Member Highlight: Meet Keirra McFadden

Some of the best stories start with curiosity. For Keirra McFadden, it began with one question at a Grow Cedar Valley event:

“What on earth is CVYP?”

That simple moment opened the door to a whole new community. Today, Keirra is a familiar face at events and someone who knows the value of showing up, introducing yourself, and finding your people.

Get to know Keirra and what made CVYP the right place for her.

How did you first discover CVYP?

“I heard about CVYP at a Grow Cedar Valley event and decided to investigate after thinking, what on earth is that. At the time, I didn’t have a clear idea about what the group was, but I knew I wanted to meet other professionals, and it seemed like an opportunity to do that. Spoiler alert, it absolutely was… but that’s not all CVYP offers.”

What motivated you to get involved?

“I moved to the Cedar Valley last summer when I transitioned into my current position with LifeServe Blood Center. Once I was a bit more settled, I started looking for ways to connect professionally and personally. Lucky for me, CVYP was the perfect avenue to do both.”

How has CVYP helped you connect and feel at home here?

“I moved here with zero connections to the community or its people. CVYP offered awesome opportunities to meet professionals and build a network I was lacking. I’ve gone from knowing almost no one to knowing so many different people across various industries, backgrounds, and corners of our community.

What I love even more is being able to welcome new members who show up not knowing anyone, just like I did. Other people made me feel comfortable, and now I get to be that person for someone else. It’s a great cycle of belonging.”

Which CVYP events stand out for you?

“The Wake Up YP events have made the biggest difference for me. I get to hear from experienced professionals who have been exactly where I am. They don’t only talk about the wins. They talk about challenges they faced and what they learned along the way. Those conversations have given me strategies to keep in mind as I grow in my career.”

Three words to describe CVYP?

Welcoming
Empowering
Collaborative

Keirra proves that one event can change everything. Showing up might feel intimidating, but she’s living proof that it leads to real friendships, real growth, and a real sense of belonging.

Next time you spot her at an event, stop and say hello. She’ll probably be the first to say it anyway.

For more information about CVYP or how you can get connect, please contact:

KELSIE KUNKLE

Talent & Workforce Development Manager | Grow Cedar Valley

Celebrating Community, Connection, and What’s Next!

As we close out another year of progress in the Cedar Valley, we want to thank all of our investors. It feels like the right time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished together and where we’re headed next. Our Board Chair, Dave Wilson, shares his perspective on this year’s impact and the opportunities ahead.

“From my vantage point as Chair, I want you to know just how pivotal you, our investors, have been in that momentum. Your engagement, your ideas, and your belief in the work we’re doing together have allowed us to take monumental strides this year.

Our team at GCV has stepped up in every way, and their dedication has translated directly into greater value for our members. But the real power comes when that team effort meets the commitment of investors like you. When you show up, stay involved, and leverage the resources available to you, the whole Cedar Valley grows stronger!

As we head into a new year, I want to encourage you to continue leaning in. Join us at events. Use the tools and connections we’re building. Share your wins. Ask questions. Invite others into the fold. Your active participation is what transforms these initiatives from good ideas into real impact.

Thank you for believing in this region and for choosing to invest in its future. I’m grateful for each of you, and I’m excited for what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and continued success in 2026.”

David P. Wilson, CCIM, SIOR
Ryan Companies
Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development

 

This year has been shaped by collaboration and shared progress, and it’s clear that our investors continue to play a vital role in strengthening the Cedar Valley. Katelyn Tungland, our Director of Investor Relations, reflects on these partnerships and what’s to come in 2026.

“As the year comes to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each of you, our incredible investors, for your support, partnership, and belief in the work we do together. Your investment helps strengthen our talent pipeline, support workforce development, and drive economic growth that keeps the Cedar Valley succeeding.

Stepping into my new role as Director of Investor Relations, I’m excited for the road ahead. I look forward to getting to know you, learning from your insights, and continuing to build on the strong foundation already in place.

