Economic Alliance Monthly Report - MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

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

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

Featured Member of the Month . . . . . . . . . . .4

NewBo City Market Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Professional Development Academy . . . . . . .6

Start Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

ImpactCR: B .L .T . with Dee Baird . . . . . . . . . .8

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

Economic Alliance Location Announcement 10-11

Get Involved with RAGBRAI . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Iowa’s Creative Corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Signs of Progress: Convention Center Update . 15

Cedar Rapids Blue Zones Update . . . . . . . . . 16

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

February PM Exchange Recap . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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

Corridor Day at the Capitol Recap . . . . . . . . 19

MyTern Now Fairs Recap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

March 2012Volume 81 No 7 (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 .

13th2011 Best Performing CitiesMilkin Institute, December 2011

We ranked number 13, up 15 spots from last year. This index ranks US metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth.

11 thTop 25 Cities Where Homes are AffordableCNNMoney & Money Magazine, August 2011

We are ranked number 11 for median family income and median home price.

9thTop 10 Best Value Cities of 2011Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, September 2011

We are ranked number 9, based on average home costs, property tax rates and great amenities.

National Recognition

2 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

From the President’s Desk:

Every week and every month is incredibly exciting for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance! This month is no different as we share with you our plans to move to our new home .

In May 2011, the former Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to return $3 million dollars to the Economic Development Administration which was originally awarded for a new Economic Commerce Center building . This decision provided the Economic Alliance an opportunity to start at ground zero and contemplate our options .

A task force of eight members spent 14 weeks in 2011 developing a plan to propose a new location . This group of committed and passionate leaders wrestled with many critical questions and developed an extensive scorecard and process to come to a final recommendation. Many key questions were asked and answered in the final recommendation like:

■ Should we invest resources in our current property to remodel? Is this a good investment of resources?

■ Should we build a new building or remodel an existing facility?

■ Should we continue to be a building/property owner in the future?

In the end, 14 proposals were considered, seven site visits were conducted and four locations were chosen as finalists. Following interviews with representatives from each of the finalist sites, the task force recommended the former Science Center to be our new home .

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Board approved the lease terms in January and we’re happy to report design work has begun . This location is a community icon for many and we are thrilled to put our vision of creating a smart, innovative and progressive facility plan in motion that will create a home that will be a beacon for economic growth .

The move-in date is slated for early July . It is our goal that this facility will provide many options for our members, regional partners and the broader community to use . Our new home will be the hub for economic, business and community development meetings, programs, events and projects! We look forward to sharing more details as our work progresses .

Sincerely,

Dee Baird CEO/President

3MARCH 2012

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4 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Progress for NewBo City MarketJulie Palmer, NewBo City Market’s first executive director, was the guest speaker at this month’s Economic Alliance Breakfast of Champions . Julie started January 1 with a charge to continue advocacy efforts, steer future construction, market start-up and operation of the venue .

Ms . Palmer noted their goal to break ground at 3rd Street and 12th Avenue SE sometime this April, with a projected grand opening of November 2012 .To date, the year-round market has raised $2 .64 million of the $3 million needed to start construction . In adition and in response to their plans for an innovative waste management program, the Solid Waste Agency recently pledged a grant of $300,000 to the NewBo City Market, expected to be formally approved later this month .

NewBo City Market will be held in addition to the eight Economic Alliance Downtown Farmers’ Market held on the first and third Saturday of each month June–September .

Learn more about this exciting

addition to our community by

www .newbocitymarket .com .

