Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Events Newswire

2024 LFS Project at the Farm 1/24/2024 8:00 AM - 4/26/2024 3:00 PM

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 10:45:37 GMT

Help support LFS Class of 2024 by donating to their class project that will help Feed Iowa First farm and their mission of combating food insecurities!

The Feed Iowa First farm is transitioning from an open field to specialty crop production, which commenced in the spring of 2023 and is the primary location for culturally relevant food production in Eastern Iowa. In 2023, tens of thousands of pounds were produced.

This project to transition the field would expand facilities on the farm to build a wash and pack shed that is Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certifiable and would allow emerging farmers a designated on-site space to wash and sanitize products properly. It will include three large tanks for a triple dunk washing system, a large sink to wash and sanitize bins, a spray-down table, and a stainless-steel table for packing.

*Sponsorship Levels & Benefits Packet

Click "Register for this Event" to make a donation or select a sponsorship level

Questions: Contact project chair, Cindy Stier at cstier82@gmail.com

Mini Market 2/2/2024 10:00 AM - 2/4/2024 6: PM

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:37:38 GMT

Local vendors will be here throughout the common area of the mall. Contact Jason & Denise for more information at dsdelights21@gmail.com

Lisa's 59th Birthday Bash 2/3/2024 11:00 AM - 2/3/2024 5:00 PM

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:09:19 GMT

Help us celebrate The Funky Zebras way! ?? Join us on February 3rd from 11 am - 5 pm for some AMAZING birthday specials! ?? We'll have sips & nibbles for you to enjoy while you shop till you drop! ??????? Stay tuned to find out what specials Lisa's gifting you for her BIG BIRTHDAY BASH!

Business Breakfast Series 2/6/2024 7:30 AM - 2/6/2024 9:00 AM

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 23:00:52 GMT

The Gazette’s Business Breakfast Series is back in 2024! Join us at the Geonetrics Building for breakfast, networking, and discussion from a panel of industry leaders on the topic, Housing Development Forecast. Join us for a morning of networking and in-depth discussion about the latest issues in economic development. This Business Breakfast session’s panel will be focused on housing development in the Cedar Rapids-Marion-Hiawatha area. What does this mean for public services, and what's fueling the growth? Business Breakfast will be at the Geonetric Building on Tuesday, February 6th from 8 AM to 9 AM. Doors will open at 7:30 AM. Tickets are $5 and include a light breakfast. Date/Time: Tuesday, February 6th from 8 AM to 9 AM. Doors will open at 7:30 AM. Location: Geonetric Building - 415 12th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Host: Zack Kucharski, Executive Editor of The Gazette

Siren Wednesday: Hot Tamales! Cooking and Camaraderie 2/7/2024 5:00 PM - 2/7/2024 7:00 PM

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 11:49:15 GMT

Join ImpactCR at Newbo City Market for a cooking class on how to make tamales! Owners of Mezcal and Chophouse will give a cooking demonstration and then attendees will get to enjoy the tamales with some sides and a margarita from their new, local restaurant, Mezcal. Space is limited, so please register ahead of time. Registration is $20 for the two-hour experience.. This will definitely be an evening you won't want to miss!

With ImpactCR, young professionals don’t just come to exchange business cards; they come to create opportunities for learning and development, support civic engagement and to cultivate the future business and community leaders of the Cedar Rapids Metro. ImpactCR aims to empower young professionals to discover their “why” and provide them with the tools to create a lasting, positive impact on their community and in life. We're open to all industries, skill sets, and specialties. Our goal is to build a vibrant, inclusive community that's not just about work but about living and playing too.

Let's Get Down to Business: Customer-Focused Marketing & Google with Jule Day 2/8/2024 8:00 AM - 2/8/2024 9:00 AM

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:47:35 GMT

Every business owner benefits from customer-focused marketing. Join Jule Day, Senior Communications & Marketing Manager at the Economic Alliance for this Grow with Google workshop to learn how to tailor your efforts to where prospective customers are on the "customer journey" to get the results you want. Changing up your marketing strategy at different phases of the journey is better for your customers and better for your business.

