • May 24, 2012 • 5-7 PM

Hills Bankand Trust Company

Hosted by:

Corner of Hwy 965 and Forevergreen Rd, North Liberty

Be Our Guest at the

Member FDIC

Policy Board UpdateBoard Adopts Two Policies

Be transparent. Be open. Be responsible. Be willing to take a stand on issues important to customers.

These were some of the responses we heard from the 500-plus customers in 2011 when the discussion of merging the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown District and Priority One was taking place . We listened, and when the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance began operating Jan . 1, the Policy Board and management staff set out to ensure we conduct business in accordance with customers’ desires .

To that end, we want to give you regular updates about action the Policy Board takes . Whether the action is of major strategic importance or directed at a specific operational detail, sharing board work with you, our valued customer, is part of our promise to you . The following are two organizational policies recently adopted by the Policy Board:

1) Use of Operational Funds

Operational funds generated from customer support and investments are to be used for the sole purpose of advancing the Economic Alliance’s mission and strategic goals. Requests from other private or non-profit organizations for operational support or capital projects will not be considered for any purpose . Economic Alliance management staff will decide whether to consider funding requests related to service contracts or marketing/advertising, if such requests advance the mission of the Economic Alliance, as well as its approved strategic plan .

2) Position Statements

The Economic Alliance will not take a formal position on every project or initiative in which it is involved . But when an issue of significant public interest pertains to a public asset or policy, the Board may decide to form and act on positions that advance the organization’s vision, mission, core functions and strategic goals .

To date, the Policy Board and management staff have formulated two positions, one supporting the March 6 referendum to provide flood protection funding for the east and west sides of Cedar Rapids; and a second position statement supporting Penford Products effort to purchase Riverside Park . Policy Board members and management staff believe the city and Penford should negotiate an agreement that would provide Penford the capability to expand, but in a manner that would incorporate adequate buffering, screening and landscaping elements to maintain the neighborhood .

We will continue to provide overviews of position statements made in the future through the monthly Report, weekly E-blasts, and other forms of communications as deemed appropriate .


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17MAY 2012

AprilPM Exchange Recap

More than 250 members of the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance enjoyed this month’s PM Exchange April 26 . The ESCO Group celebrated the opening of their new facility located at 3450 Third St . in Marion with a ribbon cutting and PM Exchange complete with appetizers, beverages and building tours. Guests also enjoyed live entertainment by local favorite, Bryce Janey . The ESCO Group is made up of four business units: ESCO Automation, ESCO Electric, ESCO Recruiting, and ESCO Safety . It provides plant automation, electrical construction, power engineering, professional recruiting, and safety training for a wide variety of clients . The Marion location serves as the company’s corporate headquarters .

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.

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2340 Edgewood Road SWCedar Rapids

Thursday, May 17thfrom 5p.m.- 7p.m.

Join us for a

PM ExchangeUniversity of Iowa

Community Credit UnionWestdale Office


Join the Economic Alliance for a community conversation on RAGBRAI with Marilee Fowler, President & CEO of The Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau .

Attendees will enjoy networking from 7-7:30 a .m ., with the program from at 7:30-8:30 a .m .

Registration is required to attend at www .cedarrapids .org .

Sponsored by CenturyLink .

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Breakfast ofThursday, May 24

7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

CSPS1103 3rd Street SE

FREEPlease register

at cedarrapids.org

19MAY 2012

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Economic Alliance May Report