As we enter a new year, it’s a great time to reflect on the value of our partnership and ensure you’re taking full advantage of your investor benefits. Are you joining us for quarterly networking events and staying informed through updates from our City Mayors and Black Hawk County? If not, be sure to check out our upcoming events calendar. And don’t forget our more casual gatherings, like Business After Hours, as we’d love to connect and explore how we can help highlight your products or services. If you have a milestone coming up, let us know so we can celebrate with a ribbon cutting!

Please never hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you and our community. Wishing you and your team a joyful holiday season and a bright, successful new year!”

We greatly appreciate your continued investment in Grow Cedar Valley and in the future of our region. Your engagement strengthens our mission and ensures that our collective work continues to create meaningful, lasting impact. We look forward to the opportunities the new year will bring and to advancing this work together.

For more information, please contact:

Katelyn Tungland
Director of Investor Relations
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4906

Grow Cedar Valley’s Guide to a Delicious Holiday Season

From kitchen traditions to fresh twists, we’re bringing together the tastes that make this time of year feel special. Whether you’re hosting, sharing, or simply savoring the season, these recipes are here to make your holiday table festive and flavorful. Dive in and enjoy a taste of the season, Grow Cedar Valley style!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups turkey, shredded
  • 3/4 cup cranberry sauce
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup turkey gravy
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cups stuffing
  • Chicken broth, or melted butter to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine the turkey and cranberry sauce, then spread it evenly on the bottom of an 8×8 glass baking dish. (or double and use a 9×13-inch pan).
  2. Evenly press on leftover mashed potatoes and sprinkle corn over the top.
  3. Mix together the milk and leftover gravy, then spread it evenly over the potatoes and corn.
  4. Sprinkle on leftover stuffing and lightly drizzle chicken broth over the top (this will keep the stuffing from drying out).
  5. Cover with tin foil and bake at 400-degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

  • Double the recipe for a 9×13 pan; add 5–10 minutes if starting cold.
  • For extra moisture, add 2–4 Tbsp of broth to the stuffing before baking.
  • Swap in green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, rice, or other leftover sides.

A holiday favorite from:

Caleb Brothers

Marketing Specialist

Crockpot Potato Soup

Ingredients

  • 32 oz frozen cubed potatoes
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
  • 32 oz chicken stock 
  • 1 ranch packet
  • 8 oz cream cheese diced to melt faster

Toppings

  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 2 green onions chopped

Instructions

  1. In a crockpot, add frozen potatoes, cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, and ranch packet.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
  3. Add diced cream cheese into the slow cooker and cover for 10-30 minutes until cream cheese has melted.
  4. Once the cream cheese is melted, top the soup with bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions.

Serve and enjoy!

A holiday favorite from:

Sandi Sommerfelt

Vice President of Operations

Savory Pumpkin Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 (8 oz.) brick cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 4-6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Stir all ingredients together using a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until combined.
  2. Serve garnished with extra bacon and green onions if desired, or cover and refrigerate until use.

A holiday favorite from:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR

Director of Talent & Workforce

Sweet Potato Black Bean & Quinoa Chili

Ingredients

  • 3 cups diced sweet potato (about 1 large)
  • 1 cup diced red onion (about 1 medium)
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (about 1 large)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1(15-ounce) can organic black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28-ounce) can of fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 3-4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • ½ cup uncooked quinoa
  • 1-1½ tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients into a crockpot, starting with 3 cups of vegetable broth, stir well to combine.
  2. Set the crockpot to high and cook for 4 hours
  3. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until ready to serve. If the chili becomes too thick, add another ½-1 cup of water to reach desired consistency.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Serve hot with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips.

