Tag Archives: Tim Hurley

IEDA Director Durham says Cedar Valley is “doing a lot of the right things”

EDA Director Debi Durham with Cary Darrah in Cedar Falls with Carol Lilly Mill Race kitchen

IEDA Director Debi Durham speaks with Interim CEO Cary Darrah and others at Mill Race in Cedar Falls on Thursday, March 22, 2018

WATERLOO, IOWA (March 23, 2018) – After touring several sites throughout the Cedar Valley, the head of the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) told a group of community leaders, “I think you’re doing a lot of the right things here.”

“I do not know where economic development and community development end because in my world they are one and the same,” Durham said. “As I drive through (the Cedar Valley), your community is doing that.”

But if she had one suggestion for the region, it would be this: “You just need to tell more people about (your community). You need to be bolder in your marketing.”

Debi Durham, IEDA Director, made those comments to the Board of Directors for the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber during a late Thursday afternoon presentation at the new Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo Cedar Falls on the TechWorks Campus in north downtown Waterloo.

Marketing Iowa, Cedar Valley

Durham claimed her number one role is to the state’s cheerleader – “sell Iowa to Iowans” – and she took to that role when she bragged about U.S. News & World Report’s recent Best State’s Ranking that placed Iowa in its No. 1 spot.

Showcasing what Iowa has to offer is necessary because Iowa’s population isn’t growing and there just aren’t enough workers to fill current and future jobs. Communities need to step up marketing to help workers elsewhere make the connection that Iowa is a great place to live and work, she said.

Standing in a renovated John Deere manufacturing site, Durham also talked about her passion for the historic preservation of buildings. “I consider myself a building-hugger,” she said borrowing and modifying a term for environmentalists. The return on investment for Historic Tax Credits used for projects such as SingleSpeed, the former Wonderbread factory turned-brewery, has a huge impact on revitalizing and transforming Iowa’s downtowns, she said.

“These are all the storylines that you should be telling people,” Durham said.

Manufacturing as a Strength

“We are relevant, and we are relevant on a global stage,” she said. “Iowa, regardless of administration, we manage our fiscal house.”

To grow the state’s economy, her office focuses on “playing to our strengths” of Financial Services, Biosciences, and Advanced Manufacturing. All three are mature platforms that need information technology’s innovation.

About advanced manufacturing, she referred to the Cedar Valley, “This is who we are. This is our DNA … When I think of manufacturing, I think of this area.”

She feels that TechWorks Campus could become Iowa, and the nation’s “go-to place” for additive manufacturing in the nation. “I think you have the ability to do that,” Durham said.

Manufacturing represents the largest industry type in IEDA’s portfolio, with 83 percent of those incentives going to existing companies that are expanding, she said.

With Durham on a day-long tour of the Cedar Valley was Beth Balzer, Team Leader for IEDA’s business development team. Balzer’s team has a goal to visit more than 400 mostly small to medium manufacturers throughout the state this year “connecting them with the resources Iowa has in this space.”

Resources for Startups, Existing Businesses

Durham and Balzer began their day at Mill Race Coworking where they learned about local efforts to provide support to startup and existing businesses, including storefronts on Main Street Cedar Falls.

“It’s interesting: I don’t think I see any other community making the connection with Main Street,” Durham said.

She also toured University of Northern Iowa’s Additive Manufacturing Center in Tech 1 on the TechWorks Campus before meeting with Hawkeye Community College’s Dr. Linda Allen and Brad Kinsinger in the Alliance & Chamber boardroom.

Durham spent the day in the Cedar Valley at the invitation of the Alliance & Chamber’s Interim CEO, Cary Darrah.

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Waterloo Mayoral Candidate Forum Recap

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber held a Waterloo Mayoral Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 21^st at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center to give investor businesses the opportunity to understand each candidate’s position on issues that affect the economy including business climate, workforce, and quality of life.

Forty-five business leaders and community members attended the forum. Specific topics raised included: the “ban the box’ proposal that would require employers and landlords to remove questions about felony convictions from initial applications, public safety, the Waterloo Regional Airport, University Avenue, the Hwy. 63/Logan Plaza corridor, and economic development tools and assets.

