Author Archives: Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber

2016 DIVERSITY & INCLUSION Award (50+ employees) – Waterloo Schools

Dr. Lindaman and Dr. Smith accept the Diversity & Inclusion award on behalf of the Waterloo Schools.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Congratulations to the Waterloo Schools, recipient of the 2016 Diversity & Inclusion Award.

The Waterloo Community School District serves children and families bringing over 30 languages and 70+ dialects, plus a similarly diverse staff. District goals include enhanced efforts to reduce the achievement gap between demographic subgroups, provide cultural competency training, utilize research-based cultural competency strategies, maximize equitable community access to and use of our facilities, recruit and retain employees from diverse backgrounds, build partnerships within the community, and schools and homes of our students.

The WCSD Equity Committee, made up of school and community stakeholders, provides linkages to diverse area communities and organizations. Collaboration partners include: Waterloo Human Rights Commission, NAACP – Education Committee, representatives from the Bosnian, Latino and Burma-origin Communities, and UNI Conference on African-American Children and Families.

The District is a lead partner in Cedar Valley CultureFest – a celebration showcasing the increasing diversity in the Cedar Valley through food, art, music and exhibits.

The Districts Community Relations Department regularly promotes diversity across the district by sharing stories through multiple media platforms with the general Cedar Valley area.

View the video produced by Pyke Studios here.

View a video of the entire event, including acceptance speeches, produced by Cedar Falls Cable is here.

Hydrite Chemical Company set to make $15.9 million capital investment in Waterloo

Hydrite Chemical Company 2013

Hydrite Chemical Company set to make $15.9 million capital investment in Waterloo. Hydrite Chemical’s proposed project would increase manufacturing capabilities in Waterloo by expanding its product lines in the food, agriculture and sulfur industries. The board awarded the company tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs Program (HQJP). The project is expected to create 11 jobs at a qualifying wage of $16.79 per hour. The proposed project includes land acquisition, site preparation, the construction of a 20,000 s.f. building, and installation of manufacturing machinery and equipment and will have a capital investment of $15.9 million.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber provided assistance to Hydrite. The Alliance & Chamber identified appropriate resources and tools available through the City of Waterloo and State of Iowa, and monitored the project throughout the process. State and local incentives were integral in Hydrite siting this project at their Waterloo location.

The Alliance & Chamber has provided assistance with previous Hydrite expansions. Since 2012, Hydrite has made more than $15 million in investment at the site.

Hydrite Chemical Company is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of chemical products in the United States. The company provides expertise in chemical distribution, food and dairy sanitation, food ingredients, organic processing, liquid sulfur salts, water treatment, foam control, and compliance management. The company began its Waterloo operations in 1978 where they currently have 86 full-time employees.

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2016 Business of the Year (1-50- FTE) – JSA Development, LLC/James E. Walsh, Jr.

Jim Walsh accepts the Business of the Year Award.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Congratulations to JSA Development, LLC / James E. Walsh, Jr. recipient of 2016 Business of the Year!

Jim Walsh purchased his first building in downtown Waterloo in April 1999. Since that time, what has become JSA Development transformed Downtown Waterloo and the greater Cedar Valley.

JSA Development has invested nearly $35 million in downtown revitalization based in historic preservation, mixed-use development and walk-able, bike-able urban neighborhood planning.

The investment and commitment to Waterloo and the Cedar Valley is a significant component of the private investment in Downtown Waterloo envisioned by the original River Renaissance project.

To date, JSA Development investment has: Historically rehabilitated fourteen buildings; Created 50 new market-rate apartments; Revitalized or maintained over 40 commercial units; Assisted in the startup or expansion of eight business; Aided the historic KWWL building revitalization; Spearheaded and funded the successful addition of the Waterloo Downtown East 4^th street corridor to the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to the development and management Company, Walsh operates three restaurants and a bar in downtown Waterloo. His many roles with other organizations broaden his impact on the greater Cedar Valley.

View video here.

HowFactory Receives 2016 Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Harold Brock Innovation Award

Co-founder Trace Steffan accepts the Harold Brock Innovation Award.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Howfactory received the Harold Brock Innovation Award.

HowFactory, a Cedar Valley startup business has developed software to better create, manage, and distribute knowledge documents, standard operating procedures, training, and other key documents for industrial manufacturing and other companies. The idea co-founder Trace Steffan started toying with in his home office in 2012 has become one of the fastest growing and most acclaimed tech startups in Iowa.

After developing their business model at the Iowa Startup Accelerator in 2014, HowFactory received a $50,000 investment from Built by Iowa. HowFactory was the first Iowa company to be selected to the national Tech Crunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield. In 2015, HowFactory swept the Dream Big Grow Here awards at Entrefest , then was named the Silicon Prairie News’ New Startup of the Year.

HowFactory is a vital member of the Cedar Valley startup ecosystem. HowFactory is a founding member of Millrace, the Cedar Valley’s first subscription based tech co-working space. The firm supports and routinely participates in One Million Cups, Startup Weekend, and a host of other initiatives to nurture innovation in the Cedar Valley.

