#GrowCedarValley | Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber

Written by Will Frost, Director of Talent Development

Workforce and talent development issues continue to be at the forefront of discussions across the state, and here in our community. At Grow Cedar Valley, we don’t see these issues as threats to our local economy but rather opportunities. The Cedar Valley is experiencing a growth of job opportunities that are outpacing our current workforce. The need for workforce serves as an invitation for conversation to connect and inform those about the great career opportunities, cost of living, quality of life and educational opportunities that are available here in the Cedar Valley.

Education and economic inclusion serve as a primary connection and barriers that we have identified is a misalignment with what is needed to grow our communities workforce. To address this, Grow Cedar Valley works with employers to develop necessary on the job training to align skills with needs.

Collaborating with investors and the Cedar Valley community to create a more inclusive business culture is what will help grow our workforce and community. One that celebrates and shapes an environment that is open and accessible to anyone who wishes to participate in the local economy no matter of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or, gender identity. Creating an inclusive business culture will allow us to not only meet but exceed our talent and workforce goals!

If you want to learn more about Grow Cedar Valley and workforce development initiatives, please contact Will Frost, Director of Talent Development or call 319/232-1156.

WATERLOO,IA – Jim Schaefer, Director of Investor Relations, of Grow Cedar Valley was one of 88 economic development professionals to attend the Heartland Economic Development Course (HEDC) April 22-26, 2019 in Blue Springs, Missouri. This trip was made possible thanks to a tuition scholarship from MidAmerican Energy Company’s Local Partnership Program. Heartland attendees receive fundamental economic development training on topics ranging from business, retention and expansion, workforce development, real estate and entrepreneurship to marketing, finance, ethics and managing economic development organizations.

The 2019 HEDC Class includes representatives from Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and South Dakota trained by nationally recognized faculty from within the profession of economic development. HEDC is coordinated by the institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa and is accredited by the International Economic Development Council.

“Heartland students experience a variety of presentations, best practices and networking opportunities that they can apply back in their own organizations and communities,” Says Allen Kunkle, CEcD, HEDC Board Chair. “Heartland provides a solid foundation upon which each developer can build their base knowledge and experience.”

The Heartland Economic Development Course is a partnership of the Kansas Economic Development Alliance, Professional Developers of Iowa, Missouri Economic Development Council, Nebraska Economic Developer’s Association, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the Oklahoma Professional Economic Development Association.

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