“The Alliance & Chamber serves as the one voice for business in the region. We advocate for the concerns of business at the local, state, and national level. We provide opportunities for education on issues, interaction with officials, and encourage our investors to participate in the process,” says Steve Dust, CEO of the Alliance & Chamber. “These candidate forums are designed for our investors to become better informed during a very busy legislative and election year.”

All five candidates participated in the Waterloo Forum including: City Councilman Quentin Hart; former three-term mayor Tim Hurley; Black Hawk County Supervisor Frank Magsamen; business owner and member of the city’s Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission Leah Morrison; and business owner Wayne Nathem.

Each of the mayoral candidates made a brief opening statement. Moderator Mike Mc Crary Chair of the Alliance & Chamber Government Relations Committee, then directed questions from the audience to the candidates.

In his opening statement Quentin Hart –outlined his five point platform focused on safer streets, economic development, neighborhood empowerment, creating a positive image and a 2025 vision plan for the future. He sees University Avenue as an opportunity to grow business. He points to the completed projects along the Hwy. 63 corridor and stresses an equal approach to economic development and redevelopment throughout the city. Hart cites the level of education of our people as the city’s number one economic development asset.

Tim Hurley cast his vision for Waterloo as “a city where capital, people and business come and want to stay.” He would accomplish this through strong economic development, efficient delivery of city services, and improved city image. If elected Hurley would strive to negotiate a fair price with the DOT and others on the transfer of University Avenue and its modernization. While Hurley would not “mess with TIF” he would examine how its use in the Crossroads retail area. Waterloo’s legacy of making products and the work ethic of its population are on his list of economic development strengths.

Hart and Hurley both acknowledge the need for a full-time economic developer to increase business growth and expansion.

Frank Magsamen described his goal to hire a professional city manager as seen in many large Iowa communities, moving away from the current mayor-led form of government. He sees University Avenue as a long-term project requiring more study. Magsamen believes existing business expansion is the best opportunity for economic growth. He also suggests limiting Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) to 10 years. He considers the quality and quantity of water as one of Waterloo’s key economic development strength.

Wayne Nathem says his military and business background prepared him to lead the city. He would examine each department to cut costs. Nathem is adamantly opposed to roundabouts citing they ‘increase response time for emergency vehicles. He is also opposed to bike lanes and feels pedestrians are not a major concern on University Ave. He suggests a stronger relationship with Iowa Economic Development Authority to increase new business investment in Waterloo.

The basis of Leah Morrison’s message is in lowering taxes, lowering the levy rate, and limiting the use of TIF. She stresses the importance of having all stakeholders involved in University Avenue decision-making. Morrison suggests an “all hands on deck” approach to redevelop Logan Plaza, an area where she would support a generous use of TIF. She would like to position Waterloo as a convention hub which in turn would increase traffic at the airport.

All candidates agree that the mayor’s office should support and equip law enforcement and that collaboration of community organizations needs to increase to make Waterloo safer. Building trust between the people and law enforcement is a priority of all candidates.

Hurley is the lone candidate who opposes the current ‘ban the box’ proposal stating that process should slow down in order to hear from the business and professional community.

(Read more on this in Tim Jamison’s Courier article here)

Investors have the opportunity to meet the Cedar Falls candidates in a similar forum on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7:30am at the Cedar Falls Visitors Center.

For more information on the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber and their Government Relations activities, go to www.cedarvalleyalliance.com or contact Steve Dust at sdust@cedarvalleyalliance.com or by calling 319-232-1156.

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Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Network Hub at TechWorks of First Projects to Receive Iowa’s New Strategic Infrastructure Funding – $2.7 Million for additional 3D Printers UNI Metal Casting Center

(Cedar Valley of Iowa) The Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Network Hub (IAMNH), at the TechWorks Campus in Waterloo, is one of the first projects in the state to be awarded funds through Iowa’s new Strategic Infrastructure Fund (SIF). The funding was approved by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board at their June meeting. The project, Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Network Hub – Phase I, Additive Manufacturing Center, will receive $2.7 million to fund additional 3D printers for the UNI Metal Casting Center, building improvements, and a design center to be operated by Hawkeye Community College.

“With this financial support from the IEDA and Iowa Innovation Council, UNI is excited and anxious to move forward with creating a full-service additive manufacturing center to meet the innovation and technology needs of Iowa companies,” says Randy Pilkington, Executive Director of UNI’s Business and Community Services. “Thanks to support from IEDA, UNI is building on the momentum of the past 18 months of 3D printing success to create a full-service additive manufacturing center for Iowa manufacturers. Expansion into plastics, metals and ceramics will create one of the best equipped 3D printing facilities in North America.”