View the video here.

Jim & Cecelia Mudd Honored with 2016 Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Legacy Award

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Jim and Cecelia Mudd received the Legacy Award.

“Servant Leaders” Jim and Cecelia Mudd have a true American success story. The couple has built a strong business from the ground up while remaining true to their values. The Mudds believe in Friends, Family, and Faith made visible through their generous contribution of time, money, and wisdom to countless charitable organizations, especially those serving the underprivileged throughout the Cedar Valley and beyond.

Cecelia started her career as an airline flight attendant, and later worked alongside Jim in radio and at Mudd Advertising. She has been an active volunteer and supporter of the Sartori Festival of Trees, EPI, PEO, Catholic Daughters, and the American Heart Association Go Red Luncheon. Cecelia taught their children the value of hard work through helping with their paper routes and de-tasseling corn.

Jim is an unabashed promoter of free enterprise, personal responsibility, and civic involvement.

A graduate of Brescia University, Jim studied broadcasting at Northwestern University, spending 21 years in radio before starting Jim Mudd and Associates in the basement of their home in 1981. Today Mudd Advertising is a global marketing firm, serving over 3,500 clients primarily in the automotive industry. Clients also include Bridgestone Tires as well as 50 John Deere retailers. Celebrating its 35^th anniversary, Mudd employs 165 with offices around the country.

Jim maintains a personal friendship with Ken Blanchard and served on the board of Blanchard’s Lead Like Jesus, and incorporates his Gung Ho principles into daily business culture and practice at Mudd Advertising.

Jim has served on the Western Home board of directors, as co-chair of the Cedar Falls Library Capital Campaign, United Way Annual Campaign and others. He is currently a member of the University of Northern Iowa Foundation board. Together the Mudds support 80 different Cedar Valley organizations, including St. Patrick Church, UNI and countless others.

View the Video here.

2016 Fulfilling the Vision of One Award – Jayne Hall

Congratulations Jayne Hall recipient of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Fulfilling the Vision of One Award

Jayne Hall is the Business Insurance Specialist at The Accel Group. She is an enthusiastic cheerleader for the Cedar Valley. She devoted countless hours and dedication through her volunteer leadership towards the merger of the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Chambers and the formation of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance. Her involvement began with the Cedar Falls Chamber Wing Ding Committee. She went on to become 2004/2005 Chair of the Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. More recently she served as the 2014-15 Chair of the Waverly Chamber of Commerce. She has been the Alliance & Chamber Ignite Sponsorship Campaign Chair and currently serves as an Alliance & Chamber Ambassador and an active member on the Investor Relations Task Force. She continues to work to bring together people and businesses to promote Cedar Valley economy, through roles in several Cedar Valley locations. She is also active in The Accel Group’s Annual Triathlon.

Jayne received the 2016 Main Street Iowa Leadership Award by Governor Branstad.

Watch the video here.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – The VGM Group

CEO Mike Mallaro accepts the Business of the Year Award.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. The VGM Group received the Business of the Year Award for companies with 51+ employees. PDCM Insurance sponsors this award.

View the presentation video about the VGM Group , produced by Pyke Studios, here.

With 25 years of success, The VGM Group includes more than 20 business units. The most recent $20m expansion adds 70,000 square feet of new offices to the San Marnan Ave. corporate campus and will be home to 300 employees. The $2m renovation of the Alexandra Drive location accommodates growth of new tech based jobs.

VGM is a 100% owned by its 650+ employees through Employee Stock Ownership Plan “ESOP”, keeping wealth in the Cedar Valley and creating an employee focused culture and unique employment brand. VGM is one of Iowa’s 2015 Top Workplace in the Large Company category selected through an independent survey by Workplace Dynamics.

VGM’s annual Heartland Conference contributed an economic benefit of $1.1 million in the Cedar Valley in 2015 alone.

To help develop, strengthen, and retain talent in the company and the Cedar Valley, VGM participates in Iowa’s STEM Student Internship Program and has developed an internal professional development program for emerging leaders with in their company.

View a video of the entire event, including acceptance speeches, produced by Cedar Falls Cable is here.

INS Family of Companies Announce Rebrand to Aureon

Alliance & Chamber investor Iowa Network Services (INS) unveils a new name, logo and website today. The have provided the following release.

WEST DES MOINES, IA (March 29, 2016) — The INS Family of Companies, a business solutions provider specializing in support services, announced today the launch of a new unified identity. Effective immediately, the INS Family of Companies, consisting of Iowa Network Services (INS), Alliance Technologies, Alliance Connect, Merit Resources, Caleris and Portico Staffing will operate under the name Aureon™, reflecting a new unified structure for the organization. With the adoption of its new brand and logo, Aureon has simultaneously launched their new website, Aureon.com.

The rebrand is the positive outcome of the company’s broadening footprint in the business support services field, which they’ve expanded in recent years to encompass a variety of Technology, HR and Contact Center services. It is the culmination of years of strategic planning and diversification that was fueled by the growing demand for outsourced business solutions that address the complexity and importance of back office functions.