During this workshop you will learn:

The phases of marketing
The phases of the customer journey
How to market along the customer journey
Google tools that can help you understand and connect with your audience across the customer journey

The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance offers a variety of programming to grow and develop your business, continue your development as a leader, foster your growth as a professional, collaborate and create something new, or simply meet and network with other professionals.

This event is for members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Refer to our Membership Directory for a full list of members: https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/directory/. If you're interested in becoming a member, reach out to Membership Growth Specialist Anne Laugen at alaugen@cedarrapids.org.

Corridor Corporate Games - February Informational Webinar 2/8/2024 1:00 PM - 2/8/2024 2:00 PM

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 11:05:27 GMT

Join us in learning what makes the Corridor Corporate Games so special to be involved with. This informational webinar is specifically targeted for companies who have not participated in years past. We look forward to connecting with you!

Policy on the Rocks 2/9/2024 4:30 PM - 2/9/2024 5:30 PM

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:33:11 GMT

Policy on the Rocks is a casual event that gives lawmakers and members the opportunity to network and discuss important issues in a relaxed environment. These events are always held at an Economic Alliance member restaurant or bar and have been a successful addition to our Public Policy events calendar since 2014.

Clay Walker 2/9/2024 8:00 PM - 2/9/2024 9:30 PM

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:50:19 GMT

Clay Walker is performing at Riverside Casino and Golf Resort on February 9,2024 at 8 PM.

Iowa Ideas In-Depth Week - Human & Social Services 2/12/2024 12:00 PM - 2/16/2024 1:00 PM

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:51:57 GMT

Iowa Ideas In-Depth Week – February 12-16 The Iowa Ideas Conference is an annual free virtual conference designed to explore, discuss, and offer solutions to issues impacting the state. There are so many important conversations to be had. To take a deeper look into the topics discussed at the Iowa Ideas Conference, The Gazette and ITC will be having 3 In-Depth Weeks throughout the year. Visit our website https://www.iowaideas.com/ to learn more about the Iowa Ideas free virtual conference. Each In-Depth Week will have 5 sessions focusing on one topic category we want to look further into. Iowa Ideas will host the first In Depth Week of the year on February 12-16. This week will cover the topic of homelessness. Join us Monday through Friday at 12 PM – 1 PM to hear from industry leaders on 5 in-depth topics. The session topics for In-Depth Week February 12-16 on Homelessness will be as follows: Monday, February 12 - Homelessness & Vulnerable Populations in Iowa Tuesday, February 13 - Supporting Homeless Populations with Unique Circumstances Wednesday, February 14 - Stitching the Patchwork of Homelessness Resources Together Thursday, February 15 - Housing for Vulnerable Populations Friday, February 16 - Policymaking to protect housing as a human right We hope you can join us for this important conversation. Register for free at https://events.zoom.us/ev/AnQt7zoDfR7Ya0wPWr7L7ukzz4e48Lq4dq-uLMWEbddfJc4Qs1MH~ArZFvXQPHQkZ6AhhWpyWVbF9tp494ygnjb4tfGcY2Z9N_hYmuoWEZNv1aQ

1 Million Cup Cedar Rapids: Payroll Vault 2/14/2024 8:30 AM - 2/14/2024 10:00 AM

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:10:30 GMT

Aaron Bontrager, owner of Payroll Vault, knows that finding a trusted Human Resources, workforce management, and payroll service provider can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on fostering meaningful connections within the Eastern Iowa community, Payroll Vault is the ideal solution for small to midsize businesses in search of convenient, secure, and tailored solutions for your human resources and workforce management needs. The key services that Payroll Vault offers small businesses / nonprofits are: • Human Resources Support • Workforce management • Payroll Services & Employer Taxes • Pay-As-You-Go Workers Compensation • Benefits & Retirement Administration • The Payroll Vault software is fully integrated with QuickBooks Online

1 Million Cup Cedar Rapids: Payroll Vault 2/14/2024 8:30 AM - 2/14/2024 10:00 AM

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:28:19 GMT

February BizMix Hosted by Splash Pool & Spa 2/15/2024 4:00 PM - 2/15/2024 6:00 PM

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 11:24:06 GMT

Join us for the February BizMix hosted by Splash Pool & Spa

BizMix brings together area professionals and is hosted by a different member business each month. This event provides EA members with increased opportunity for participation and connections.

