October 2012
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Table of Contents Article, Page From the President’s Desk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Featured Customer: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Next Gen. Summit, Meet Our Speaker. . . . . . 5 Hiawatha Morning Networking . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Professional Development Academy . . . . . . . 7 ImpactCR Volunteers Work with Habitat for Humanity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Flood Protection – Part II. . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Industry Survey Mid-Year Report. . . . . . . . . 12 Good Morning Cedar Rapids! . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Fall Corridor Welcome Reception. . . . . . . . . 14 MSI Mold Builders Receives Financial Incentives to Expand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Local Businesses and Residents Featured in Wall Street Journal. . . . . . . . . . 16 New Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ribbon Cuttings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 September PM Exchange Recap . . . . . . . . . 18 PM Exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Recap of Open House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
October 2012
Volume 82 No 2 (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.
OCTOBER 2012
From the President’s Desk:
A sincere thank you to those of you who attended our open house Tuesday, September 25th. It was a smashing success with more than 550 in attendance! We heard many positive comments about our new home, but the most important feedback I received is that our new space represents our community and region the way it should...Smart. Innovative. Progressive! As promised, the October report features information about the City’s plan for permanent flood protection and how it is progressing. Employers need certainty in order to grow their organizations and our job is to make sure we provide you with the facts that lead to as much certainty as possible. Flood protection planning and implementation is complex work and there are no easy solutions. The City’s plan demonstrates sensitivity to all populations impacted as well as consideration of both sides of the river. It also shows processes which demonstrate strong research practices and inclusiveness of many stakeholders. It is our commitment to stay close to the ongoing planning progress and continue to make sure you are informed of future decisions and plans. Flood protection is essential to our core functions and daily execution of our vision and mission. Best regards,
Dee Baird President & CEO
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Featured Customer of the Month
OCTOBER 2012
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Monday, October 15 8:00 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Hotel at Kirkwood Center Continuing Education Center 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW Please register at impactcr.org
$75 Summit workshops with Luncheon
$35 Luncheon Only $300 Table of 10,
Luncheon Only ($50 Discount!)
ImpactCR and EPIC are collaborating to create a special half-day Next Gen. Summit filled with personal and professional development opportunities for young pros that live and work in Iowa’s Creative Corridor. The morning will include a variety of workshops and panels, non-profit fair with partner agencies from United Way of East Central Iowa and Johnson County, a special session for Top Level Executives and a luncheon featuring our dynamic keynote speaker, Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting.
*Invoiced payment option available
Meet our Brilliant Keynote Speaker: ImpactCR and EPIC are delighted to host nationally-known speaker Rebecca Ryan—economist, futurist and expert on connecting, recruiting and retaining the now and next generation of workers. She’s kind of a big deal, earning accolades as a “voice for the next generation.” Ryan’s expertise is focused on future trends and best practices that help businesses remain competitive and relevant. Through her presentations, she has empowered and inspired audiences across the nation to think differently about their future. During her keynote address at the Next Gen. Summit, she’ll capture our attention with her passion and humor (yes, economists can be funny), asking the big question: Is the Creative Corridor future-ready?! Ryan will also share fresh perspective and insight from her new book ReGENERATION.
Rebecca Ryan
Prior to the luncheon, Rebecca is taking her involvement in the Next Gen. Summit one step further by offering an exclusive breakout session for CEO’s and other Top Executives at 11 a.m. The session will be focused on retaining workers and protecting your bottom line. CEO’s, HR managers, VP’s and other leaders will benefit—this session is free with lunch registration. *Limited seating. Special thanks to our sponsors:
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Hiawatha Morning Networking Join area Hiawatha businesses for a morning of networking! This informal gathering provides attendees with the opportunity to create new business contacts and learn more about companies and organizations in the area. There is no cost to attend, but we ask that you register your attendance at www.cedarrapids.org. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday, October 16 7:30 a.m to 8:30 a.m. New York LIfe Insurance Company 1625 Boyson Road Suite 200 Hiawatha
FREE Please register at cedarrapids.org
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OCTOBER 2012
Wednesday, October 10 8:00 a.m to 9:30 a.m. Economic Alliance Boardroom 501 First St. SE
FREE Please register at cedarrapids.org
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Professional Development
Time and Email Management Presented by Becky Esker, CPO® President, Get Organized! LLC Do you seem to be spinning your wheels and not sure what you really accomplished during the day? Would you like to recapture lost time and be more productive on a daily basis? Does sorting through your email inbox consume valuable hours of your day? Join certified professional organizer, local author and national speaker, Becky Esker as she shares tips on time and email management. In this session you will obtain valuable strategies for gaining back an hour or more each day and reducing the volume of email received. Steps for combating procrastination will be outlined along with tips for staying on task. You will leave this session with a game plan for controlling your time and email.
