Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Events Newswire

2025 LFS Alumni Dues 1/1/2025 - 4/15/2025

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:38:00 GMT

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Alumni membership dues directly funds the Youth LFS Program which allows area high school juniors to participate at no cost to them or their school. As an alum of the program, thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders in our community!

Alumni dues can be paid in 3 different ways:

1 Year Membership: $50
3 Year Membership: $125
Lifetime Membership: $500

**Alumni dues goes towards the calendar year within which it was paid, unless it is paid in November or December, when it will count for the following calendar year. While dues will be accepted at any time, payment is encouraged prior to, or by the end of, Q1 as the spring event in April is for dues-paying alumni only.

Click REGISTER to pay for alumni dues via credit card or contact Tyanna at tstephenson@cedarrapids.org if you would like an invoice or to pay by check.

Dues Paying Alumni Benefits Include:

Exclusive invite to the LFS Alumni Spring Event in April- only for dues paying Alumni
Continued networking opportunities - socially, professionally and personally
Reduced admission cost to LFS Annual Golf Outing in August
The warm, fuzzy feeling of giving back to the program and keeping it going for future generations

No Foot Too Small Fundraiser 2/2/2025 9:00 AM - 2/2/2025 3:00 PM

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 22:48:48 GMT

No Foot Too Small Fundraiser

Please join us for a unique opportunity for a fun and exciting time at X-Golf Coralville!

X-Golf is an amazing indoor golf facility with 7 of the most accurate simulators around, a full bar with a kitchen, 26 TVs, darts, outdoor patio and plenty of seating for friends and family to watch! For more info on X-Golf Coralville, click here https://playxgolf.com/locations/coralville/

3-Person Scramble Format: Team up with two of your best golfing buddies for a friendly scramble competition. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a newcomer, everyone will enjoy this relaxed yet competitive format. All golfers are included in a $1,000 AMEX Travel Card Hole-in-One Challenge.
Entry gets you 18 holes of golf, range balls, flag events, as well as the hole in one challenge for the $1,000 AMEX Travel Card.
Golf balls are provided, but you will want to bring your own clubs. Clubs will be available to those that do not have any.

Food & Drinks: Delicious food and drink options are available for purchase directly from X-Golf’s menu, ensuring you stay fueled and refreshed during the event.

Support a Great Cause: All Proceeds from the tournament, plus 10% of the daily food and drink purchases, will get donated back to No Foot Too Small, so bring your friends and have a great time while supporting a great cause!

If you want to participate but cannot golf at the scheduled date and time, we may be able to accommodate you. Please contact Doug at events@xgolfcr.com for more information

Corridor Corporate Games February Informational Webinar 2/5/2025 1:00 PM - 2/5/2025 2:00 PM

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:21:21 GMT

The Corridor Corporate Games is a company-based competition, starting June 1 and ending July 31, that enables and supports teamwork, company pride, and corporate wellness through healthy competition. 2025 will be the seventh year of this annual event.

There are over twenty events and competitions offered that include both competitive and non-competitive events as well as in-person and virtual opportunities. All in-person events will be held in the evenings and on the weekends throughout the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area.

Interested in participating in the 2025 Corporate Games? Click HERE to register for our February Webinar!

ImpactCR: Connections That Convert a Job Into a Career 2/5/2025 7:45 AM - 2/5/2025 9:00 AM

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 15:09:21 GMT

Join ImpactCR for an engaging session on advancing your career. Learn from local leaders as they share actionable insights on leveraging mentorship, tapping into local influencers, and expanding your network to transform your job into a career.

Speakers include:

Nate Klein with Junior Achievement
Anthony Betters with American Family Insurance
Rogan Stoops with Mount Mercy University

With ImpactCR, young professionals go beyond exchanging business cards—they come to build meaningful connections, foster personal and professional growth, and actively contribute to shaping the future of the Cedar Rapids Metro. Our mission is to empower young professionals to uncover their “why” and equip them with the tools to make a lasting, positive impact in their careers, community, and lives. We welcome individuals from all industries, skill sets, and backgrounds. ImpactCR is not just about working—it’s about living, learning, and thriving together.

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids ALUMNI presents CauseTeam 2/5/2025 8:45 AM - 2/5/2025 10:00 AM

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:10:36 GMT

This Week

We’re thrilled to welcome back Amanda Rhomberg, co-founder of CauseTeam, as part of the 1MCCR Alumni Series! Amanda first joined us in 2017 when her business was known as One Mission. Since then, CauseTeam has grown, staying dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to support meaningful causes. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Amanda’s inspiring journey and insights on driving change through entrepreneurship.

As part of NewBoCo’s 10 Years of Impact celebration, we are thrilled to present a special 1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids (1MCCR) Alumni Series! Throughout the year, leading up to EntreFEST 2025, we will welcome back past 1MCCR presenters for fireside chats on the first Wednesday of the month to share their experiences, lessons, and successes since presenting.

Are you a creative, founder, executive, or subject matter expert with stories to share or questions to ask? Apply to be a presenter! Or do you know one? Nominate a presenter!

