Responses to a recent, detailed survey of 70 Cedar Valley businesses and community leaders presented strong indications that the Cedar Valley economy has held its own during the downturn of the past several years.  The survey was conducted by Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, on behalf of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber.

Survey respondents indicated that the recent favorable business results are attributed to strong manufacturing and agriculture sectors, particularly John Deere’s strong performance and demand for components and services in the U.S. and globally, low unemployment in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls MSA, and overall business expansion in the Cedar Valley economic area.

Additionally, survey respondents reported an increasing scarcity of available workforce possessing the technical and other industrial skills in demand. Respondents indicated continuing reliance on economic development and educational leaders to address the tightening constraint to growth.

In addition to gathering economic and workforce information during the survey, an outline of proposed development strategies was presented for review. Those businesses interviewed reinforced the three strategic goals of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber.

• Develop and strengthen a technology and innovation-based economy;
• Act as the recognized catalyst and focal point of effective regional action on economic and community issues of importance to Cedar Valley businesses and institutions;
• Increase the effectiveness and impact of Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber organizations.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber works to increase wealth and economic vitality through collaborative economic and community development throughout The Cedar Valley economic area.