Becky is the owner and founder of Get Organized! L.L.C., a professional organizing service located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Becky is a professional organizer, author, speaker and business success coach dedicated to helping people and businesses get organized, be more productive and more successful. In addition to earning her undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, she’s also earned her Certified Professional Organizing (CPO®) designation, a Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization and has a Certificate of Study in Basic ADD Issues with the CD client. Becky has made many national speaking appearances at conferences including those for the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association, National Association of Professional Organizers Midwest, Future Business Leaders of America and others. Becky was recently featured as the selected professional organizer in an episode of Hoarding: Buried Alive that originally aired on the TLC network in March 2011.
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Upcoming ImpactCR Event:
Habitat for Humanity:
Brush with Kindness 2012 Recap Habitat for Humanity reported that in half a day, ImpactCR volunteers accomplished what would have taken three days of work! As a part of ImpactCR’s Leadership & Service Committee, volunteers worked with Habitat for Humanity on their Brush with Kindness event, an exterior home preservation service for local families in need and struggling to maintain the exterior of their homes.
CHAMBER 4C AD MASTER 09:CHAMBER HALF PAGE
ImpactCR volunteers worked together on a local home selected by Habitat for Humanity. The volunteers removed siding from the house and garage, and took shingles off of the garage roof in the morning. In the afternoon, volunteers managed to take down the ceiling inside the house, and remove all insulation. The old material had to be carried out in garbage cans and took hours of shoveling. We’re so proud of what was accomplished by ImpactCR’s awesome volunteers, and amazed11:02 at what and 10/1/09 AM extra Page hands 9 volunteer time can do!
Committee Mingle October 10 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fieldhouse Downtown 411 First Street SE Do you serve on a committee for ImpactCR, or want to learn more? Attend this informal event to meet and mingle with members who currently serve on three committees to learn more about what ImpactCR strives to accomplish. This event is free and open to the public.
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OCTOBER 2012
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Community Calendar October ■■ImpactCR:
Committee Mingle
Oct. 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fieldhouse Downtown, 411 First St. SE Do you serve on a committee for ImpactCR, or want to learn more? Attend this informal event to meet and mingle with members who currently serve on three committees to learn more about what ImpactCR strives to accomplish. This event is free and open to the public.
■■Professional
Development Academy: Time & E-mail Management Oct. 10, 8-9:30 a.m. Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE Would you like to be more productive on a daily basis? Join certified professional organizer, local author and national speaker, Becky Esker as she shares tips on time and email management. Please register on www.cedarrapids.org.
■■Marketing
Our Marketing Roundtable program brings marketing, communications and/or public relations professionals together once a month to discuss marketing issues through sessions facilitated by the Economic Alliance. Please register now on www.cedarrapids.org.
■■Fall
Corridor Welcome Reception
Oct. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. ACT Ferguson Conference Center 200 ACT Dr., Iowa City, IA Anyone living or working in Iowa’s Creative Corridor, especially those new to the area, are welcome to stop by for an evening of networking and relationship building. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Free to attend. Please register at www.icapgroup.com/welcome.
■■Next
Gen. Summit, brought to the Creative Corridor by ImpactCR and EPIC Oct. 15, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Hotel at Kirkwood Center, Continuing Education Center 7725 Kirkwood Boulevard SW The Next Gen. Summit is a half-day of personal and professional development workshops for young pros who live and work in Iowa’s Creative Corridor. The event includes a non-profit fair with partner agencies from United Way of East Central Iowa and Johnson County, a special session for Top Level Executives and a luncheon featuring our dynamic keynote speaker, Rebecca Ryan of Next Generation Consulting. Please register at www.impactcr.org. Presenting Sponsor:
■■Hiawatha
Morning Networking
Oct. 16, 7:30-8:30 a.m. New York Life Insurance Company 1625 Boyson Rd., Suite 200, Hiawatha, IA Join area Hiawatha businesses for a morning of networking. This informal gathering provides attendees the opportunity to create new business contacts and learn more about area businesses. No cost to attend. A light breakfast will be served, so registration is requested on www.cedarrapids.org.
