December 2012
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Table of Contents Article, Page From the President’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Featured Customer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Economic Alliance Annual Meeting. . . . . . . . . 5 ImpactCR New Advisory Board Members. . . . . 6 Breakfast of Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Celebration of BRAVO Winners . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Shop Locally this Holiday Season . . . . . . . . 10 Park Cedar Rapids Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Ribbon Cuttings/New Members . . . . . . . . . 13 PM Exchange Recap & Ad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Business Support News: Economic Census. . 15
December 2012
Volume 82 No 4 (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 Alliance 501 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-2011 President & CEO: Dee Baird Editor: Mallory Mohwinkle Contact the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission.
december 2012
From the President’s Desk:
We did it! We are nearly to the end of this very exciting and progressive first year as the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. As we get ready to wrap up this calendar year, we are already deep into our budget and strategic planning for 2013. In addition to starting the year by establishing a strong organizational platform around our vision of being the top economic growth region in the country and executing on our mission to be a catalyst for economic prosperity we have also made you, our customers, a top priority. Our team established an agressive goal to reach more than 800 of our customers this year and, at this writing, we’ve connected with more than 1,000 of you. Additionally, we have succeeded our new customer goal of 80 with more than 100 new members! We can’t thank you enough for your feedback and ongoing support of our work. The progress continues every week, not only for our organization but for the region. Every week there is a celebration of some kind happening throughout the metro area. A couple of weeks ago we celebrated 21 years of honoring and recognizing locally-owned businesses in our area. Three Bravo awards were given to very deserving organizations: HR Green, Inc., Russell’s Guides and Nelson Electric Co. I am always amazed by these wonderful companies and their stories. The winners embody strong core values and a commitment to give back to their community. Even more impressive is the number of years these companies have been doing business in our region. If a business has been around for more than 120 years or is about ready to celebrate their 100th year in business, they are truly doing something right. As I’ve been out meeting with many of you, there was a significant amount of frustration the recent election process was long and drawn out. The overarching sentiment was that getting to a conclusion would be good for everyone. Regardless of your preference of the outcome, we all know it is time to move forward and get on with business. We are working closely with the Iowa Chamber Alliance to establish a pro-business, pro-growth public policy agenda that we will be sharing with all of you early in 2013. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous new year!
Dee Baird President & CEO
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
december 2012
BE A BIG FISH IN A BIG POOL Achieve Goals in Life. When kids play sports they get more than just exercise. They have higher self esteem and a healthier body image. Sign your kid up for Y sports NOW online or in a branch.
CEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCA
www.crmetroymca.org
Due to the holidays, the Economic Alliance will be closed Monday, December 24, 2012 through Tuesday, January 1, 2013. The Economic Alliance will reopen for regular business hours on Wednesday, January 2, 2013.
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Upcoming ImpactCR Event: We are proud to welcome new ImpactCR Advisory Board Members in 2013!
Siren Wednesday
Eric Johnson Native to
January 9 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Rapids, Eric recently returned to Iowa after graduating from law school and working in San Francisco, CA as a Public Defender. While there, he was President and Diversity Chair for OUTLaw, an educational, political and social collaborative of law students at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He moved back to Cedar Rapids in 2010, excited to participate in transforming the Creative Corridor into a more diverse and innovative community. He currently works as a Contracts and Proposals Manager for Geonetric, a local web software solution company focusing on healthcare.
Jennifer Germaine
After receiving her law degree in Omaha, NE, Jennifer became quite active in the Omaha Young Professionals organization. She then moved to Prairie du Chien, WI, but quickly realized her Iowa roots were calling her to Cedar Rapids. Understanding how vital young pro organizations are to communities, Jennifer has been an active member of ImpactCR since 2011. She most recently served on the Next Gen. Summit Steering Committee, and is excited to participate on ImpactCR’s Advisory Board to foster programs that empower the now and next generation. Jennifer currently works as an Associate Attorney with Day Rettig Peiffer, PC.
Kaitlin Oswood
Following graduation from Drake in 2010, Kaitlin traveled to Guilin, China and then Guatemala City, Guatemala to teach students ranging from age four to college level. Through her travels, she gained new perspective and appreciation for her hometown of Cedar Rapids, and recently returned this year to create a life in a place she describes as having a “big city feel, with a small town mindset.” New to ImpactCR, Kaitlin will bring a unique perspective and a strong awareness of the value of effective communication to the advisory board. Kaitlin presently works on the Endow Iowa Program for the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
Liz Schott An active
member of ImpactCR’s Leadership & Service Committee, Liz received ImpactCR’s Member of the Year Award in 2011. She brings board and service expertise from her past participation with Goodwill of the Heartland, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Miracles in Motion and the Workplace Learning Connection. Over the past two years, she has also shared her excitement and positivity for the future of Cedar Rapids by helping facilitate the Pacific Institute curriculum for more than 200 community members. Liz currently works as the Director of Community Relations and Board Secretary for the Gazette Company.