Exciting Amenities Within the Market

■ A teaching kitchen in partnership with Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education Program

■ A Distribution Center where fresh produce can be distributed to low income families

■ An indoor market space for entertainment purposes

■ A playground

■ 7,900 square foot space for permanent indoor vendors

■ A community focused Market Yard

5MARCH 2012

Inbound Marketing Fundamentals for Local Businesses

Presented by: Chad Gookin Web Content & SEO Strategist, Metro Studios Ed Faber

Business Development Specialist, Metro Studios

Professional Development Tuesday,

March 13

8:00 am to 9:30 am

Economic Alliance Boardroom (former Chamber Boardroom)

$10.00 members $25.00 future members

Selling in the new information age:

Learn how to build your sales funnel and turn website visitors into paying customers . Reach beyond traditional “outbound” methods when expanding your customer base by using more relevant, unique tools discussed in this session . In this academy program, attendees will learn the fundamentals of how to create a sales generating online presence to “get found” by more prospects shopping in your niche and convert a higher percentage into customers .

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6 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

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CHAMBER 4C AD MASTER 09:CHAMBER HALF PAGE 10/1/09 11:02 AM Page 9

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance was formed with one vision in mind: to become one of the top economic growth regions in the country . The Economic Alliance knows to accomplish our goal we must have strong core central business districts . One of our region’s largest business districts—Downtown Cedar Rapids—is undergoing an astounding transformation following the 2008 flood.

We’ve developed a video called “Start Here,” highlighting the progress and development taking place in downtown Cedar Rapids . This video showcases more than $750 million worth of investment in new and rehabilitated facilities in downtown . This exciting new video resource is being used in conjunction with other promotional materials in an effort to boost awareness regarding our community’s revitalization, as well as our entire region .

http://youtu.be/m0DqJjP6ADQ

Watch it now Pass it on.

Embracing our Core

7MARCH 2012

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Tuesday, April 3

12:00 pm to 1:00 pmEconomic Alliance Boardroom (Former Chamber Board Room)

FREERegistration is required

BigWig Lunch Talk with Dee Baird Join ImpactCR for their professional development brown bag lunch on Tuesday, April 3 from Noon-1 p .m . with this month’s BigWig—Dee Baird, President & CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance . This event is a brown bag lunch and free to attend . Seats are limited, so please register online at www .impactcr .org .

Our BigWig Lunch Talk (BLT) is a unique way to connect with a local leader—like Dee—in an informal setting, learn about their professional adventures and ask questions that might influence your own professional journey .

8 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

March ■ Breakfast of ChampionsThursday, March 87:00 AM - 8:30 AMEconomic Alliance Boardroom

Join us for a morning of networking and a presentation by Julie Palmer, Executive Director of NewBo City Market . A light breakfast and coffee will be offered . There is no cost to attend; however registration is required at www .cedarrapids .org .

Sponsored by

■ Professional Development Academy: Inbound Marketing Fundamentals for Local BusinessesTuesday, March 138:00 AM - 9:30 AMEconomic Alliance Boardroom

Chad Gookin and Ed Faber of Metro Studios will share information on how to build your sales funnel and turn web site visitors into paying customers .

Seats are limited, so please register online at www .cedarrapids .org .

■ PM ExchangeThursday, March 155:00 PM - 7:00 PMITT Technical Institute3735 Queen Court SWCedar Rapids, IA 52404

No registration required . Free to attend .

■ 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Day ParadeSaturday, March 171:00 PM - 3:00 PM2nd Avenue, Downtown Parade Route

Join the official Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Society (SaPaDaPaSo) for their 37th Annual parade starting at 1 p .m . in downtown Cedar Rapids! Following the parade, SaPaDaPaSo will host their annual parade awards ceremony and entertainment at The Scottish Rite Masonic Center (616 A Ave . NE) .

Community CalendarAs an Economic Alliance member,

businesses can login at www .cedarrapids .org

and submit their own event . Visit www .cedarrapids .org/events to view the numerous events being held by Economic Alliance members

throughout the community .

For the latest listing of events or to register and pay on-line please visit

www .cedarrapids .org

Community CalendarAPRIL

■ ImpactCR’s Bigwig Lunch Talk with Dee BairdTuesday, April 312:00 PM - 1:00 PMEconomic Alliance Boardroom

Join ImpactCR for their professional development brown bag lunch on April 3 from Noon-1 p .m . with this month’s BigWig—Dee Baird, President & CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance . This event is a brown bag lunch and free to attend .