The Iowa Advanced Manufacturing Network Hub application for Strategic Infrastructure Fund (SIF) was completed by TechWorks staff and a team including UNI’s Randy Pilkington and Metal Casting Center Director Jerry Thiel; Hawkeye Community College President Linda Allen, and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jane Bradley; and TechWorks board chair Tim Hurley. The team worked with the State of Iowa and the Iowa Innovation Council’s Advanced Manufacturing Workgroup to finalize the application.

The IEDA funding will help to move Iowa to the forefront of technology in additive manufacturing and establish a premier center for support of its manufacturing base. This funding is a critical step in advancing the state’s technology base and providing a central location for technology advancement.

GREATER CEDAR VALLEY ALLIANCE & CHAMBER NOW ACCCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL AWARDS

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber announces nominations will be accepted now through of January 9, 2015 for a variety of business awards to be presented during the 2015 Annual Celebration on Thursday, March 26th at the Park Place Event Centre.

Do you know of an individual who should be recognized for their contributions in creating a strong business climate and enhancing the quality of life in the Cedar Valley by continued service and leadership? Has an Alliance & Chamber business or organization made an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley and its citizens on a continued basis or with a specific project? You are encouraged to nominate Alliance & Chamber investors for recognition of their contributions.

“The strength of the Cedar Valley is a result of visionary, innovative leadership – individuals, businesses and organizations who are investing capital, creating jobs and making things happen in the workplace and the community. It’s important to tell their stories and recognize them for their contributions,” says Alliance & Chamber CEO Steve Dust.

Nominations are being accepted through January 9th for the following awards:

Business of the Year Award (Small companies 1-50 employees, Large companies 51+ employees)
Harold Brock Innovation Award
John Deere Treating Capital Well Award
Fulfilling the Vision of One Award
Cedar Valley Partner Award

Winners from the 2014 event include Bob Koob, Ken Lockard, Barry Schaffter, Tim Hurley, Allen College Unity Point, Hydrite Chemical Co., Kryton Engineered Metals, Inc., Schumacher Elevator and Veridian Credit Union.

Descriptions of the awards and nomination forms are available at the Alliance & Chamber offices or online at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com/programsandevents . For additional information, please contact Bette Wubbena at bwubbena@cedarvalleyalliance.com or 319-232-1156.

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Alliance & Chamber Announce 2014 Annual Award Recipients

WATERLOO, April 2, 2014— The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber (GCVAC) is announcing their 2014 Annual Award recipients. These awards recognize Cedar Valley individuals, organizations and businesses and were presented to a record setting crowd of 580 investors and supporters at the Alliance & Chamber Annual Celebration on March 27 at the Park Place Event Centre, Cedar Falls. Master of Ceremonies was Kathy Flynn of Hawkeye Community College with KWWL Television’s Ron Steele presenting the awards.

The Annual Celebration’s premier sponsor was University of Iowa Community Credit Union. Gold sponsors were HGS, Kirk Gross Company, and KWWL Television.

As 2014 marks the 10^th anniversary of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, special commemorations and recognitions were made throughout the evening, including the presentation of the Legacy Award.

The Legacy Award recognizes an individual or business for their continued leadership and noteworthy contributions to the Cedar Valley through philanthropy and volunteerism, working to create a positive environment for business expansion and community, and enhancing the quality of life for talent recruitment and retention. This year’s recipients are three men considered the founders of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber retired UNI president Bob Koob, former John Deere Waterloo Works General Manager Barry Schaffter, and local business man Ken Lockard. This award is sponsored by Bertch Cabinet Mfg.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance was formed when Mr. Lockard, Mr. Koob, and Mr. Schaffter began meeting with area leaders to find ways to move to a more regional and collaborative approach to economic development in the Cedar Valley.

This is the second year the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented Diversity & Inclusion Awards. This recognition is given to two businesses or organizations, of varying size, for leadership in creating and strengthening an environment of diversity and inclusion in their workplace culture, business practices and in the community. This year’s recipients are Allen College – Unity Point Health and Veridian Credit Union. This award is sponsored by Courier Communications.