A holiday favorite from:

Katelyn Tungland

Director of Investor Relations

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • ½ Cup Chopped Cilantro
  • 6 Green Onions (Chopped)
  • 1-2 Seeded/Chopped Jalapenos
  • ¼ Cup Lime Juice
  • 4 Cloves Garlic
  • ½ TSP. Salt

Instructions

  1. Blend ingredients together.
  2. Serve with cream cheese and crackers.

A holiday favorite from:

Adrienne Miller

Director of Business Services & Advocacy

Sausage in Red Gravy

Ingredients

  • 6 T. unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ lbs. smoked sausage. (I use polska kielbasa because it is available, however, the recipe calls for andouille sausage) cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 packed cups, in all, julienned onions
  • 6 ½ cups, in all, beef broth
  • 1 ½ tsp. ground red pepper (preferably cayenne)
  • ¾ tsp. salt
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • ½ cup finely chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup, in all, finely chopped green onions (tops only)
  • About 3 cups hot rice

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a heavy 8-quart pan or large Dutch oven over high heat until pan bottom is well coated with butter. Add the sausage in a single layer and cover pan; cook without stirring until sausage is well browned on the bottom, about 7 minutes. Turn sausage over and sprinkle 2 packed cups of the onions on top of it. Re-cover pan and cook without stirring until sausage and onions in contact with pan bottom are well browned, and until there is a buildup of dark brown sediment, about 7 minutes
  2. Add ¾ cup of the stock and scrape the pan bottom clean. Add the pepper and salt, stirring and scraping pan bottom well and turning sausage again. Re-cover pan and cook about 2 minutes, stirring and scraping once. Add the celery, bell peppers, and garlic, stirring well. Re-cover pan and cook about 3 minutes, stirring and scraping once or twice.
  3. Add the tomato sauce, stirring well. Continue cooking uncovered about 5 minutes, stirring and scraping occasionally. Add ½ packed cup more onions, stirring well. Cook until large puddles of fat have broken out of the mixture and the remaining tomato mixture is thick, about 8 minutes, allowing the sediment to build up on the pan bottom before stirring. (Stir only if the mixture is sticking excessively to the pan bottom)
  4. Stir in the parsley and ½ cup of the green onions. Add 3 ¼ cups more stock, scraping pan bottom clean; cook until liquid has reduced to a thick, dark red gravy, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally (more often toward the end of the cooking time). Stir in the remaining 2 ½ cups stock, ½ packed cup onions, and ½ cup green onions; bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer until gravy is noticeably thicker but still juicy, about 15 minutes more, stirring frequently.
  5. Remove from heat and serve immediately, allowing about ¾ cup rice mounded in the center of each plate surrounded by about ¾ cup gravy and 3 to 4 pieces of sausage.

A holiday favorite from:

Katy Susong

President & CEO

Pretzel Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 8oz pkg cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tbsp. sugar
  • 2 tbsp. vinegar
  • ¼ c. peppers (red, orange, or yellow)

Instructions

  1. Cook egg, sugar and vinegar on med/low heat and stir until custardy.
  2. Pour over cream cheese and beat with hand mixer.
  3. Fold in peppers and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Serve with pretzels.

A holiday favorite from:

Kelsey Schroeder

Office Manager

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (I like to add a dash of cayenne for a little kick)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
  4. Remove from oven, drizzle with honey, and finish with cheese and fresh rosemary before serving.

A holiday favorite from:

Jamie Orr

Director of Marketing

Mango & Black Bean Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

  • ⅔ cups dry quinoa
  • 1 ⅓ cup water, or broth
  • 14 oz  can black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium mango peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 6 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  • To cook quinoa, rinse several times in cool water and then let soak for 5 minutes. Drain.
  • Place in a small pot with 1 1/3 cup water or broth (I like vegetable or chicken broth for additional flavor) and bring to a simmer. Add quinoa. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa can be fluffed with a fork.  Cool to room temp, or make ahead and chill.
  • Place cooked quinoa in a large bowl.  You should have about 2 cups.
  • Add mango, red pepper, green onion, black beans, and cilantro.
  • In a small bowl combine vinegar, olive oil, and lime juice.  Whisk until smooth and pour on top of salad.  Toss to combine and add salt and pepper to taste.  Chill for at least one hour before serving.