Seats are limited, so please register online at www .impactcr .org .

■ Hiawatha Morning NetworkingTuesday, April, 107:30 AM - 8:30 AMHACAP1515 Hawkeye DriveHiawatha, IA 52233

Join Hiawatha business leaders for a morning of networking . This informal gathering provides attendees the opportunity to create new business contacts and learn more about area businesses . Coffee and light refreshments will be provided .

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required on www .cedarrapids .org .

■ Spring Pub CrawlFriday, April 275–9 p .m ., Registration opens at 5 p .m .Registration still to be determined .

Mark your calendars! 7G Distributing and the Economic Alliance invite you to enjoy a showcase of downtown nightlife at our Spring Pub Crawl! No matter sunshine or April showers, we’ll crawl to four of downtown’s newest establishments, enjoying drink specials and activities . Must be 21 to attend . Stay tuned to www .cedarrapids .org for further details!

ImpactCR EventsImpactCR hosts a number of

committee meetings each month . To learn more about the organization’s various committees or find out when the next committee meeting is visit

impactcr .org for details .

9MARCH 2012

When Ron Olson looks at the building formerly known as the Science Station, he envisions the next chapter.

“It’s a signature location. I see it becoming the hub of economic activity in Eastern Iowa,” he says. As chairman of the task force entrusted to find a new home for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, he’s not alone.

Dee Baird, Economic Alliance president & CEO, says when the transformation of the building is complete it will be a “beacon of economic growth” with a design that reflects “a smart, innovative, progressive space.”

To fully appreciate how the Economic Alliance has reached this point, one must go back to May 2011. That is when the former Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to return $3 million dollars to the Economic

Development Administration originally awarded to create a new Economic Commerce Center building. The board made its decision after determining the business plan for that facility was deemed to be unsustainable and toofinancially risky.

That step provided the opportunity to start a new discussion about where the EconomicAlliance should be located. Presently housed in the former Chamber building on First Avenue, leaders wanted to find a space that could make a statement about the organization’s goal – to become one of the top economic growth regions in the country.

Olson says the eight-member task force spent 14 weeks over the course of last year using a very detailed and thorough process to find the building and site that best fit the Economic Alliance’s needs. As the task force began its

Collaborative Spaces to Fill Economic Alliance

Exterior Entrance

Exterior River Walk

Interior Welcome Space

of an Iconic Downtown BuildingREVIVAL

connect. innovate. participate. collaborate. succeed.

2 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE10 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

process, Olson says they purposefully set out to make it inclusive for the membership.

Fourteen responses were reviewed, seven site visits were made and four locations were chosen as finalists. Interviews were conducted with representatives of each of the finalists. In the final review, the building where the Science Station operated, owned by 2001 Development Corp., was chosen.

“It combined all the qualities we were looking for,” Olson says. “It has a tremendous location and the ability to adapt the space in a cost effective manner because of the openness.”

Baird says the design, by OPN Architects, will include several collaboration spaces that will be available for investors/members. “The new space will give us more options, flexibility and capability to advance our vision and mission.”

The estimated cost to renovate the building is $2.4 million, of which $1.2 million will be funded through Iowa’s I-JOBS program.

Baird says the Economic Alliance is grateful for the state’s support. “It is wonderful the state is willing to help us repurpose an iconic facility in this community,” she says.

Economic Alliance staff will move into the new location in early July. Baird says more details about the collaborative uses for the building will be provided as the plans evolve.

“We want to create a center for the community and economic activity for our members and partners,” she says.

Collaboration Spaces

Board Room

War Room

connect. innovate. participate. collaborate. succeed.

Designs developed and provided by OPN Architects.