If you'd like to save the event to your calendar, a calendar invite will be sent in the post-registration email. Registration is not required.

This event is for members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and the Marion Chamber of Commerce. Refer to our Membership Directory for a full list of members: https://www.cedarrapids.org/membership/directory/. If you're interested in becoming a member, reach out to our Membership Growth Specialist Anne Laugen at alaugen@cedarrapids.org.

Fork & Knife Feast 2024 2/15/2024 5:30 PM - 2/15/2024 8:00 PM

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:52:08 GMT

Treat your taste buds at Fork & Knife Feast, an event leading into Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week 2024! Fork & Knife Feast will feature all participating Restaurant Week 2024 restaurants, who will sample culinary concoctions and preview items that may be part of their special Restaurant Week menus. Additionally, samples from local breweries, distilled products and wines will be on site, along with a full bar.

Tickets to this event are $75 in advance. Ticket price includes food and beverage samples from participating restaurants and a drink ticket. Tickets for this event are limited, due to capacity. Doors and the bar for purchased beverages will open at 5:30 p.m., restaurants will begin serving their samples at 6:00 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Restaurant Week is February 16-25. Learn more at crrestaurantweek.com!

Increasing Competitiveness Through Mentor/Proteges, Joint Ventures, and Teaming 2/20/2024 11:00 AM - 2/20/2024

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:32:58 GMT

In this age of consolidated contracts and increased competition, small business contractors must take every advantage to best position themselves for awards. Thankfully, the Small Business Administration offers great tools to do so: its mentor/protégé program and through small business joint ventures or teaming.

Securing Benefits for Small to Mid-Sized Companies 2/21/2024 12:00 Noon - 2/21/2024

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:24:51 GMT

Are you a small business struggling to find employee benefits that fit within your budget? Join us for a one-hour virtual event designed specifically for businesses like yours facing the challenge of providing competitive benefits without breaking the bank.

Coffee, Chicks & Cash hosted by Five Rings Financial 2/21/2024 6:00 PM - 2/21/2024 7:30 PM

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:14:27 GMT

Enjoy networking & empowering conversations about money. Connect with like-minded women while elevating your understand of how money can work for you.

Dental & Medical Professionals Appreciation Night! 2/21/2024 7:00 PM - 2/21/2024 9:00 PM

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:35:07 GMT

FREE Party for Dental and Medical Professionals, Staff and Family. The night includes FREE Bowling, Shoes, Laser Tag, Music and more! Lanes are limited, please RSVP to Destiny as soon as you can!

Inclusive ICR Coalition Meeting 2/21/2024 8:30 AM - 2/21/2024 10:00 AM

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 12:37:41 GMT

The topic for this meeting is Accessbility in the Arts. Full description to come. This meeting is a virtual event. The link for the event will be sent out the day before. Please be sure to add this to your calendar.

An Inclusive ICR meeting is a space to host complex, solution-focused discussion among members. The common thread we have as a coalition is the belief that diversity, equity and inclusion should be a top priority for the region, fueling benefit for our current and future workforce. We meet, explore and build on idea with a platform where all voices to be present, heard, and respected.

If you have any questions or need help with registering, please contact: economicalliance@cedarrapids.org.

For more information about Inclusive ICR, visit their website.

