Two Events June 30 at TechWorks Campus
An open house is being held from noon to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 30, to celebrate the opening of the Additive Manufacturing and Design Center at the TechWorks Campus, located at 360 Westfield Avenue in Waterloo. The Design Center is a collaboration between UNI and Hawkeye Community College. To RSVP for the open house, visit www.mcc.uni.edu.
The Alliance & Chamber’s Business After Hours will follow from 4:00-6:00 with tours of the building including the Cedar Valley Makerspace.
Author Archives: Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber
Confidence High in the Cedar Valley
With building permits on the rise, new businesses opening, and investment being made in the Cedar Valley, Steve Dust, President and CEO of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber says confidence is high in the Cedar Valley business community. Listen to Steve’s comments in this June 21st interview with Tim Harwood on News Talk KXEL.
Learn more about the Midwest Supply Chain Managers Survey here.
Darrah Takes Lead Role in Next Phase of TechWorks Campus Development
As the TechWorks Campus project progresses to implementation there will be changes in its management structure. Alliance & Chamber CEO Steve Dust has held the role of TechWorks Campus President since its inception in 2006. Current TechWorks General Manager Cary Darrah will assume the responsibilities of President beginning July 1, 2016.
Darrah was hired as General Manager in June of 2007. The attention of Dust, Darrah and other partners over the first eight years of the project has been preparation of the Campus for development and adjusting the original vision to carve out opportunities for the giant redevelopment project. Darrah oversaw the removal of several large industrial structures and management of the Brownfield site. Now, she will focus on marketing and attracting tenants to available space in the Tech 1 building, light industrial and commercial parcels in the 30 acre Campus.
The technical, legal, contractual, financial, economic and political demands of the Campus development during its startup were significant. Dust’s skills, experience, persistence and wisdom helped keep diverse project participants focused and unified.
“Steve’s fingerprints on this campus development will never be removed,” says Tim Hurley, TechWorks Campus Board Chair and former Waterloo Mayor, “Without his vision, direction and guidance I am confident we could have or would have easily surrendered to any one of many stiff challenges faced along the way.”
Dust assumes a new role in the organization as its vice-chair, with strategic management and oversight responsibilities. Darrah will continue to report to Dust in her new role.
Darrah’s achievements in the Cedar Valley are highly visible, especially on Main Street in Cedar Falls where she served as Executive Director from 1997-2007. During that time Cedar Falls Community Main Street was recognized as one of five Great American Main Street Communities. Under Darrah’s leadership, the district became one of the first cultural and entertainment districts in Iowa and underwent a complete street scape overhaul.
In 2013, Darrah took on the role of Vice President of Community Development with the Alliance & Chamber while maintaining her position with TechWorks. Darrah’s responsibilities with the Alliance & Chamber are expected to change as her attention shifts back to full time development of the TechWorks Campus.
“It is particularly exciting to lead in this phase of TechWorks development. The public can finally see the results of 10 year’s work,” says Darrah. “I am optimistic that the explosion of new development in the area, the Tech 2 mixed use project including the Courtyard Waterloo – Cedar Falls, the John Deere Regional Training Center, and restaurant; Single Speed; Grand Crossing; and Hawkeye Community College, will help TechWorks attract the right mix of tenants as we work to fulfill the vision for the Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Network Hub, and bring retailers into our Iowa Reinvestment District.”
TechWorks Campus is a private non-profit corporation and subsidiary of the Greater Cedar
Valley Alliance & Chamber. More information can be found at www.techworkscampus.com or by contacting Cary Darrah at cdarrah@cedarvalleyalliance.com, or Wes James Facilities Manager at wjames@cedarvalleyalliance.com, or by calling (319) 232-1156.
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Blue Zones Project Lunch and Learn set for June 16 at UNI
The University of Northern Iowa’s College of Business Administration and Human Resource Services will host the Blue Zones Project Lunch and Learn on Thursday, June 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Curris Business Building, Room 3. This event is free to Cedar Valley business leaders, HR professionals and wellness champions who are, or who are working to become, Blue Zones Designated Worksites. A light lunch will be served as UNI representatives discuss best practices for promoting the benefits of healthy living.
