cedar valley celebrates
2025 Annual Celebration Award Nominations
Grow Cedar Valley is excited to announce the upcoming Annual Celebration on Thursday, April 2, 2026!
Nominations are now open for the Annual Awards! Open exclusively to Grow Cedar Valley investors, these awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of our businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the Cedar Valley community. This is your opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who demonstrate excellence, innovation, and dedication to strengthening our region.
We invite you to submit your nominations for one or more categories, highlighting the efforts of deserving nominees who embody the spirit of collaboration, leadership, and community commitment. Nominations will be accepted until December 12, 2025. Don’t miss this chance to help us honor the changemakers who are shaping the future of the Cedar Valley.
2025 Annual Award Categories
Cedar Valley Cultivating Opportunity Award
This award celebrates a business or organization that demonstrates exemplary leadership by fostering an environment of inclusion and belonging. Nominees should embody a commitment to embedding inclusive practices into their operations, cultivating a workplace culture where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported. This award honors those who actively create spaces where individuals feel valued, empowered, and able to contribute their best, positively impacting both their organization and the broader community.
2024 Recipient: Talk To Me Technologies
Emerging Professional Award
The Emerging Professional Award recognizes an inspiring individual, age 40 and under, who’s making a meaningful impact both in their career and in the community. This award celebrates rising leaders who not only excel in their fields but also step up to drive positive change in the Cedar Valley. Whether through innovative ideas, dedicated service, or leading by example, these professionals are helping build a brighter future for us all.
2024 Recipient: Don Patnode, PDCM Insurance
Cedar Valley Business Leader Award
The Cedar Valley Business Leader Award honors an exceptional individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in fostering regional collaboration and cooperation for economic and community development. Through both their professional work and volunteer efforts, this leader has made a significant impact on the growth and success of the Cedar Valley. Nominees should embody a spirit of partnership, vision, and dedication, driving meaningful progress that benefits businesses, residents, and the entire community.
2024 Recipient: Mike Mallaro, VGM Group, Inc.
Business of the Year Award
The Business of the Year Award celebrates a Cedar Valley business that has demonstrated exceptional success, innovation, and community involvement over the past year. This award recognizes a company that not only excels in its industry but also goes above and beyond to contribute to the local economy, support its employees, and engage in meaningful community initiatives. Nominees personify the spirit of business leadership and serve as an example of how businesses can thrive while making a positive impact on the Cedar Valley.
Please note: The Business of the Year Award will be presented in two categories: 1-50 full-time employees and 51+ full-time employees.
2024 Recipients:
John Deere Economic Impact Award
The John Deere Economic Impact Award recognizes a standout project that has made a significant impact on the Cedar Valley’s economy in 2025. This award honors a project that has driven measurable economic growth through strategic investments, infrastructure development, or transformative initiatives that enhance the region’s economic landscape. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the Cedar Valley’s economy by creating opportunities for business expansion, increasing regional competitiveness, and contributing to the overall vitality of the community.
2024 Recipient: Wartburg College
Cedar Valley Partner Award
The Cedar Valley Partner Award honors a non-profit organization, service club, or agency that has made a meaningful and measurable impact on regional economic growth. This award recognizes organizations dedicated to driving real, positive change through continuous efforts or a specific project that contributes to the economic and social vitality of the Cedar Valley.
Nominees should demonstrate innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable community, ultimately strengthening the region for residents and businesses alike. This award celebrates impactful initiatives that uplift the Cedar Valley by expanding opportunities, enhancing quality of life, and creating a thriving environment for all.
2024 Recipient: Union Block
Live the Valley Award
The Live the Valley Award celebrates a business, organization, or initiative that has significantly enhanced the Cedar Valley as a place where people love to live, work, and play. This award honors those who create lively, inclusive, and welcoming spaces that enrich our community’s character and quality of life. These efforts make the Cedar Valley a destination for talent and a home for those seeking fulfillment in both career and community. Nominees should demonstrate dedication to placemaking through projects or programs that strengthen the Cedar Valley’s appeal, offering residents and newcomers a genuine sense of belonging and joy.
2024 Recipient: Main Street Waterloo
Legacy Award
The Legacy Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, vision, and dedication have made a lasting impact on the Cedar Valley. This award honors someone who has invested deeply in the growth and success of our region, shaping its economy, supporting its people, and strengthening the fabric of our community over time.
Recipients of the Legacy Award have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to making the Cedar Valley a better place to live and work, leaving an enduring mark that will inspire future generations of leaders.
2024 Recipient: Legacy Award: Jean Trainor, Inclusion Connection