■■CEO
Roundtable Kick-off
Oct. 17, Noon-1:30 p.m. Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE The Economic Alliance’s CEO Roundtable Program brings CEO’s, Presidents and Owners together for a confidential and invigorating exchange of information, ideas and insights. Please register now on www.cedarrapids.org. Sponsored by:
■■PM
Exchange: Honkamp Krueger & Co.
Oct. 18, 5-7 p.m. 1751 Boyson Rd., Hiawatha, IA 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.
Roundtable Kick-off
Oct. 24, Noon-1:30 p.m. Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE
November ■■Unlocking
Your Membership
Nov. 6, Noon-1 p.m. Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE 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. Please register now on www.cedarrapids.org.
■■ImpactCR
Siren Wednesday
Nov. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m. TBA Enjoy a casual and fun night of networking with ImpactCR on the first Wednesday of the month! In the spirit of 2012 elections, we’ve invited local candidates to stop by for a meet and greet. No registration required. Free to attend.
■■Conquer
the Corridor
Nov. 13, 8-9 a.m. Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE Join staff and volunteers for an interactive presentation designed to get you familiar with everything Corridor. Free to attend. Please register on www.cedarrapids.org.
■■Good
Morning Cedar Rapids
Nov. 14, 7:15-8:45 a.m. Cedar Rapids Marriott, 1200 Collins Rd. NE This zany, lively, entertaining event will present three fabulous businesses with the 2012 BRAVO Award and highlight three groups with the Community Spotlight. Please register on www.cedarrapids.org. Presented by:
Slide sponsor: The MBA for Professionals & Managers delivered in Cedar Rapids
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Flood Pro
CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
The Economic Alliance is committed to assisting the City of Cedar Rapids in achieving permanent Cedar River flood protection. In the September issue of the Report we provided information about the flood protection that currently exists. This month’s inside spread story provides an update on the City’s progress toward implementation of permanent flood protection. For more information on the City’s work on flood protection progress, go to the City’s Web site at www.CityofCR.com and click on “Flood Recovery Progress” in the Quick Links section at the bottom of their homepage.
T
he Floods of 2008 caused more than $5 billion damage in Cedar Rapids, ranking as the worst natural disaster in Iowa history and one of the worst in U.S. history. Now four-plus years into the recovery, one can see the progress with reconstruction, new construction and the removal of flood-damaged properties from the city’s landscape. Another aspect of the recovery process – achieving permanent flood protection – continues with new possible funding sources now available. “2013 will be a critical year,” says Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett. The mayor is speaking about, in part, a major success in the Iowa Legislature earlier this year when the Growth Reinvestment Initiative was approved. The initiative, known as GRI, allows communities across the state to apply for the ability to use its own sales tax revenue growth to help their communities. In Cedar Rapids’ case this initiative could dedicate the next 20 years of growth in the six-cent sales tax revenue collected – up to $15 million a year - in state money for flood protection projects. Corbett says the state is now in the rules-making process and a board to review community applications should be in place by spring 2013. At that point, Cedar Rapids will apply for 2013 state funds. “We will apply for as much as we can justify,” he says. The money will go toward implementing the city’s Flood Management System, developed through the participation of more than 4,000 Cedar Rapids residents during a 10-month flood recovery planning process to determine a framework for reinvestment.