3FEBRUARY 2012 11MARCH 2012

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Preparing for RAGBRAI® XL

As you have no doubt heard, Cedar Rapids was awarded an overnight stop on RAGBRAI’s 40th Anniversary Ride this summer . The annual festival will roll into town on Thursday, July 26 . The last time Cedar Rapids hosted an overnight stop on RAGBRAI® was in 1990 .

RAGBRAI® is the world’s oldest, largest and longest tour of its kind . Sixty percent of the riders are from places outside of Iowa including 20 countries . RAGBRAI® officials state an economic study done by UNI two years ago found the event brings $24 million in new spending to Iowa or $3 million for each hosting town .

CR RAGBRAI Committees are in the initial planning stages, so details on vendors, entertainment and affiliated event opportunities will be coming soon. Questions? Please call Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 319.398.5009 to be directed to appropriate committee members.

Get Involved!This huge event is being coordinated by the Cedar Rapids Convention & Visitors Bureau, supporting collaborative organizations and volunteers . Committees (such as Entertainment, Publicity, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, etc .) have been created, and they’re looking for volunteers right now!

If you are interested in

volunteering for RAGBRAI®,

please sign up at

www .CedarRapidsRAGBRAI .com

CR RAGBRAI Committees: ■ Beverage Garden ■ Entertainment & Special Events ■ Food & Vendor ■ Volunteer ■ Hospitality ■ Housing ■ Information Center ■ Publicity ■ Maps/Signage ■ Web/Social Media ■ Marketing/Media

12 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Cedar Rapids Titans

Titans 2012 Home Game Schedule

2/23 vs. Omaha Beef @ 7:05 PM

3/3 vs. Lehigh Valley @ 7:05 PM

3/23 vs. Chicago Slaughter @ 7:05 PM

4/7 vs. Green Bay Blizzard @ 7:05 PM

4/21 vs. Omaha Beef @ 7:05 PM

5/12 vs. Reading Express @ 7:05 PM

5/18 vs. Bloomington Edge @ 7:05 PM

6/16 vs. Nebraska Danger @7:05 PM

** All home games will be held at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena located at

1100 Rockford Road SW, Cedar Rapids IA, 52404

Group Ticket Prices VIP (Red)= Unavailable

Sideline (Blue)= $20 Corners (Yellow)= $16

Endzone Bleachers (Orange)= $8

Individual Ticket Prices VIP (Red)= $33

Sideline (Blue)= $22 Corners (Yellow)= $18

Endzone Bleachers (Orange)= $10

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TOUCHDOWN PACKAGE • Full contribution of $1,000 is tax deductible for this year. • Four Sideline Level Season Tickets • Receive all season ticket holder benefits. • Ability to promote your company with a business card b/w advertise-ment in the official Titans Souvenir Program (3,000 distributed each home game). • Recognition as business alliance partner through a listing of your com-pany's name on a banner, which will be displayed at every 2012 Titans home game. • A web-link and official business alliance listing on the Titans’ web site. • Public address announcement that recognizes your business during each home game. • Ability to promote your company through distributing information or promotional giveaways to Titans fan base by staffing a table/booth at any (1) 2012 Titans regular season home game. **(game must be pre-determined and agreed upon by both parties. Giveaways cannot conflict with primary Titans sponsors) • Ability to advertise and promote your business through the Titans’ ex-clusive VIP CARD, given to all season ticket holders.

FIELD GOAL PACKAGE • Full contribution of $750 is tax deductible for this year. • Four Sideline Level Season Tickets • Receive all season ticket holder benefits. • Ability to promote your company with a business card b/w advertise-ment in the official Titans Souvenir Program (3,000 distributed each home game). • Recognition as business alliance partner through a listing of your com-pany's name on a banner, which will be displayed at every 2012 Titans home game. • Public address announcement that recognizes your business during each home game • A web-link and official business alliance listing on the Titans’ web site. • Ability to advertise and promote your business through the Titans’ ex-clusive VIP CARD, given to all season ticket holders.