The Fulfilling the Vision of One Award recognizes an outstanding contribution by an individual in the private sector for leadership in creating and strengthening regional collaboration and cooperation for economic and community development. This year’s recipient is Tim Hurley. This award is sponsored by PDCM Insurance.

The Business of the Year Award recognizes the efforts of a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor in promoting the quality of life and offering leadership within the Cedar Valley, achieving a major business accomplishment, or making an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley community, economy, and citizens. CUNA Mutual Group is this year’s recipient. This award is sponsored by Community Bank & Trust.

The John Deere Treating Capital Well Award recognizes the efforts of a private sector firm for a significant investment in the Cedar Valley that most emphasizes the attributes of the Cedar Valley. This year’s recipient is Hydrite Chemical. This award is sponsored by John Deere Waterloo Operations.

The Harold Brock Innovation Award recognizes the efforts of a private sector firm for innovation in technology, advanced manufacturing, or talent development. This year’s recipients are Kryton Engineered Metals and Schumacher Elevator. This award is sponsored by ACES.

The Cedar Valley Partner Award recognizes the efforts of an educational institution, non-profit organization, service club, or human service agency in promoting economic growth and employment, quality of life, offering leadership, or making an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley and its citizens on a continuing basis or with a specific project. This year’s recipient is Blue Zones of Waterloo & Cedar Falls (BZP). This award is sponsored by Wartburg College.

“We were very pleased with the reaction of our investors and friends who attended, and gratified with how many of our Cedar Valley businesses came out to celebrate the strength of our Cedar Valley economy, the free enterprise system, and our award winners,” commented Steve Dust, CEO of the Alliance & Chamber.

Videos featuring each of the award recipients and more information about the Alliance & Chamber can be found at http://cedarvalleyalliance.com/video-gallery.php?id=9.

Photos from the evening are available at https://www.facebook.com/cedarvalleyalliance or by contacting Communications Director Wendy Knapp at wknapp@cedarvalleyalliance.com.

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Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Elects Leadership

The CEO of one of the largest locally owned firms was elected to lead the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber during its annual meeting held July 16 at the Park Place Event Center.

Tom Penaluna, CEO of The CBE Companies will chair the regional economic and community development organization through its 2014 fiscal year. Penaluna has been a board member of the Alliance & Chamber since 2008, and also was a board member of its predecessor organizations. He completed a term as chair of the affiliated Waterloo Industrial Development Association, and most recently served as vice chair of the Alliance & Chamber. Tom has asserted his leadership in the critical business – education transformation discussion by championing the Leader Valley and Leader in Me initiatives of the Alliance & Chamber. Penaluna also serves on the board of the Iowa Partnership for Economic Progress.

Other officers elected to leading the organization with Penaluna are: Vice Chair -Steve Tscherter, CEO, Lincoln Savings Bank; Treasurer-David Braton, Publisher, The Courier; and Past Chair, Kris Hansen, CEO, Western Home Communities. Steve Dust is president & CEO of the Alliance & Chamber.

The officers are joined by Rich Czarnecki, John Deere Global Director – Large Tractors; TechWorks Campus chair and former mayor Tim Hurley; and Chamber Council Chair Stacy Bentley, President – Community National Bank to form the Alliance & Chamber’s Executive Committee.

Kate Washut, partner, Far Reach, and Steen Hansen, CEO, Bossard North America were elected to the group which represents a broad spectrum of region-wide business, institutional, and local government interests. Sue Armbrecht, President – MidWestOne Bank Cedar Valley, and Chris Fereday, President – PDCM Insurance were re-elected to the board.

Washut and Hansen take the seats formerly occupied by retiring board members Dee Vandeventer, ME&V, and local attorney Hugh Field, partner in the Beecher Law Firm. “Dee and Hugh have been a part of the Alliance &Chamber leadership since its creation. The progress we’ve made in creating and delivering on the vision of a more vital, Cedar Valley economy is due in large part to the persistence and vision of business and civic leaders like Dee and Hugh,” said Dust.

Dust continues, ”Steen and Kate join others on our board who represent yet the next generation of leadership in our economy – businesses that located or started – but intending to grow – in the Cedar Valley of Iowa. They are the voices who need to chart the path for our economy moving forward,” concludes Dust.

Grow Cedar Valley