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

Thriving Together: Talent Retention and the Path to Performance...Courtesy of The Pacific Institute 3/1/2024 9:00 AM - 3/1/2024

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:39:05 GMT

Beginning in March, join The Pacific Institute on the first Friday of each month as we explore proven strategies to overcome mindset and culture challenges that limit your organization from performing to your potential. Our first topic:

Join us on March 1 for Our First Topic :

Thriving Together: Talent Retention and the Path to Performance

Courtesy of The Pacific Institute

Date and Time

9:00 am Central Time… Beginning March 1 and every First Friday after

How do I enroll?… It's easy:

Click the link below to reserve your spot

Metaphysical Fair 3/2/2024 10:00 AM - 3/3/2024 6: PM

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:25:56 GMT

Metaphysical Fair in the common area. Contact Elke for more information at bohoriverstore@gmail.com

CoderDojo 2023-2024 3/2/2024 1:00 PM - 3/2/2024 3:00 PM

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:57:51 GMT

CoderDojo is a free K–5 STEM program in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and managed by NewBoCo K–12 Education that encourages creativity, fosters entrepreneurship, and helps kids learn to code.

Each week, we assemble new “stations” where kids can experience different STEM activities and learn about subjects like physics, engineering, computer science, circuitry, automation, and much more—all while having fun and being creative! We encourage students to visit any stations that look fun and interesting! Mentors will get participants started at each station, then students can learn, explore, and do what kids do best—play—inside the activities. Curiosity and creativity are your best friends!

ICR Legislative Night 3/5/2024 5:00 PM - 3/5/2024 7:00 PM

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:50:09 GMT

Join us for a twist on our traditional Day at the Capitol - ICR Legislative Night!

Enjoy a night of food and drinks from the ICR region to thank legislators for their service and bring awareness to the ICR region. The ICR region includes Iowa City & Cedar Rapids and covers Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington Counties.

We invite our members & investors to join us for an opportunity to advocate for our 2024 Regional Public Policy Priorities.

Invest in Talent Development & Regain Educational Leader Status
Remove Barriers to Employment & Close the Opportunity Gap
Enhance Community Attraction & Livability Efforts
Welcome Workers from All Populations
Incentivize Business Growth & Invest in Business Attraction
Embrace Solutions Utilizing Technology & Natural Resources

Hosted by Greater Iowa City, Inc. and the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, meetings at the Iowa State Capitol are expected to happen before the reception. More information will be provided to registrants, register HERE.

Siren Wednesday: Coffee & Connections 3/6/2024 8:00 AM - 3/6/2024 9:00 AM

Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:06:46 GMT

Get your creative thought and energy going with ImpactCR the morning of March 6th! Networking events can be intimidating and something most want to avoid. We get it, but we are here to help you navigate networking, ease that anxiety and find the fun in connecting with others. Join us to discuss the importance of networking and getting involved in our community.

Guests Speakers:

Malia Gudenkauf - Little Miss Finance
Ryne George - Linn Area Credit Union
Katelyn Tungland - Junior Achievement
Sarah Michelle - HoneyMAP

Plus, hear from Rebecca Sullens with the Economic Alliance to learn how you can participate in Leadership for Five Seasons, our area's premier leadership program.

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.

Q1 Speed Networking 3/14/2024 8:30 AM - 3/14/2024 9:30 AM

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 09:50:52 GMT

Join us for our quarterly speed networking event! At these sessions, you have the opportunity to meet many individuals from a variety of industries in a fast-paced, upbeat environment. We'll bring the coffee, you bring your most energetic self and get ready to network!

Registration is required! Contact Rebecca Sullens at rsullens@cedarrapids.org for more information.

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.

Eastern Iowa Science & Engineering Fair 3/16/2024 10:00 AM - 3/16/2024

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 10:34:01 GMT

Students from across Eastern Iowa will participate in the Science and Engineering Fair in the common area.

Eastern Iowa Science & Engineering Fair 3/16/2024 10:00 AM - 3/16/2024

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:35:24 GMT

Students from across Eastern Iowa will participate in the Science and Engineering Fair in the common area.