ENDZONE PACKAGE • Full contribution of $500 is tax deductible for this year. • Four Endzone Season Tickets • Receive all season ticket holder benefits. • Ability to promote your company with a business card b/w advertise-ment in the official Titans Souvenir Program (3,000 distributed each home game). • Recognition as business alliance partner through a listing of your com-pany's name on a banner, which will be displayed at every 2012 Titans home game. • Public address announcement that recognizes your business during each home game • A web-link and official business alliance listing on the Titans’ web site. • Ability to advertise and promote your business through the Titans’ ex-clusive VIP CARD, given to all season ticket holders.

If you have any questions go to WWW.CEDARRAPIDSTITANS.COM or contact Chris Kokalis at 319-730-6301

13MARCH 2012

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Collaborating through a Regional Brand

It’s been said that the key to global competitiveness is regional collaboration . Through collective efforts made by the Corridor Business Alliance (CBA), the region formerly known as “Iowa’s Technology Corridor” has been renamed Iowa’s Creative Corridor to better represent the area’s unique convergence of art, science and technology . The new name and logo were unveiled last month at a Corridor Business Alliance event held at Kirkwood Community College .

The 13 member organizations of the CBA worked with North Star Destinations Strategies, a firm specializing in community rebranding, to create the new name and logo . Extensive quantitative and qualitative research was conducted, including interviews with more than 1,500 people from Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, surrounding communities and out-of-state residents . The Economic Alliance strongly encourages you to review the complete study at www .corridor2020 .com .

Seven counties—Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington—encompass Iowa’s Creative Corridor . The Corridor is home to more than two dozen municipalities, multiple higher education facilities, the world-famous

Iowa Writer’s Workshop, dozens of arts organizations, nearly 30 Fortune 500 companies and more than a dozen international organizations . Considered as one of the nation’s leading economic development regions, Iowa’s Creative Corridor emphasizes creative innovation and support that allows individuals, businesses and organizations to transform their future, their company, their industry or even the world .

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is a proud member of the CBA and is an active participant in the regional branding campaign . We will be looking at ways to integrate those efforts into our new organization . As you know, the basis for merging the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown District and Priority One to create the Economic Alliance is that we are stronger together . We believe this rebranding and regional collaboration is another way we can show how we are united in growing our region .

To read the full media release regarding the Iowa’s Creative Corridor announcement and more about the work the Corridor Business Alliance, please visit www .corridor2020 .com .

14 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

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* Annual Percentage Yield. Rate may change after the account is opened. APY accurate as of November 1, 2011 and is not an introductory rate. Opening deposit requirement of $100. APY is for balances up to $25,000. Balances over $25,000 will earn interest at 0.10% APY. To earn stated APY and ATM fee refunds of $20 per month, the following items are required: minimum of 15 Visa Check Card transactions per statement cycle, enroll in online banking, receive eStatements and set up one direct deposit or debit per month. MEMBER FDIC

Signs of progress are visible downtown as construction continues on the site of the Cedar Rapids Convention Complex .

Structural steel columns 63-feet tall started going up Feb . 6, forming the silhouette of the lobby area of the building . Approximately 257 tons of steel have already been set in place .

The installation of steel is a huge milestone for this project and is arguably one of the most exciting and noticeable things to happen with the project to date . Adjacent to the Convention Center project, the renovation of the former Crowne Plaza Hotel continues .

In addition, the Cedar Rapids City Council has approved a 10-year Naming Rights Agreement with U .S . Cellular . The Cedar Rapids Convention Center Complex will become the “U .S . Cellular Center” and the hotel will be the “Doubletree by Hilton at the U .S . Cellular Center .” The U .S . Cellular agreement begins July 1, 2013 and by 2023 it will total $3 .8 million .

When the complex opens in the spring of 2013, it will become the second largest convention and events complex in the state of Iowa .