Program schedule

8:45 to 9:00 – Coffee & Conversation
9:00 to 9:45 – Official Program
9:45 to 10:00 – Q&A

Policy on the Rocks 2/7/2025 4:30 PM - 2/7/2025 5:30 PM

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:11:20 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.

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.

1 Million Cups Cedar Rapids Founder Fireside with Ben McDougal 2/12/2025 9:00 AM - 2/12/2025 10:00 AM

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:53:19 GMT

Join us for a fireside chat featuring 1MC Midwest Regional Rep Ben McDougal, a entrepreneur known for turning bold ideas into reality. With over a decade of building communities, Ben will share insights on his entrepreneurial journey, including book publishing, weekly writing, podcasting, content creation, and exploring the intersection of Web3, AI, and creativity. Together with David Tominsky, they’ll dive into the power of connection, the evolution of 1 Million Cups, and how caffeinated gatherings have sparked innovation in Iowa and beyond since 2012.

Whether you’re curious about marketing, storytelling, or scaling ideas, this conversation promises to inspire and connect.

RESCHEDULED- Let's Get Down to Business: Delivering Results Through Delegation 2/13/2025 8:00 AM - 2/13/2025 9:00 AM

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:50:19 GMT

AS OF 2/12, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER AND RESCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 13TH! Be on the lookout for registration again in the fall.

Delegation is key to delivering results – in work and in professional development. Join Brenda Meeker from Elevate Consulting, LLC for a lesson on how entrusting others with work and being proactive in communication can improve skills and outcomes and help you get more done.

Key Takeaways:

Explore your mindset about delegation
Identify what key information to consider and communicate when delegating
Learn how to set clear expectations that will help set you and others up for success

Brenda Meeker is passionate about supporting others in their personal and professional growth. As owner and president of Elevate Consulting, LLC, she provides learning and development, HR, and project-based solutions to meet organizational and employee development needs. Brenda has experience in training and meeting facilitation, human resources, managing projects and events, and developing communication plans and messages. She has worked in corporate and nonprofit settings and Division I athletics, providing a range of experience that informs her work.

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.

HER Women of Achievement Nominations 2/14/2025 7:00 AM - 2/14/2025 12:00 Midnight

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:14:21 GMT

HER Women of Achievement 2025-Nominations Now Open

The Gazette’s annual HER Women of Achievement will be hosted on June 10^th at the Double Tree by Hilton in downtown Cedar Rapids. Through the support of presenting sponsor FSB, this regional event honors women for their accomplishments in leadership and positive influence. Nominations for HER 2025 honorees are now open at www.her.today

This unique celebration is a chance to share the stories of women who are making an impact across Eastern Iowa. Honorees may be recognizable in name or affiliated organization, but many are unsung heroes who are leading in unique ways, under the radar. Those who wish to nominate a woman of achievement should be ready to share what makes their nominee deserving of their work and passion for their community.

Nominations are open now through March 14 at www.her.today

Dueling Pianos at PinSeekers 2/15/2025 5:00 PM - 2/15/2025 10:00 PM

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:50:34 GMT

PinSeekers is collaborating with Abby Scheitlin on behalf of the American Heart Association for a night of fun with Dueling Pianos! This event will raise money for the American Heart Association. Admission is $500 for a table (8 people) or $63 per person. Admission includes a steak, chicken, or vegetarian dinner, a drink ticket, a gift from PinSeekers, and admission to the Dueling Pianos show. The event will be held in the PinSeekers Event Space at PinSeekers in Tiffin from 5:00 - 10:00 PM. Please reach out to Tyler Carlson with any questions or to book your spot at 319-853-8680 Ext. 4 or by email at t.carlson@pinseekers.golf.

We hope to see you here for a night of fun supporting the fight against cardiovascular disease.

Grandma's Storytime 2/16/2025 2:00 PM - 2/16/2025 3:30 PM

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:28:01 GMT

A fun afternoon of stories, puzzles, crafts and snacks - every child will go home with a homemade craft and book! The event will be near the Play Area, so you can easily find us.

Q1 Hiawatha Business Summit-Balancing Remote Work, Office Presence, and Workforce Needs 2/18/2025 8:00 AM - 2/18/2025 9:00 AM

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 15:48:33 GMT

Join us at the Iowa Sports Center as we explore how business leaders can navigate the evolving challenges of remote and hybrid work environments while addressing workforce shortages. How do you supplement your team effectively when full-time candidates are scarce? Drawing on real-world examples from local companies, this discussion will provide advice for crafting flexible work policies that align with your business goals while meeting employee needs and adapting to changing workforce trends. Attendees are encouraged to arrive before 8am to sign in, get a nametag, and enjoy light breakfast items before the start of the program.

Panelists include:

Vince Ellison, President & Visionary at Benchmark, Inc.
Alicia Murphy, Chief People Officer at Van Meter, Inc.
Matthew Auliff, NE Region Operations Manager with Iowa Workforce Development

Join Hiawatha area businesses for a morning of networking and education! 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.