Riverview Center Evening of Light 3/19/2024 5:00 PM - 3/19/2024 8:15 PM

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:28:11 GMT

Join Riverview Center at our 2024 Cedar Rapids Evening of Light as we celebrate the resiliency of sexual and domestic abuse survivors we serve daily.

This year the event features Chanel Miller, once known as 'Emily Doe' before she read her victim impact statement at Brock Turner's sentencing, that went viral, and compelled thousands.

The night begins with a cocktail hour where we showcase auction items from local businesses, followed by dinner, a representation of Riverview Center services, and our inspiring keynote speaker.
Become a sponsor today, or get tickets now!

Reach out to sam@riverviewcenter.org with questions.

AI, GPT and the Way We Work 3/20/2024 11:00 AM - 3/20/2024 12:00 Noon

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:36:03 GMT

When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI), does it make you feel… Confused? Excited? Overwhelmed?

We’ll examine the latest on AI and all of the applications that are reshaping how we manage everything on our to-do list. Shape your organization or department AI strategy with tips from speaker Celina Peerman, Ph.D., and explore what comes next in the way we work together with technology across our teams and to our customers.

This is a special FREE, 50-minute webinar which leaves more time to discover and discuss the scope of AI that works for you in your workplace.

About the Speaker: Celina Peerman, Ph.D., currently serves as an organizational psychologist with over 27 years of experience from front line to senior level positions, in a wide range of industries and organizations. She is passionate about engaging our human resources in new ways to achieve even better organizational results. Celina holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, a master’s degree in business with undergraduate degrees in psychology and international studies. She is a two-time TEDx presenter, podcaster, and writer.

This webinar will be hosted using the Zoom Platform. To register, go to http://bit.ly/kctwebinarMar20.

AI: Navigating the Future of Work with AI, Leveraging Vision Systems 3/20/2024 12:00 Noon - 3/20/2024

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:30:29 GMT

Are you looking for insights into the risks and rewards of AI utilization? Perhaps you're an individual navigating tasks that AI could transform. Embark on a journey with us through "The AI Series," where we dig into the impact of AI on business and the workforce.

AI, GPT, and the Way We Work 3/20/2024 11:00 AM - 3/20/2024 12:00 Noon

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 14:29:50 GMT

March BizMix Hosted by Sandwire, a CCR Company 3/21/2024 4:00 PM - 3/21/2024 6:00 PM

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 11:29:23 GMT

Join us for the March BizMix hosted by Sandwire, a CCR Company

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.

Joe Gatto's Night of Comedy 3/21/2024 8:00 PM - 3/21/2024 9:30 PM

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:50:40 GMT

Comedy star, Joe Gatto, is coming to our Event Center as part of his Night of Comedy national tour. Show tickets and Meet & Greet passes are available starting Friday, January 12 at 10 AM! Tickets are $69.75, $59.75, and $49.75 plus tax and an online phone/ticketing fee (this fee is waived when tickets are purchased in the Gift Shop). Tickets in the ADA section are for patrons with mobility disabilities and up to three companions. If companion seating is not available because the ADA section is sold out, RCGR will offer other seats as close as possible to the accessible seat, if available, at the purchase price of the other section.

36th Annual Celebration of Agriculture 3/21/2024 5:30 PM - 3/21/2024 9:00 PM

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 14:35:23 GMT

On March 21, 2024, the 36th Annual Celebration of Agriculture event is taking place in Downtown Cedar Rapids at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Since 1987 we have hosted the event to honor those who are involved in all aspects of agribusiness and play a vital role in building and growing a dynamic agricultural industry. Each year this event brings nearly 700 attendees from across Eastern Iowa to enjoy an evening of networking, dinner and a keynote speaker.

Tickets are $50 per person. A reserved table of 10 for your company staff members and/or ag clientele, may be purchased for $500. Have extra seats at your table? Contact Hailee Sandberg to donate empty seats to youth attendees from 4H and FFA. Please register by March 8, 2024. FREE PARKING is available in the Convention Center and Five Seasons parking ramps, courtesy of the City of Cedar Rapids. Enter on First Avenue and proceed through the skywalk to access the hotel.