Ron Maxa Ron has
been an active member of ImpactCR for years, and even though he’s a busy parent, he also finds time to volunteer for many local causes including Boy Scouts of America, United Way of East Central Iowa, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the March of Dimes. He sees participation on the ImpactCR Advisory Board as a positive opportunity to reach out to fellow young pros looking to make the Creative Corridor their home, and a better place for future generations. He currently works as the Operations Officer at Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
Tera Edmunds Tera is a
new face in ImpactCR, having moved back to her hometown of Cedar Rapids in 2012 after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Her infectious enthusiasm and community spirit was honed through participating in many organizations at UNI like Ethnic Student Promoters, various theatre productions and the Disney College Program. She looks forward to bringing that same energy to the ImpactCR Advisory Board. Tera currently works as a Recruiting Coordinator at Skywalk Group.
The Vault/Harrington’s We’re planning to kick off the month of January with Siren Wednesday on the SECOND Wednesday of the month, due to the New Year holiday. Join us for Siren Wednesday with a Twist on Jan. 9 at The Vault in downtown Cedar Rapids. What’s the “Twist?” Well, besides the twist in your half-priced martini (offering half-priced wine, too!), we’ve got a little something else up our sleeves. Attend Siren to find out! If you’re having a blast, stick around for Open Mic Comedy, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Free
No registration required.
2013 Advisory Board Members: Katie Johnson—Chair Mallory Mohwinkle—Chair Elect, Marketing Chair Mitch Bloomquist—Past Chair Michael Butterfield Tera Edmunds NEW! Heather Elwood—Civic & Community Action Committee Chair Jennifer Germaine NEW! Catie Houck—Members & Mixers Committee Chair Eric Johnson NEW! Ron Maxa NEW! Joel McDermott—Leadership & Service Committee Chair Kaitlin Oswood NEW! Liz Schott NEW! Christoph Trappe
december 2012
Thursday, December 13
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Breakfast of
7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Economic Alliance Boardroom 501 First St. SE
FREE Please register at cedarrapids.org
Join us for a morning of networking and presentation from John Lohman, a representative from the Regional Branding Task Force, to discuss the history of how the brand came to be and how to embrace the new brand for our region, Iowa’s Creative Corridor. A light breakfast and coffee will be offered beginning at 7 a.m., and the program will begin at 7:30 a.m. There is no cost to attend the Breakfast of Champions, however space is limited and registration is requested on cedarrapids.org.
Community Calendar December ■■Breakfast
of Champions
December 13, 7-8:30 a.m. Economic Alliance 501 First St. SE Join us for a presentation from the Regional Branding Task Force to learn how to incorporate regional branding in your organizational messaging. A light breakfast will be offered at 7 a.m. with the program beginning at 7:30 a.m. Free to attend. Please register on www.cedarrapids.org.
■■PM
Exchange
December 13, 5-7 p.m. GreatAmerica Financial Services 625 First St. SE, Ste. 800 (Third Floor) Join us for an evening of networking as GreatAmerica Financial Services introduces Collaborance LLC, a GreatAmerica Company providing nationwide IT Services. This informal gathering provides attendees the opportunity to create new business contacts and learn more about area businesses. No cost to attend.
January 2013 ■■ImpactCR
Siren Wednesday
January 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The Vault/Harrington’s Join ImpactCR for an informal night of networking, with a twist! Attendees can enjoy half-priced wine and martinis until 7 p.m. Stay after Siren for Open Mic Comedy starting at 7:30 p.m.
■■PM
Exchange
January 17, 5-7 p.m. CliftonLarsonAllen 1715 First Ave.SE Join us for an evening of networking. This informal gathering provides attendees the opportunity to create new business contacts and learn more about area businesses. No cost to attend.
■■Economic
Alliance Annual Meeting
January 24, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Hawkeye Downs 4400 Sixth St. SW The Economic Alliance will hold its annual meeting as an opportunity for our valued members to learn more about the progress made in 2012, and hear future plans for 2013. Stay tuned to www.cedarrapids.org for registration details.
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
T
hree locally-owned businesses were honored last month at our annual event, Good Morning Cedar Rapids! This popular breakfast gathering, which started more than 20 years ago by the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, is now continued by the Economic Alliance. A crowd of about 450 filled the Cedar Rapids Marriott ballroom where BRAVO Awards were given to outstanding small businesses with unique, local appeal and history as a distinguished member. Community Spotlight recognition was also given to three community groups that have demonstrated commitment and extraordinary service to the community. We are proud to congratulate HR Green, Inc.; Russell’s Guides and Nelson Electric Co. for winning the 2012 BRAVO Award.
ic Nelson Electr
2012 BRAVO Award Winners:
HR Green, Inc.