A New Era of Hiring Roundtable – Tech, Social Media & AI 2/22/2024 10:30 AM - 2/22/2024 1:00 PM

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:01:22 GMT

Presented by Attorney & Senior Vice President Mark Hudson. We all know hiring right is critical for an organization. This in-depth roundtable will dive into the variety of technological and traditional methods to hire right. From Employee testing to the use of AI, this can’t miss round table will provide participants the starting point to handle the hiring process in the technological/social media/AI age. Attendees will receive certificates for 2.0 CLE & PDC Credits along with lunch and beverages!

Pints & Politics - Feb 22 2/22/2024 6:00 PM - 2/22/2024 7:30 PM

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:26:46 GMT

Pints & Politics will be held at Big Grove – Cedar Rapids for the first time! Hear about all things on national, state, and local politics. The Gazette and Iowa Public Radio are excited to host Pints & Politics at Big Grove in Cedar Rapids! Enjoy food and drink while listening to The Gazette reporters discuss all things on national, state, and local politics. Join the regular panelists, The Gazette’s Erin Jordan, Todd Dorman, Tom Barton, and Althea Cole, along with Iowa Public Radio’s Ben Kieffer, for an evening of local news! Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024 – 6:00 - 7:30 PM. Doors open at 5:30 PM. Location: Big Grove – Cedar Rapids: 170 1st St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Ticket Pricing: Tickets are $5 per event, or you can purchase our season pass for admission to all 7 events. Learn more about our February event at https://store.thegazette.com/products/pints-politics-february-22

Pints & Politics - Feb 22 2/22/2024 6:00 PM - 2/22/2024 7:30 PM

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:29:52 GMT

Business Startup Speaker Series: Website UI/UX 101 2/27/2024 8:30 AM - 2/27/2024 10:00 AM

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:29:50 GMT

The Business Startup Speaker Series — presented by Greater Iowa City and NewBoCo — leads current and aspiring entrepreneurs + small business owners through a Step-By-Step guide of all the things you need to know when starting and growing your business. From Administrative Basics to Branding, we’ll cover it all.

Hiawatha Business Summit - Are You Wasting Your Marketing Dollars? 2/27/2024 8:00 AM - 2/27/2024 9:00 AM

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:59:35 GMT

Our first quarter Hiawatha Business Summit will be hosted and presented by Metro Studios! You'll have the opportunity to hear from the Senior Digital Marketing Strategists regarding the best avenues and platforms to invest your marketing dollars. They'll delve into how the platforms differ and why some marketing efforts might not be right for your business.

Specific areas we’ll be touching on are:

How companies waste money on marketing
How to measure results
How to effectively use video, paid/organic search and paid/organic social media

Parking is available in the Metro Studios parking lot and available on the street in front of Metro Studios. "No parking" signs will not be enforced.

This informal gathering, hosted at a local business, provides attendees the opportunity to develop new contacts, enjoy a light breakfast and learn more about a topic of interest to Hiawatha businesses.

The Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation, the City of Hiawatha and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance collaborate to bring you this event.

1 Million Cups: Keymaster Collective 2/28/2024 8:45 AM - 2/28/2024 10:00 AM

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:14:44 GMT

The Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups (1MC) on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a million cups of coffee. We welcome early-stage businesses and established companies facing interesting challenges to present their companies. Typically, one or several representatives present before a panel of experts. They seek advice and then engage the audience in a question-and-answer session to encourage collaborative and honest conversations. We also feature expert speakers, founder fireside interviews, and explorations of business failures and the lessons learned!

Leading People Doesn't Have to be So Hard! 2/28/2024 12:00 Noon - 2/28/2024

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:28:31 GMT

The Connected Leader training program is for any Manager or Leader with people who report directly to them, whether you have one report or ten. You will find value in our Connected Leader Practices if you’re a First-Time Leader who needs step-by-step guidance or a Seasoned Leader looking to continually improve.

Immigration & Business Luncheon 2/29/2024 11:30 AM - 2/29/2024

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:47:03 GMT

The Immigration & Business Luncheon is a celebration of the contributions of refugees and immigrants in our business community and workforce. Immigration & Business Awards will be presented at the event.