The 7.5 mile system balances the priorities of the community to provide better protection, preserve neighborhoods and assets, and maximize open space by combining the following tactics:
• Concrete floodwall in areas where there are width restrictions, for instance, Penford, Quaker, Cargill, the North Rail Yards and others • Earthen levee section in other areas, for instance, Sinclair site, parking lot between 8th and 12th Ave SE, Time Check area, Amphitheater, and others • Removable floodwalls in areas where a view of river is advantageous • Wall openings for neighborhood connections • Levee greenway between flood control structures and Cedar River The City of Cedar Rapids has already allocated $15 million to the permanent flood protection plan. The money will come from the fifth and final year of the city’s one-cent local option sales tax. Mayor Corbett is hesitant to discuss any hard and fast timeline for the project, acknowledging there’s still great uncertainty about that. “Without funding we can’t start construction,” he says. “The city doesn’t have the financial capacity to cash flow the project without state and federal dollars. If funding falls into place next year, the best case for start of construction is 2014. When you look around the country, unfortunately, these projects take decades sometimes to build.” Passage of the GRI became even more critical when citizens defeated a referendum in March that would have allowed the city to extend the sales tax with the proceeds going toward the flood protection plan. While achieving permanent flood protection will be led by the work being done between local and federal government representatives, the Economic Alliance will look to assist the city through public policy advocacy and community outreach. Dee Baird, president & CEO of the Economic Alliance, said it’s vital to the business owners the Economic Alliance serves to provide them information and certainty about the flood protection plan. “The City’s designed flood management system would
otection Part II protect the community even beyond the levels of the 2008 flood,” Baird says. “Business and property owners who have already invested – as well as investors who are considering new investments in the flood area – need this kind of assurance to drive job growth and capital investment.”
The City’s preferred flood management plan does more than erect flood walls and levees, Baird says. “The plan guides reinvestment in sustainable neighborhoods and riverfront development, things we believe to be key community development elements in making this the top economic growth region in the country,” she says. In addition to the GRI, Corbett says the city will look to possible funding opportunities under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), federal legislation that provides funds for flood-protection systems. While Congress did not authorize a new WRDA this year, Iowa’s federal senate delegation – Sens. Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin – indicated it is a possibility for 2013. “Normally, a project would be funded in phases, so with the east-side flood protection, we would be starting with the piece north of Quaker,” Corbett says. Details of how the project will be constructed will be determined by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, he says. The amount of funding secured will determine the segments as they are built. East side flood protection is approved in the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers plan. That is not the case for west-side flood protection. “The city continues to grapple with how to protect the west side,” Corbett says. “The Corp can’t justify the cost-benefit ratio. However, the city continues to advocate for west side flood protection, but you can’t construct something without the resources.”
OCTOBER 2012
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Work to Manage the Watershed Continues Flood protection does not just mean building a flood wall. In the years since the 2008 flood there have been several initiatives to create systemic change through improved land practice and promoting public policies that could decrease future flood damage and improve water quality. One of the leaders of those efforts is the Cedar River Watershed Coalition, founded in February 2010. The coalition includes legislators, city officials, county officials, soil and water conservation district commissioners, farmers, business representatives, environmentalists, and other concerned citizens. In addition to the coalition, the Cedar River Watershed Project is another effort focused on working together for watershed maintenance and management. The project is organized by more than 20 county conservation boards along the Cedar River Watershed in Iowa. The program is funded by the Resource Enhancement & Protection (REAP) Program. The program has significant support from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Earlier this year the project began the initiative, “We’re all in this together,” an educational effort to help people learn about the watershed, the role it plays in flooding and how groups need to work together to manage the watershed to minimize flood damage. For more information on the Cedar River Watershed Coalition, go to iowacedarbasin.org. For more information on the Cedar River Watershed Project, visit cedarriverwatershedproject.wordpress.com.
Greenway Rendering provided by Sasaki Associates.