(8710 Earhart Lane SW), will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2013. The company is a professional engineering and technical consulting firm serving clients throughout the United States and beyond. It is a privately held, employee-owned company. Mike Daniel, chief executive officer, accepted the award on behalf of his company.
Russell’s Guides
(Suite 108, 5300 North Park Place NE), home of the Motorcoach Guides, has been publishing railway and bus schedules and travel information since 1889. The monthly publications and website serve travelers and the transit industry by providing schedule and timetable information for a variety of bus service.
Russell’s Guides
december 2012
nce Co. a D T N M MOv
NewBo City Market
Dave Wagner, president, said the company has been transitioning to an online presence and is also now providing information on bus tours and casino trips.
Nelson Electric Co.
(618 14th Ave. SW), operation since 1969. The company’s employees pride themselves on innovative thinking, inventiveness, precision, reliability and the highest quality – all foundational elements of Eastern Iowa’s reputation for craftsmanship. John Negro, the company’s CEO, told the crowd one of the more recent projects his company has been involved with is the renovation of the Paramount Theatre. Negro said Nelson had worked on the 2005 remodel of the Paramount and then worked on it post flood.
Inc. HR Green,
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Highway 100 Project
Community Spotlight: In addition to the BRAVO awards, three organizations were honored as Community Spotlights: NewBo City Market, MOvMNT Dance Co. and the Highway 100 project. The Highway 100 project received special note because for more than 30 years, officials of the City of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, the former Chamber ( and now Economic Alliance), business leaders and community volunteers from multiple communities have been advocating for the extension of Highway 100. Earlier this year, all that work got a big reward when the Iowa Transportation Commission put $186 million into 2013-2017 State Transportation Plan. The entire eight-mile extension could be complete by 2019. Special thanks to all who made the 2012 Good Morning Cedar Rapids possible: Presenting sponsor, Guaranty Bank and Slide Sponsor, University of Iowa Tippie School of Management. Thanks to Ashley Hinson of KCRG-TV9 for hosting this special event.
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Shop Locally this Holiday Season As consumers, we have the power to choose where we spend our money, and in turn, which businesses to support. This holiday season, we encourage you to consider investing your money in local businesses to boost our regional economy. Please visit our Membership Directory at www.cedarrapids.org/search to find nearby businesses that can provide your gifts and services this holiday season. Planning your annual holiday party? Consider using services from local caterers, restaurants and shopping from small businesses for all of your party details!
Dr. Rob and Christina Rodriguez BANKERS TRUST private banker: Mike Tiernan
“Mike helps us with everything – real estate and dental practices, investments, residential. He helps us manage our risk in terms of financing. With Bankers Trust, we have peace of mind and the freedom to be creative.”
221 Third Avenue SE 319-896-7777 400 Blairs Ferry Road NE 319-221-1230 www.bankerstrust.com Member FDIC
december 2012
About ParkCR The City of Cedar Rapids turned over management of the downtown parking system to the Downtown Parking Management, Inc. in April 2011, which was overseen by the Downtown District. When the Downtown District merged with the Chamber of Commerce and Priority One, creating the Economic Alliance, the Economic Alliance took the role of overseeing the parking management team. The Economic Alliance does not take a management fee for its role in overseeing the system. The transfer of system oversight from the city was the first of six “Primary Action items” outlined by the Parking Strategic Action Plan approved unanimously by the City Council and the Downtown SSMID Board in 2010. The plan remains focused on supporting not only parking, but the overall economic development goals of downtown and serves as the roadmap to revitalization of the system.
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Parking Additions & Changes for 2013 Effective Jan. 1, 2013, Park Cedar Rapids will introduce a First Hour Free program in two off-street parking facilities. The Third Avenue and Five Seasons ramps will offer the first hour of parking free to any downtown visitors. In addition to the implementation of the First Hour Free program, on-street parking meters located within the core areas of downtown will increase from $0.90/hour to $1.00/ hour. The hourly metered parking in the off-street facilities will be only $0.75/hour. Rate changes are being implemented, in part, to aid turnover and encourage off-street parking, opening up more parking spaces for downtown customers in the core area. Jon Rouse, general manager of Park Cedar Rapids, said the First Hour Free program has been extremely successful in other communities. Those who pay monthly parking rates will also see a slight increase in 2013 and 2014. The new rates will be at or below rates dating back to 1990 and the increases will vary depending on location and whether customers want reserved monthly parking options. Rouse said this
is part of Park Cedar Rapids’ ongoing demand based pricing initiative and capacity management strategy. All net revenues of Park Cedar Rapids are reinvested back into the public parking system. The parking system is now self-sustaining and has the ability to utilize the funds to address critical maintenance and system improvements. To learn more about recent improvement projects funded by parking, please visit www.parkcedarrapids.com. In 2013, regular monthly parking rate increases will be implemented in a two-year tiered approach for the following facilities: Location
2013 2014 Current
3rd Ave
$50
$52
$48
4th Ave
$42
$45
$40
Five Seasons $42
$45
$40
GTC
$55 $60 $48
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
New Customers Costco Wholesale
Enseva Hiawatha, LLC
2900 Heartland Drive Coralville, IA 52241 (319) 545-3200
David Petersen, Director–Business Development 755 Metzger Drive Hiawatha, IA 52233 P: 888-851-6281 x705 F: 888-851-6281 W: www.Enseva.com E: david.petersen@enseva.com
Costco Wholesale and Costco.com is a membership warehouse with over 600 sites worldwide. We offer an array of high-quality products and stand behind them with our guarantee of satisfaction. We are proud of the savings and benefits we offer our members with products and services that you use in your business and personal life every day. Please call Rody or Joni at (319) 545-3200 to arrange a presentation/reception for you and your employees.