A healthier workforce is more productive and helps control corporate health care costs. This lunch and learn will discuss the economical benefits of employee well-being and share tips on how organizations can promote a more healthy lifestyle in the workplace. Learn how the College of Business Administration is exposing business students to stress management and personal well-being techniques through their Professional Readiness Program (PRP), and hear from a panel of UNI representatives on how the Blue Zones’ “Power 9” principles continue to help people live longer, healthier and happier lives.
“Adopting a healthy lifestyle starts early. It’s our obligation as educators to teach future business leaders how to manage stress and implement healthy habits so they can go on to promote healthy best practices in their own organizations,” said Katie Hillyer, director of professional readiness at UNI’s College of Business Administration.
Therese Callaghan will give a short introduction on how Human Resource Services was instrumental in acquiring Designated Worksite status for UNI in 2012. Strength and conditioning coach Jed Smith will focus on “UNI Strength in Community,” including details on the construction of state-of-the-art exercise stations along local bike trails. Ronelle Langley from the College of Business Administration will share how the 2016 Gallup-Healthways well-being study underscores the importance of purpose for people in the Cedar Valley, and Lisa Krausman from UNI Food Services will discuss how the work environment can affect healthy eating habits.
To RSVP and arrange for a parking pass, contact jon.crews3@gmail.com
Blue Zones Project
620 Mulberry Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Tel: (319) 287-8177
Mixed Use Project Construction Begins on TechWorks Campus
Construction has begun on the hotel on the TechWorks Campus in the Cedar Valley of Iowa.
$40M hotel, training center, conference space, restaurant construction launch in Tech 2 building
Today, TechWorks Campus, a subsidiary of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, together with the City of Waterloo, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Financial District Properties (FDP), celebrated the construction launch of the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, John Deere Training Center, and restaurant in the Tech 2 building on the TechWorks Campus. The construction launch represents a significant step in the continued progress of developing The Green@TechWorks.
Governor Terry Branstad, Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds, and Iowa Economic Development Authority representatives were present to celebrate the launch and its significance as one of the first designated Iowa Reinvestment Districts (IRD) and one of the first IRD project to get underway.
Tech 2, an 88-year old former John Deere tractor manufacturing building, is being transformed into The Green@TechWorks re-development project. The 180,000 square foot, six-story building will house a 191-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel; a new restaurant operated by Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. (CRO); John Deere Regional Training Center and a conference center (managed by Courtyard). The Green project is a principal feature of the overall TechWorks Campus riverfront re-development.
Also celebrating the launch was hotel operator Hotel Specialists, Inc. (HSI) of Jacksonville, Illinois and restaurant operator Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. (CRO) of Dallas, Texas.
The Green & Overall Project
The Green@TechWorks is part of the larger 33-acre TechWorks Campus. In addition to the Tech 1 and Tech 2 buildings (formerly John Deere Westfield R & C2) the campus includes parcels suitable for light manufacturing and retail. TechWorks Campus is the first technology park of its kind in Iowa to combine world class business amenities within a Brownfield redevelopment site.
The John Deere Waterloo Tractor & Engine Museum is already established in the Campus area, as is the Tech 1 Center for Applied Advanced Manufacturing, including the University of Northern Iowa’s Metal Casting and Additive (3D) Manufacturing Center and a Design Lab in partnership with Hawkeye Community College.
A marina and a riverfront restaurant along the Cedar River are also part of the overall $74.1 million Campus development plan.
“This is a momentous day for TechWorks, the city, and the state of Iowa,” says Cary Darrah, General Manager of TechWorks Campus. “Finally, the public can see the results of years of planning and the efforts of those who believed in the vision for this campus. This is the first of many celebrations to come!”
Downtown Momentum
TechWorks Campus is just steps to the Cedar Valley Recreation Trails, entertainment & museum districts, and a variety of Riverloop District amenities.
Other developments underway in the vicinity include: Grand Crossing mixed use residential/condominiums, Single Speed Brewery with Sidecar Coffee Shop, and Hawkeye Community College Urban Campus.