5:30pm - Networking & Drink Reception (credit cards only)
7:00pm- Dinner
8:00pm- Keynote Program

This year we welcome Sonny Perdue, former Secretary of US Department of Agriculture, as our keynote speaker.

Sonny Perdue was the 31st Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2017 to 2021. As Agriculture Secretary, Perdue managed a workforce of 110,000 employees with the stated objective of being the most efficient, effective and customer-friendly agency in federal government. This included stabilizing the food supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic and launching the Farmers to Families Food Box program to ensure the most vulnerable Americans were fed.

He also served two terms as the governor of Georgia, from 2003 to 2011, and was a member of the Georgia Senate from 1991 to 2001, where he chaired the Senate Higher Education Committee and eventually became Senate President Pro Tem. Currently, Perdue serves as the 14th chancellor of the University System of Georgia. He oversees 26 public colleges and universities with a $9.8 billion annual budget, 48,000 faculty and staff and more than 340,000 students.

Sonny Perdue, a Georgia native, was raised on a farm and earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from the University of Georgia. He is also a veteran, serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. He is married to the former Mary Ruff, also a UGA graduate. They have four children, 14 grandchildren and have served as foster parents for eight children awaiting adoption.

Celebration of Agriculture is a proud supporter of HACAP. Since 1987 a donation for HACAP has been collected during the evening event to support the work HACAP does around food insecurity. Last year's event attendees were able to make a donation of $10,000 to HACAP's Food Reservoir and supports the Meat Processing Fund. This fund helps to source and provide animal protein from local farms for families in need. This year, we offer various donation options:

During the Event: Monetary donations will be collected during the program on March 21st when we pass the bucket.
Advance: Anyone who makes a donation of $250 or more to HACAP prior to the Celebration of Agriculture event will be recognized in the room that evening.
- Directly to HACAP through their website
- Via your Celebration of Ag registration: Select the donation option, and HACAP will follow up with an invoice. Please place a '1' in the quantity section.

Please note: when registering multiple attendees or a table, you do not need to list each individual attendee in the attendees section of the registration page. However, you should use this section to list if someone in your party has a dietary restriction. If there are no restrictions, click 'next' at the bottom of the page to get to the payment screen.

Questions about the event or registration? Contact Celebration of Ag chair April Isaacson.

Policy on the Rocks 3/22/2024 4:30 PM - 3/22/2024 5:30 PM

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 13:35:30 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.

Bunny Bash 3/23/2024 10:00 AM - 3/31/2024 5:00 PM

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:18:40 GMT

Hop into Spring at Bloomsbury Farm's Bunny Bash!

Event Dates and Hours : March 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 / 10am-5pm

Visit with the Bloomsbury Bunny, hold baby bunnies and chicks, enjoy farm fun attractions, and more!

*Everyone 3 and older will need a farm pass, 2 and under are free.

Lead with Influence: The Power of Inquiry 3/26/2024 8:00 AM - 3/26/2024 9:00 AM

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:39:39 GMT

Unlock your leadership potential by mastering the art of inquiry in this interactive workshop lead by Michelle Gnida with Dale Carnegie Training. The ability to ask thoughtful questions is a powerful leadership skill, often distinguishing exceptional leaders from others. In this workshop you will discover how asking insightful and purposeful questions is a strategic asset that can significantly impact decision-making and problem-solving, fuel growth, foster innovation, and enhance organizational dynamics. Join us March 26th for Lead with Influence: The Power of Inquiry and level up your leadership game!

Michelle Gnida is a Master Trainer/ Regional Manager for Dale Carnegie Training. She collaborates with organizations as a consultant, coach and trainer to help them clearly see where they are today and accomplish the amazing possibilities within their reach. Because evolving takes guts, Michelle creates a safe environment, with intense coaching and practice, so organizations, teams and Individuals can practice the hard stuff, the things that get in our way and the skills that really matter.