For all the latest on this project, go to www .cedarrapidsconventioncenter .com

15MARCH 2012

Blue Zone Power Nine Traits:There are places in the world where people live healthy, happy lives well into their 90’s and 100’s . Dubbed “Blue Zones” by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner, these longevity hotspots share nine traits—POWER Nine—responsible for their remarkable results .

1 Move Naturally: We can get more physical activity naturally, if we live in walkable communities, de-convenience our homes and grow gardens .

2 Know Your Purpose: People who know why they wake up in the morning live up to seven years longer than those who don’t .

3 Down Shift: To reverse inflammation related to every major age-related disease, find time each day to meditate, nap, pray or enjoy a happy hour .

4 80% Rule: It takes your stomach 20 minutes to tell your brain it is full, causing most people to accidentally over eat; so stop when you feel 80% full .

5 Plant Slant: Eat mostly a plant-based diet that is heavy on beans, nuts and green plants . This is consistent with the USDA’s MyPlate recommendations to make fruits, vegetables and grains the majority of your intake .

6 Wine at Five: If you have a healthy relationship to alcohol, one or two glasses of wine daily could help add years to your life, especially when consumed with a healthy diet .

7 Family First: Living in a thriving family is worth a half a dozen extra years of life expectancy . Invest time into your kids, nurture a monogamous relationship and keep your aging parents nearby .

8 Belong: Recommit, reconnect or explore a new faith-based community . No matter which faith, studies found that people who show up to their faith community four times a month live an extra 4-14 years .

9 Right Tribe: Your friends have a long-term impact on our well-being . Expanding your social circle to include healthy-minded, supportive people might be the most powerful thing you can do to add years to your life .

Cedar Rapids Blue Zones Site Visit RecapOn March 1, the official panel of judges and Blue Zones Project Team came to Cedar Rapids for a “Site Visit,” completing the fifth (and final) step of our Blue Zones application. Determination and an official announcement of three or four chosen community finalists will be expected in May .

What’s a “Site Visit?” This high-energy event was an opportunity for the Blue Zones judges to see first-hand how our community is ready and willing to transform into a Blue Zone .

Event Recap: Mayor Corbett kicked off the program with emcee Beth Malicki, KCRG anchor, by telling our community’s story and showing a powerful video created by SourceMedia Group . More than 125 supporters attended the event . Various organizations and businesses took to the stage, sharing messages of support, and welcoming Blue Zones to Cedar Rapids . A movement dance, choreographed by Coe College Cheerleaders, raised the crowd to their feet to move and have some fun!

Following the introductory program, the Blue Zones Project Team provided an overview of the program . Members of the Cedar Rapids Blue Zones Committee along with representatives from various organizations responded with a presentation highlighting Cedar Rapids’ support, ability and readiness to become a Blue Zone Community .

When the planned program concluded, participants including the Power 9 Advisory Board, City and County officials, school officials, business leaders and media stayed for private breakout sessions with the Blue Zone Project Team . The sessions provided an opportunity for involved parties to ask questions and learn more about the responsibilities and fortitude it takes to be a “Blue Zone Community .”

The Site Visit was an informative event, meant to encourage the Blue Zones Project Team to choose Cedar Rapids as a Blue Zones Community in May, and also remind attendees to “make the healthy choice, the easy choice .”

Questions? Contact Jennifer Palmer at 319 .892 .6028 .

Power 9 Advisory BoardGovernmentMayor Ron CorbettLinda Langston,

County SupervisorBusinessPat Baird, Former CEO AEGONKim Jaber, Hy-VeeSchoolsLew Finch, Retired CR School

District Superintendent

Health Care/Public HealthStephanie Neff,

Linn County Public HealthDr . James Levett,

Physicians Clinic of IowaTim Charles, Mercy Medical CenterTed Townsend, St . Luke’s HospitalOtherChad Simmons, Diversity FocusBob Carlson, YMCA

16 CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center 701 Center Point Rd NECedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 Katie Sandquist, Executive Director P: 319/364.8967 W: www.bridgehavencr.org E: [email protected]

Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center has been empowering women and families to make healthy choices regarding relationships, pregnancy, and parenting for nearly 30 years .

HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehab 206 Collins Road NE, Ste 202 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402Jeff Wisdo, OwnerW: www.healthsourcechiro.com E: [email protected]

We are a Chiropractic group that not only specializes in Chiropractic care but also Rehab Therapy . Pairing the Rehab with Chiropractic care helps get our patients better faster and keeps them better longer . We are interested in fixing the problem not just getting our patients out of pain.

New York Life Insurance Company4250 River Center Court NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 Tim Hutto CLU, ChFC, Managing Partner P: 319/743.2951W: www.cedarrapids.nyloffices.com E: [email protected]

New York Life Insurance Company (NYLIC) is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States, and one of the largest life insurers in the world . New York Life’s family of companies offers life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance .

U .S . Lawns of Cedar Rapids & Iowa City P.O. Box 8738 Cedar Rapids, IA 52408Matt Lawler, Owner P: 319/826.1074 W: www.uslawns.com E: [email protected]

Commercial Landscape and Snow Maintenance .

Verbena MassageSpa & TeaBar3808 1st Avenue N.E.Cedar Rapids, IA 52402Denise Ewert Bandel, OwnerP: 319/366.3103W: www.Verbena-Spa.comE: [email protected]

Combining rejuvenating effects of massage with the health benefits of tea; we offer a place to escape, relax and recharge .

US Bank, Kirkwood LocationFebruary 9

Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support CenterFebruary 10

New Members

Ribbon Cuttings

Rachel Hauck with Linn County State Bank (right) was this quarter’s recognition recipient . Rachel is pictured with Lisa Rowe from the Ambassador Executive Committee . Thank you for your hard work and volunteerism!

Ambassador of the Quarter

17MARCH 2012

February PM Exchange Recap

380 guests braved a cold and snowy night to celebrate the February PM Exchange and Grand Opening of the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott . Guests enjoyed an evening of networking, food, beverages, tours of the new facility and door prizes. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is located at 605 32nd Ave SW in Cedar Rapids .

Contact the Economic Alliance and learn more about the numerous opportunities to maximize your

marketing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Member 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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A Successful Day at the Capitol

For decades, Kolache & Corridor Day at the Capitol has been a favored tradition for Iowa legislators . Our new organization and name certainly wasn’t going to stand in the way of a tradition like that . So the Economic Alliance headed to Des Moines last month with more than 750 kolaches to serve to lawmakers and staff, courtesy of a sponsorship by NextEra Energy . About 40 Cedar Rapids and Iowa City area business leaders went as a coalition for the day .

The kolaches - and free burritos for lunch from our Johnson County friends - put a light-hearted (and tasty!) spin on the day that also included plenty of serious and substantive discussion about public policy issues critical to help grow our local economy .

Property taxes, incentives for growing businesses, workforce preparation and flood protection were amoung the issues most discussed with legislative leaders .

To read our full Public Policy Agenda for 2012, visit www .cedarrapids .org/advocacy .

Connecting through FairsThe Economic Alliance attended the Iowa State Spring Engineering Fair and the Iowa State Spring Business/Liberal Arts & Sciences, Human Sciences Fair .

The Economic Alliance had successful visits, connecting with 213 students regarding opportunities available in the Corridor . Of those students, 61 expressed an interest in being a part of the MyTernNow summer internship program . The Economic Alliance also met with many of the area employers participating in the fairs . As a result, Economic Alliance staff is following up with more than 20 employers to discuss their workforce needs this month .

To learn more about our MyTern Now program, visit www .myternnow .com or contact DeMaris McKee at 319/730 .1417 or dmckee@cedarrapids .org .

Pictured here, volunteer Sarah Cupp meeting with two student job seekers .

Pictured here, Brad Kiburz of Primus Construction .

19MARCH 2012

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