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Industry Survey Mid-Year Report Economic Alliance staff (formerly Priority One) initiated a process in 2011 to meet with existing interstate commerce companies in a formalized manner for confidential meetings utilizing the survey tool known as Synchronist. This tool is used in more than 80% of all economic development organizations in Iowa and in 19 other states. The data collected is held in strict confidence with only aggregated data being shared. The information can be compared in various aggregate formats against other geographies (states/localities) and by industry sectors. This information allows us to accurately represent the perceptions, impressions and positions of our industry for community, industry and policy-related matters and identify opportunities and threats for growth. From July 2011 to June 2012, we conducted 72 surveys of area businesses. The following represents a summary of that information: Over 80% of the businesses are seeing an increase in sales Over 50% are seeing an increase in market share
Over 46% are in the growing product category and while 41% are in a maturing product category Almost 95% of businesses have introduced new products in the last five years Over 67% are serving a national market while almost 18% are serving an international market 51 (75%) of the companies surveyed have plans to expand in the next 36 months Creating 1,188 jobs Over $338 million in capital investment 244,000 square feet of new space
Lack of diversity Air travel cost The following were ratings of area workforce: 1-Low, 7-High
The following occupations were noted as the most challenging positions to fill:
The following were noted as Community strengths:
Productivity 5.76 Stability 5.6 Quality 5.17 Availability 4.48
Positive Business Climate Strong Educational System Employee Work Ethic is Positive Quality of Life Workforce/Labor Market Attributes
Sales/Marketing Technical Graphic Design Control engineers Construction management Truck drivers Information Technology Software Developers Welders Maintenance Technicians
We will be publishing a comprehensive year-end report with comparisons to State and National data in January 2013. The Economic Alliance will be using information from this survey to help shape our strategic priorities and improving our programs, services and events.
Community Weaknesses: Culture of “no” Labor-Skilled Worker Supply Inadequate Lack of cultural/recreational amenities
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Fall 2012 Creative Corridor Welcome Reception You’re invited to an evening of networking and making connections. Anyone living or working in Iowa’s Creative Corridor, especially those new to the area, are welcome to stop by. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be provided, courtesy of ACT. This event is free; however, registration is requested by calling 319.354.3939 or online at www.iowacityareadevelopment.com/welcome. Local leaders new to Iowa’s Creative Corridor will be recognized, including: Nancy Bird, President, Iowa City Downtown Association
Daniel Reed, VP of Research and Economic Development, University of Iowa
Anne Carter, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Alliant Energy
Dr. Vincent Reid, Surgical Oncology, Mercy Care Cedar Rapids
Pam Gerard, VP Alumni and College Advancement, Cornell
Sherree Wilson, Associate Dean of Cultural Affairs and Diversity, UIHC
Craig Hansel, CFO, Iowa City Community School District
Lori Woeste, Dean of Math and Science, Kirkwood
Chace Ramey, CHRO, Iowa City Community School District
Benita Wolf, Director of Multiculturalism and Inclusion, ACT
Tuesday, October 30 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ACT Ferguson Conference Center 200 ACT Drive Iowa City
FREE Please register by calling 319.354.3939 or online at iowacityareadevelopment.com/ welcome
This event is made possible in part by Alliant Energy. Other collaborators include: Iowa City Area Development Group, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, Cornell College, Entrepreneurial Development Center, Iowa’s Cultural Corridor Alliance, Iowa City/Coralville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Iowa Senior Human Resources Association, Eastern Iowa Human Resources Association, Employers Council of Iowa.
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OCTOBER 2012
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Economic Development: MSI Mold Builders Receives Incentive Package to Expand A Linn County business will be able to add 18 jobs and retain six jobs after the Iowa Economic Development Authority board unanimously approved an incentive package for the company to expand its operation. MSI Mold Builders, headquartered at 12300 Sixth St. SW, just south of the Cedar Rapids city limits, received approval from the state to receive $144,000 in direct financial assistance. The Iowa High Quality Jobs Program provided a 50% forgivable loan, a 50% zero interest five-year loan and $42,700 in a sales tax refund on construction materials. The Linn County Board of Supervisors earlier this month agreed to provide a local match of $28,800. In addition, the county will provide an industrial property tax exemption. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance worked with MSI Mold Builders to secure state and local assistance for this project. Roger Klouda, MSI president, said the support and
Where do
assistance received during this process helped his company make the decision to expand in Linn County. “We appreciate the confidence the IEDA and Linn County have placed in MSI,” Klouda said. “Our 40-year history of providing the community with great paying jobs and a great place to grow has been recognized by the State and the county and that is wonderful.” He thanked the Economic Alliance staff for guiding MSI through the application process. “All the employees of MSI are appreciative of the Economic Alliance’s work,” Klouda said. MSI Mold Builders, which designs, manufactures and markets specialized, high end molds for the plastics industry, requested the assistance to construct a $5.6 million, 14,500 square foot addition in Linn County. Company officials had considered expanding at its facility in Greenville, S.C. At MSI’s Linn County facility there are presently 65 people employed; in Greenville there are 18 employed. The average employee wage at MSI is $23.94.