Wickwire Chiropractic and Wellness Center
Next-Generation Datacenter Colocation, Disaster Recovery, and Cloud Solutions Provider Extending 100% Uptime Service Level Agreements and High Density Platforms Supported by Patent-Pending Electrical and Cooling Designs, 2(N+1) Redundancies, Dual-Factor Biometric Security Authentication, and 24/7/365 Technical Staffing.
Where do
Dr. Lee Wickwire, Doctor and President 1690 Blairs Ferry Road Cedar Rapids, IA 52233 P: 319.393.3345 F: 319.393.3947 E: drwickwire@wickwirechiropractic.com W: www.wickwirechriopractic.com Employees locally: 5 Family oriented chiropractor in Cedar Rapids, Wickwire Chiropractic and Wellness Center tailors chiropractic care specifically to each individual patient. There’s no “one size fits all” walk-in adjustment. Dr. Wickwire believes life is better when you feel good, and strives to help his patients understand that chiropractic care can enhance overall health.
you want to go?
Abe Tubbs Chief Executive Officer Cascade & Monticello
Member FDIC
We work hard to find unique solutions for individual customers. Whatever you need. Long-term or short. For people and businesses who truly value a bank they can trust. Relationships based on mutual respect. Making a positive impact. For you. And your financial life. Let us take you where you want to be.
MOVE FORWARD Cedar Rapids
Marion
Monticello
Cascade
Onslow
Baldwin
OhnwardBank.com
december 2012
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Ribbon Cuttings
Gilded Pear Gallery October 4,2012
Title Boxing Club October 19,2012
Area Ambulance November 8,2012
Raining Rose November 9,2012
Ground Breaking
Goodwill of the Heartland November 15,2012
Kirkwood Landing-Hunter Companies November 9,2012
HyVee Gas November 16,2012
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
November PM Exchange Recap More than 200 attendees enjoyed networking at the December PM Exchange at the Marion Hy-Vee located at 3600 Hwy. 151 East. Attendees kicked off the start of the holiday season by viewing some festive catering options while tasting appetizers, wine and craft beer. The entire store was decorated for the season and Marion Hy-Vee gift certificates were given as door prizes.
PM EXCHANGE DECEMBER 13, 5-7 PM INTRODUCING COLLABRANCE LLC A GREATAMERICA COMPANY PROVIDING NATIONWIDE IT SERVICES 625 FIRST ST. SE, THIRD FLOOR
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.
december 2012
Timeline Forms mailed out October-December 2012 Forms due February 12, 2013 First statistics available December 2013
Need Help? Visit bhs.econ.census.gov/ ec12/index.html or call the Economic Alliance at 319.398.5317 and a staff member will assist you.
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2012 Economic Census What is the Economic Census? The Economic Census is the U.S. Government’s official five-year measure of American business and the economy. It is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, and response is required by law by February 12, 2013. Forms go out to more than 4 million businesses, including large, medium and small companies representing all U.S. locations and industries. Respondents are asked to provide a range of operational and performance data for their companies.
Why is it important to respond? • Your trade association and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance rely on information from the Census for economic development and business decisions. • Government agencies, analysts and business organizations nationwide also depend on Census information for planning and key economic reports. • Information provided by the Economic Census can also help support decisions and planning for your own business. The Economic Census provides information on industry revenues and other measures of performance that are consistent, comparable, and comprehensive across industries and geographic areas over time. If you receive an Economic Census form, your response is required by law. All companies who receive forms must respond so each industry and region will be accurately represented.
A thorough examination of Mercy’s quality data. Presenting MERCY MEDICAL CENTER’S QUALITY REPORT 2012 www.mercycare.org/qualityreport Transparent quality outcomes and safety data provide the information healthcare consumers and employers want to know.
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
501 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-2011
www.cedarrapids.org
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