Construction of the Tech 2 building is now underway, with a projected hotel opening in Spring 2017.
TechWorks Campus is a private non-profit corporation and subsidiary of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber. More information can be found at www.techworkscampus.com or by contacting Cary Darrah, General Manager at cdarrah@cedarvalleyalliance.com, or Wes James Facilities Manager at wjames@cedarvalleyalliance.com, or by calling (319) 232-1156.
Read more in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier.
Development Team Contacts:
The Green@TechWorks – Financial District Properties: Rodney Blackwell 563-324-9898
City of Waterloo: Mayor Quentin Hart 319-291-4301 or
Economic Development Director Noel Anderson 319-291-4366
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare Transfer Agreement Final
Alliance & Chamber investor Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa has joined Mercy Health Network. They recently released the following information.
Wheaton Iowa Ministries Join Mercy Health Network
The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters finalized an agreement making the Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – Iowa (Wheaton Iowa) operations – Covenant Medical Center, Waterloo; Sartori Memorial Hospital, Cedar Falls; and Mercy Hospital, Oelwein – part of Mercy Health Network (MHN) as of May 1, 2016. MHN is based in Des Moines and is an integrated system of hospitals, clinics and other health and patient care facilities working to achieve the “triple aim goals” of better health care services, better health, and higher efficiency.
“We are excited to become part of Mercy Health Network, an Iowa-based health care system focused on continuity of care for patients, payers, and employers,” said Jack Dusenbery, President and CEO of Wheaton Iowa. “Our hospitals and clinics positioned throughout northeast Iowa add strength to a statewide network of health care services focused on improving access and creating efficiencies.”
MHN was founded in 1998 under a joint operating agreement between two of the
largest Catholic, not-for-profit health organizations in the US: Catholic Health Initiatives, based in Englewood, Colorado, and Trinity Health, based in Livonia, Michigan. With the addition of Wheaton Iowa, MHN includes 15 owned hospitals and medical centers, 26 community hospitals affiliated through contracts, and 207 physician clinics.
“As an Iowa-based health care system with access to two national sponsors, MHN is positioned to best meet the needs of patients, families, employers, insurers and communities throughout the state,” said Dave Vellinga, President and CEO of MHN. “Together, we strive to be the premier health care system offering the highest value to those we serve by improving quality of health care, increasing accessibility of care, enhancing services to patients and their families, and reducing costs.”
The Wheaton Franciscan Sisters engaged in a lengthy discernment process to determine the future disposition of their corporate ministries while they are healthy, fiscally sound, and have a strong sense of mission and values. Sister Pat Norton, Chair of the Sponsor Member Board for Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare stated, “The choice to transfer our ministries ensures that the needs of the times will continue to be addressed in each community, as the Sisters have worked to do for more than 140 years.”
Under the terms of the agreement, MHN becomes the owner of Wheaton Iowa properties. The transaction will not change the complement of local services and will not result in changes in leadership. MHN will have representation on the local Board of Directors.
“We have the highest regard for Jack Dusenbery and his leadership team,” Vellinga said. “We are fortunate to have such a strong group of leaders partnering with us in our mission of healing and improving health.”
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Buchanan County Becomes the 34th Home Base Iowa Community
Congratulations to Buchanan County in the Cedar Valley Region of Iowa, on the Home Base Iowa Community designation. The following release was provided by Home Base Iowa.
May 4, 2016 (Independence, Iowa) – State officials announced today that Buchanan County received the designation as a Home Base Iowa (HBI) Community. Through this process, Buchanan County has demonstrated their commitment to hiring, supporting and welcoming veterans into their community. Business and community leaders, along with local veteran organizations, attended the designation ceremony held at Lee Container, a Home Base Iowa business.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds was on hand to recognize and celebrate the accomplishment. “It is such an honor to add another Home Base Iowa community to the list,” said Reynolds. “Iowa counties and cities are really stepping up to support the Home Base Iowa effort. We are so proud to offer such a warm welcome to veterans and transitioning service members.” Home Base Iowa currently has over 1,200 businesses which have pledged over 6,500 jobs statewide.