A holiday favorite from:

Kelsie Kunkle

Talent & Workforce Development Manager

Grandma’s Perked Punch

Ingredients

  • (30 cup coffee maker)
  • 1 ½ qt cranberry juice
  • 2 qt apple juice
  • ½ c brown sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 ½ tsp whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Put brown sugar, salt, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in the basket.
  2. Pour cranberry juice and apple juice into the coffee maker
  3. Perk

Singing “it’s time for the percolator” while making it is optional but recommended!

A holiday favorite from:

Erin Langenberg

Director of Events & Engagement

 

Dutch Apple Pie

Ingredients

  • 5 ½ cups peeled apples (use lemon juice and water on the cut apples)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 teaspoons flour
  • ¼ teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon cloves
  • 1 pie crust

Cover the apples with the mixture, stir, and place in a pie crust.

Crumble for pie topping

  • ¾ cup flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup of brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup melted butter

Stir together and place over apples.

Instructions

  1. Bake the apple pie for 50 minutes at 375 degrees, or until the apples are soft.

A holiday favorite from:

Lisa Skubal, CEcD

Vice President of Economic Development

 

November 2025 Cedar Valley Leadership Institute

Our second 2025-2026 CVLI session was a great day focused on Servant Leadership and community impact.

We started the morning at the Brown Derby Ballroom with a welcome and a quick sponsor update from JSA Development, then dove into a session led by Dr. Julianne Gassman on The Role of a Board Member, which gave participants a clearer, more practical understanding of what strong board leadership looks like in our community.

Next, we moved into the Non-Profit Power Networking Fair, where participants connected with a variety of local non-profit organizations and learned more about the missions, challenges, and opportunities across the Cedar Valley.

After the break, the group explored the funding landscape, including the different types of funders and how grantmaking decisions are made. It really helped take some of the mystery out of the funding process and gave participants a clearer sense of what happens behind the scenes.

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for hands-on volunteer work. The class jumped right in, worked hard, and made a real difference. We ended the day with quad reflections and social time together at Singlespeed.

Overall, it was a meaningful day that blended learning, service, and connection, and a true example of servant leadership in action.

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904

Made in the Cedar Valley Food Edition: Try Pie Bakery

Made in the Cedar Valley:

Try Pie Bakery

Mixing Things Up with Purpose (and Pastry)

This month, we’re mixing things up with a special food edition of “Made in the Cedar Valley.” With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’re spotlighting a Waterloo bakery that’s baking pies with purpose and shaping futures in the process.

Where It All Started

Try Pie launched in 2014 to give high school girls hands-on, paid work experience in a safe and supportive environment. It started in a church kitchen and quickly grew into a storefront bakery in downtown Waterloo. Today, teens from across the community show up after school to run the business. From rolling dough to handling customer service and finances.

“Entry-level responsibilities naturally develop habits like problem solving, teamwork, communication, customer service. As a nonprofit whose funding is a mix of sales, grants and donations, we can offer work that builds these basic skills and prioritize the growth of teens we employ over profit. Add in intentional instruction and real responsibility to a first job, and that foundational experience becomes transformative.” — Sarah Helleso, Director at Try Pie

Each teen learns how to manage time, communicate with coworkers, and build confidence through everyday responsibilities. The goal is to equip them with skills they can carry into adulthood, regardless of where they go next.

A Bakery with a Bigger Mission

Try Pie offers job training for high school girls, but the experience goes far beyond baking. Through the program, teens participate in financial literacy workshops, personal development sessions, and mentorship meetings. Staff guide them through budgeting, conflict resolution, and the ins and outs of being part of a workplace team.

The bakery is designed to give young women the tools they need to succeed. They leave the program with a paycheck, a resume, and a better understanding of their strengths and potential.