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
Local Businesses & Residents Featured in
Area business leaders including Doug Neighbor, president and CEO of Farmers State Bank; auto dealership owner Pat McGrath, and Larry Helling, founder and CEO of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust were featured in a Wall Street Journal article, “Need a Loan? Where do You Live?” The article discussed lending rates and highlighted the Cedar Rapids area for having the largest jump in consumer lending among roughly 200 US metro areas in 2011. The article stated that in Cedar Rapids area, banks made 11% more new consumer loans in 2011 than they did at the peak of U.S. housing boom in 2006, data from Equifax Inc. and Moody’s Analytics show. The amount of new loans in the fourth quarter alone was 52% higher than the same period in 2006. To read the full story, visit cedarrapids.org.
New Customers CJ Cooper & Associates Lisa Edwards P: 319.377.5373 1325 Stamy Rd. E: lisa@cjcooper.com W: www.cjcooper.com Third party administrator of drug and alcohol testing programs; distributor of onsite testing devices.
Labor Ready, Inc. Rick Barlett P: 319.365.4196 2000 Wiley Blvd. SW, Ste. 104 E: rbartlett@laborready.com Labor Ready is a leading multi-national source of dependable labor for companies in a variety of industries. We put people to work—and in the process, enable our customers to achieve greater business success.
QPS Employment Group Mark Priborsky, Branch Manager 610 6th Street SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404 P: 319.362.9555 F: 319.861.3514 W: www.qpsemployment.com E: MPriborsky@qpsemployment.com QPS Employment Group is a full-service staffing firm that specializes in industrial, skilled trades, office/clerical and professional settings, offering temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire options. QPS started in 1985 and has grown to over 30 office locations throughout the Midwest.
Table for One Melita Barva, owner P: 319.365.9411 2857 Mt. Vernon Rd. SE E: tableforone@live.com W: www.tableforone.com Full time Employees: 7, Part Time: 5 We offer therapeutic massage, facials, waxing services, as well as one of a kind gifts in our boutique!
TITLE Boxing Club Glenda Marsh, Co-owner 5313 North Park Place NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402 P: 319.826.3410 W: www.titleboxingclub.com E: gmarsh@titleboxingclub.com TITLE Boxing Club offers the exclusive POWER HOUR. These explosive total body boxing and kickboxing workouts can help you burn up to 1,000 calories. With every kick, jab and punch you’ll be on your way to the best shape of your life.
OCTOBER 2012
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Ribbon Cuttings
Aventure Staffing
Select Structural
August 29,2012
September 13,2012
Child Family Community Partnership
Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors September 18,2012
September 17,2012
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Rapids Reproductions September 20,2012
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CEDAR RAPIDS METRO ECONOMIC ALLIANCE
September PM Exchange Recap An estimated 200 guests attended Rapids Reproductions’ 60th Anniversary celebration and PM Exchange. While patrons enjoyed networking, they also admired artwork that was displayed throughout the facility and learned more about Rapids Reproductions’ unique services. They also raffled prizes, provided smoothies, cocktails and delicious food catered by LJ’s!
The largest private Iowa CPA firm invites you to attend
PM Exchange Thursday, October 18 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Food & Drinks Fun & Festivities Door Prizes NEW N IO O L CAT
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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.
OCTOBER 2012
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Open House & Reception, A Huge Success! More than 500 of our closest friends, colleagues, members, elected officials and neighbors joined us to celebrate our grand opening and reception of our new facility. Thank you to all who attended and made this event such a success! The event showcased our new building located at 501 First St. SE, with an opportunity to experience various collaboration and meeting spaces on the ground level, along with the Innovation Center on the second floor. The Innovation Center offers quality workstations with a riverfront view, collaboration areas and conference rooms. For details on room and workspace rental, call Lisa Guge at 319.398.5317.
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501 First Street SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-2011
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Mastery You and your team members will gain: Hands-on tools you can use in your business every day
and Real information that makes a difference in your business and leadership
Join us to learn more: BizSAVVY Mastery Informational Session 8:00 a.m. Any Tuesday morning At the Business Exchange Center Call or Click to register!
319-730-7703
www.BizSAAVY Leaders.com