Home Base Iowa connects transitioning military members and veterans with career opportunities in Iowa companies. The state of Iowa has much to offer veterans and transitioning service members — including no state taxes on military pension, a cost of living below the national average and one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. To date, members of the Iowa Business Council, Iowa’s largest employers, have hired more than 2,000 employees through Home Base Iowa.
The HBI program designates qualified communities based on four standards: 10 percent of hiring businesses within the community must become Home Base Iowa businesses, the community must develop an incentive package for veterans, HBI signage plan which prominently displays the Home Base Iowa Community designation and obtain a resolution of support from the appropriate local governing body. Buchanan County has met these criteria and are offering an incentive package which includes various discounts for veterans as well as first-time home buyer incentives and assistance to any veteran seeking employment within the community.
For more information contact:
Jason Kemp, 515.822.8951
Home Base Iowa Program Manager
jason.kemp@iowa.gov
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Home Base Iowa is a unique, non-profit private-public partnership that focuses on recruiting veterans and active duty service members for quality, well-paying private-sector jobs in Iowa. The Home Base Iowa Act provides the following incentives for veterans:
- Military Pension Income Tax Exemption – fully exempts military pensions from state income tax.
- Permissive Veterans Hiring Preference – allows veterans preferential treatment in hiring decisions for both public and private organizations.
- Military Homeownership Assistance Program – provides veterans $5,000 towards down payment or closing costs of a home by using the Iowa Finance Authority program.
- Higher Education Incentives – provides automatic, in-state tuition to veterans, their spouse and their dependents.
The initiative is currently co-chaired by Congressman Leonard Boswell and Casey’s CEO Bob Meyers, both of whom are veterans themselves. For more information on Home Base Iowa, please visit HomeBaseIowa.gov.
R.J. McElroy Trust Receives 2016 Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Cedar Valley Partner Award
Accepting the award was Mike Young.
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. The R.J. McElroy Trust received the Cedar Valley Partner Award.
The R.J. McElroy Trust was founded in Waterloo in 1965 through the generosity of R.J. McElroy, KWWL-TV broadcasting pioneer. Upon his death a trust fund was established to be used “for the education and benefit of deserving young people.”
Since then, the Trust has funded a broad range of educational programs – including scholarships, fellowships, internships, student loan funds and numerous other projects to benefit youth of all ages. The lives of literally thousands of young people in Northeastern Iowa have been influenced. The trust has funded capital projects that many consider regional “landmarks” as well as smaller neighborhood and community ballparks.
In the 15-county region, more than $60.4 million has been awarded since the trust started making grants in 1980. In 2015, the Trust granted nearly $2 million. Recent projects include: Schindler Education Center renovation project at the University of Northern Iowa; Cedar Valley Makerspace, and EMBARC for Burma-origin teen programs and leadership.
Manpower Receive 2016 Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Diversity & Inclusion Award
Cedar Valley Manpower team celebrate their accomplishments.
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016.
Manpower creates customized programs to recruit and develop a workforce reflective of the Cedar Valley through effective partnerships with local agencies.
Access2Ability partnership with Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) provides job opportunities for those with a disability.
Collaboration with Iowa Workforce Development is putting formerly incarcerated candidates to work. Department of Correction facilities have placed reformed job seekers from the Work Release program into jobs.
Manpower staff serves on the Refugee Resource committee led by Catholic Charities. The goal is to help integrate refugees from Myanmar into the Cedar Valley. The Manpower team developed job opportunities and overcame language barriers by creating work teams of 3-4 refugees, with one member serving as translator.
Manpower provides job preparation advice to students at Waterloo West High and college students through Iowa Association of Business and Industry’s Leadership Iowa University program.
Regional Director Kathy Joblinski is an active member of the Alliance & Chamber’s Chamber Council, its Diversity & Inclusion Partnership, and she is also a member of the Chamber Council’s Workforce Committee.
View the video produced by Pyke Studios here.
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