When you picture the Cedar Valley economy, one industry stands at its foundation: manufacturing. From advanced technologies and skilled production to global exports and local innovation, manufacturing is the largest employing industry in the region and the heartbeat of our local economy. 

More than just an economic force, manufacturing shapes a large part of who we are as a community. These careers represent opportunity, innovation, and pride—supporting local growth, investing in education, and enriching the communities we call home. 

A Legacy of Collaboration 

The Cedar Valley Manufacturers Association (CVMA) was founded in 1977 by a small group of local manufacturers who saw the value in creating a forum to exchange ideas and address common challenges. From its earliest days, CVMA’s purpose was to promote and serve industry through a shared commitment to free enterprise, education, and positive legislative relations. 

Though CVMA has experienced periods of restructuring over the decades, its mission has remained consistent: to strengthen manufacturing through connection, collaboration, and collective action. Now supported by Grow Cedar Valley, that mission continues with new energy and alignment to meet the needs of a modern, innovative manufacturing community. 

An Evolving Network of Industry Leaders 

Today, CVMA represents 18 member companies and multiple regional partners, including Grow Cedar Valley. In recent months, the association has undergone a thoughtful organizational restructuring and now operates directly under the Grow Cedar Valley umbrella. 

This strategic move provides long-term sustainability and operational stability for the association, ensuring that its efforts remain focused on impact rather than administration. By housing CVMA within Grow Cedar Valley, the day-to-day operational workload—such as communications, event logistics, and organizational management—can now be supported by GCV staff. This allows manufacturing members to focus on serving in advisory roles where their expertise and leadership can have the greatest effect. 

Beyond sustainability, the alignment also creates stronger regional collaboration. Bringing CVMA under Grow Cedar Valley integrates the manufacturing voice directly into the region’s broader priorities around workforce development, economic growth, and business retention. It ensures that the manufacturing sector’s needs are represented in regional strategies for talent attraction, education partnerships, and policy advocacy, while also amplifying the visibility and impact of the industry as a cornerstone of the Cedar Valley economy. 

To guide this next phase, CVMA established a new Advisory Council made up of leaders from some of the region’s most respected manufacturers, including Power Engineering and Manufacturing, O’Neal Manufacturing, Advanced Heat Treat Corporation, MasterBrand Cabinets, Viking Pump, International Paper, and John Deere. This leadership group is shaping strategic initiatives, programming, and advocacy to ensure that CVMA’s work reflects real industry priorities and delivers measurable results for members and the region alike. 

Strategic Planning for the Future 

In October, CVMA hosted a strategic planning session to define its mission, vision, and priorities for 2025–2026. The meeting marked a key milestone in developing a sustainable structure and actionable work plan centered on workforce development, industry advocacy, and peer collaboration. Through this effort, CVMA is redefining how manufacturing is supported and celebrated across the Cedar Valley, ensuring the region remains competitive and connected. 

Building the Manufacturing Community of Choice 

As CVMA continues its next chapter, the focus is clear: to make the Cedar Valley the manufacturing community of choice; a place where innovation thrives, careers flourish, and collaboration drives growth. The renewed energy and engagement among local manufacturers reaffirm what has long been true: manufacturing isn’t just part of our history—it’s shaping our future. 

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