Free Webinar - Change that Lasts 2/18/2025 12:00 Noon - 2/18/2025 1:00 PM

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:10:48 GMT

FREE WEBINAR: CHANGE THAT LASTS

ATTENTION BUSINESS LEADERS

Change is inevitable. But meaningful, lasting change? That’s the real challenge.

Most organizations tackle change with a quick fix—one-and-done programs that spark short-term progress but rarely stick. Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth:
If you want change that lasts, you need more than a workshop. You need a process.

At Slingshot25, we’ve spent decades helping organizations create change that doesn’t fizzle out after a few months. In this webinar, our change and leadership experts, Courtney Smock and Jackie Pelland, will reveal the strategic steps that make change sustainable and teach you how to:

? Avoid the common traps that cause change initiatives to fail
? Build lasting change maturity at every level of your organization
? Create a culture where progress isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement

It’s time to move beyond theory and start making real, lasting change happen.

The event is free...Register today!

Business Growth Series: Social Media Growth 2/19/2025 9:00 AM - 2/19/2025 10:00 AM

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 13:44:49 GMT

In this workshop, she’ll guide you through actionable steps to analyze and enhance your social media profiles, helping you attract your ideal audience, engage with more leads, and ultimately make more money. Regardless of where you’re at with your social media journey, you will walk away knowing how to make it work best for your business, so don’t miss it!

RSVP: https://newbo.co/event/business-growth-series-social-media-growth/

Speaker:

Lexi Rector is the founder of Archer Growth, a marketing firm based in North Liberty, Iowa. She is a digital marketing consultant who helps business owners transform their social media profiles into lead and sales-generating assets. With a focus on data-driven strategies, Lexi works with businesses to conduct effective social media audits, identify growth opportunities, and craft targeted marketing strategies that actually drive revenue.

Join us every third Wednesday from 8:45 – 10:00 AM for Business Growth Series, where expert professionals share their insights on how to build a successful business. Each session focuses on a critical topic that will help you advance your business journey, providing you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Program schedule
8:45 to 9:00 AM – Coffee & Networking
9:00 to 10:00 AM – Official Program

Adult LFS Class of 2025 Project & Fundraiser 2/19/2025 8:00 AM - 4/11/2025 3:30 PM

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:33:04 GMT

Help support the LFS Adult Class of 2025 by donating to their class project! This class is raising funds to support two incredible organizations: HACAP and Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity. These organizations are working tirelessly to address two major needs in our local community: housing and food insecurity.

HACAP is dedicated to fighting food insecurity through its food pantry, providing essential nutrition to local families in need.
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to building, rehabilitating, and repairing safe, decent, and affordable homes in partnership with local families.

The goal is to raise $20,000 to support the construction of a new affordable home and any proceeds beyond that goal will be donated to HACAP's NW Neighborhood Resource Center (formerly Olivet Mission).

You can support this project in 3 different ways:

Corporate sponsorships- See additional details below and click "Register for this Event" to sign up for sponsorships. View Sponsorship Levels & Benefits Packet
- $1,500 = Dream Builder Sponsor
- $1,000 = Champion Sponsor
- $500 = Friend Sponsor
- $250 = Neighbor Sponsor
Individual donations- Click "Register for this Event" below to donate via Credit Card in increments of $25, $50, or $100 OR send via Venmo to Project Financial Chair, Wendy Jamison:
- Venmo Account: @WendyJ42 (Last 4 of phone number: 5632)
Almost Famous Popcorn Fundraiser- The class is partnering with Almost Famous Popcorn to sell delicious popcorn with a portion of the sales going towards support the LFS Adult Class Project. Please note this is for local pickup only. Click here to participate in the popcorn fundraiser.

Every contribution—big or small—helps us make a lasting impact. Your donation will directly support families in need and build a stronger, more compassionate community. Thank you for your generosity and support!

Have questions about the project: Contact Project Chair, Kaitlyn Trent or Financial Chair, Wendy Jamison.

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

Inclusive IOWA Full Coalition Meeting 2/19/2025 8:30 AM - 2/19/2025 10:00 AM

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:25:35 GMT

Join us for an impactful event as we discuss Inclusive IOWA's strategic plan for 2025, introduce our new chairs, and discuss the current DEI climate with local guest speakers.

Guest Speakers Include:

Max Mowitz - OneIowa
Anthony Arrington - Top RANK
Stefanie Munsterman - Past Inclusive IOWA Chair

This meeting is a virtual event. The link for the event will be sent in the confirmation email after you register. 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.

YOLO (Your Other Lunch Option) at Prairiewoods (in person) 2/19/2025 11:45 AM - 2/19/2025 1:30 PM

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:09:30 GMT

li Yoka, Derek Doan & Brenda Horn

Shake up your lunch routine with a wholesome, fresh lunch made by the Prairiewoods chefs
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. U.S. Central Time

Tired of the same old lunch places? Let’s renew our bodies and refresh our spirits in a beautiful setting! Join Prairiewoods for YOLO (Your Other Lunch Option)—a lunch choice celebrating wholesome, fresh food made from scratch by chefs Ali Yoka, Derek Doan and Brenda Horn in Prairiewoods’ kitchen. We dine in a community setting with friends we bring with us or new friends we meet over a delicious themed lunch.