“After 27 years of growing INS from a company built to serve the Iowa Independent Telecommunications Companies to a diverse house of brands offering multiple support solutions, Aureon represents the next step in our evolution and direction,” says Ron Keller, CEO of Aureon. “There is a tremendous amount of value in being able to offer all of these services under one roof, while leveraging the experienced people and individuality that made each company unique.”

The INS Family of Companies will now fall into support solution categories, with INS, Alliance Technology and Alliance Connect becoming Aureon Technology; Merit Resources, Merit Senior Living and Portico Staffing will be Aureon HR; and Caleris is Aureon Contact Center. Most of the 600+ employees from the INS Family of Companies moved into their new corporate headquarters in the spring of 2015 to begin to focus on collaboration and common processes. In addition to the name change, the organization also has plans to expand its current West Des Moines headquarters with an adjacent facility mid-2016. Aureon will continue operations in both their Kansas City and Omaha offices as well.

“By aligning our internal synergies, we’re better able to find efficiencies for those we serve,” says Keller. “The business operation challenges facing organizations grow more complex by the day. By combining our resources and capabilities, we can use our talent, technology and tools to help clients stay focused on what they do best and turn those challenges into opportunities.”

For more information on the Aureon re-brand story, visit Aureon.com/launch-materials.

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About Aureon
Aureon, the new name for the INS Family of Companies, is a business solutions provider who connects possibilities to productivity by providing unique and scalable business support services for organizations — small and large. Headquartered in the heart of the Midwest, and serving clients nationally with a presence in 48 states, Aureon offers a comprehensive suite of support services, with a focus on Technology, HR and Contact Center services. Aureon’s unique combination of talent, technology and tools enable clients to focus on their core business. For more information, visit www.Aureon.com.

Alliance & Chamber Supports Upcoming Cedar Falls Schools Proposal

(Cedar Valley of Iowa) Cedar Falls Community Schools proposes to fund upgrades at North Cedar and Orchard Hill elementary buildings and build a new elementary school in southwest Cedar Falls at a total cost of $32 million. The board also reinforced the district’s and superintendent’s design of the programs to provide the benefits of the Career-Technical curriculum to students throughout the Cedar Valley. The Board of Directors of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber voted unanimously during its January 5^th meeting to endorse the proposal by the Cedar Falls school district.

Cedar Valley Wide Impact

The Cedar Falls’ CAPS program will easily transfer credit to Hawkeye and UNI degree programs. This is important to ensure the student can seamlessly continue work toward a degree, obtaining the most current knowledge in the field, and entering the career field at the most opportune time for the student. It also defines clear career pathways for the student, and a quantifiable pipeline of candidates for jobs in the Cedar Valley.

The Alliance & Chamber board believes the taxpayers should approve this proposal. Business and education must work together to ensure continuing growth in our economy, while preparing smart, knowledgeable, engaged citizens. This proposal, well executed, will do both. Plus, a smooth transition to Hawkeye and UNI is precisely what students need to minimize their cost and time spent preparing for a great career in the Cedar Valley.

Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Chairman David Braton recapped the discussion of the board, stating, and “Workforce development is critical to the growth of the Cedar Valley. The Alliance & Chamber applauds Waterloo and Cedar Falls Schools staff and school board for taking these bold steps to give our students the best education in a changing world. Workforce development is the key to our economic success.”

Vote “Yes” on April 5

The Alliance & Chamber encourages all voters in the Cedar Falls School District to view these initiatives favorably, and as investments in the future generations of Cedar Valley citizens.

Please vote Yes on Tuesday, April 5 for Cedar Falls’ Elementary Construction & Upgrades Plan.

Cedar Falls CAPS and Elementary School Construction Program

Usually, the Alliance & Chamber would not publicly endorse proposals for specific elementary school construction and expansion programs. This time, however, it is important to underscore that modern education requires attention to facility upgrades at all levels of education. Cedar Falls’ student population is projected to increase significantly over the next decade, in contrast to many other locations that are projecting shrinking elementary populations. Cedar Falls’ growth has generated the need for additions onto some schools to eliminate trailer-like, temporary classrooms. The need to add flexibility in the use of the space and install advanced technologies infrastructure in all schools combines with District growth to be sound reasons to support this proposal. During the presentation, the Alliance & Chamber Board focused first on the implementation of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) initiative, and immediately connected success in CAPS at the high school level with the need for modern elementary and middle school facilities.

The mission of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is to increase economic vitality and wealth by leading collaborative economic and community development. Details about the many programs and initiatives of the Alliance & Chamber can be found at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com or by calling Steve Dust, CEO at (319) 232-1156.

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For further information, contact Steve Dust, CEO, at SDust@CedarValleyAlliance.com or Wendy Bowman, Director of Communications at WBowman@CedarValleyAlliance.com or 319-232-1156; or Dave Braton, Chair of the Board, at 319-291-1400 or David.Braton@Lee.net

Grow Cedar Valley