“At Try Pie I’ve become a leader. I was able to slowly build up my confidence and get help when I needed it. I enjoy being shift lead now in the kitchen and leading to get stuff done!” — East high, 10th grader

Rooted in Community

Try Pie’s reach extends well beyond its storefront on Mulberry Street. The team partners with churches, youth programs, and local schools to recruit participants and share their mission. Community members support the program by ordering pies, donating to the nonprofit, and showing up on pie pick-up day with smiles and encouragement.

The bakery also caters events and sells mini pies, boxed sets, and trays that are perfect for meetings, holidays, and fundraisers.

Looking Ahead

Try Pie continues to grow in both size and scope. The team is always exploring new flavors, testing recipes, and expanding their impact. As each school year brings a new group of teen staff members, the heart of the program remains focused on mentorship, growth, and showing up for one another.

“Try Pie gave me a safe place to grow—professionally and personally. It pushed me to communicate better, take

initiative, and learn how to manage my time. I still use all that I learned every day.” — 2022 Try Pie Graduate

Support That Tastes Good

Try Pie Bakery is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday (closed Thursdays and Sundays) at 522 Mulberry Street in Waterloo. Orders can be placed online at trypie.org, and seasonal pre-orders often sell out fast (especially during the holidays).

We are incredibly proud to have Try Pie in our downtown district. They bring heart, purpose, and opportunity to our community, and it is an honor to partner with an organization that lifts up young people while creating something truly special. — Jessica Rucker, Director of Main Street Waterloo

To learn more about how your purchase supports job training for Cedar Valley teens, visit their website or stop by in person. And if you’re looking for more stories about local makers and changemakers, check out the full “Made in the Cedar Valley” series.

Legislative Events: How to Get Involved

Grow Cedar Valley offers several chances for investors to connect with state legislators in a direct and useful way. These events help local businesses stay informed and engaged throughout the year.

During the Iowa Legislative Session, we hold monthly Friday Forums. Each session features a legislator who shares updates on activity at the state capital and answers questions from investors. These gatherings give attendees a clear view of the issues being discussed and the decisions taking shape.

Each year, we also partner with area Rural Electric Cooperatives for a Pre-Session Legislative Reception. Grow Cedar Valley shares their latest Legislative Policy Agenda, and legislators will outline their plans for the upcoming session. The event creates a setting where businesses and community partners can show support for policies that strengthen the Cedar Valley as a place to live and do business.

This year’s Pre-Session Legislative Reception takes place on Wednesday, December 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 5 p.m. It will be held at the Isle Casino Hotel in Waterloo. Guests are welcome to arrive early or stay after the formal remarks to visit with legislators. Appetizers will be available, along with a cash bar. Register for the Pre-Session Legislative Reception here.

Keep an eye out for Friday Forums set to begin in January 2026!

For questions about policy issues or legislative activity, please contact:

Adrienne Miller
Director of Business Services & Advocacy
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4909

Opportunity Summit 2025: Turning Ideas into Action

Last week’s Opportunity Summit brought together business and community leaders from across the Cedar Valley to talk about the future of work and how culture, inclusion and engagement all connect to opportunity.

Our morning keynote, Kyle Ali, reminded us that creating opportunities starts with belonging for everyone. Our afternoon keynote, Nicole Turner, challenged us to see culture as a business advantage, not an afterthought.

Throughout the day, participants sat in breakout sessions that dug deeper into leading with purpose, aligning culture and strategy and rethinking DEIB through innovation. Each conversation felt real and relevant, with takeaways that people could actually apply in their organizations. We also had great moments from the local leadership panel featuring Shawna Matz (Chief People Officer of Veridian Credit Union), Jeremy Stolz (CEO of VGM Group), Erica Parks (President and CEO of CBE Companies) and Dr. Matthew Sojka (Chief Medical Officer of MercyOne). 

The Opportunity Summit is one of my favorite events of the year! It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we come together with purpose.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and to our sponsors for making it possible!

Premier Sponsors- Veridian Credit Union and Wartburg College

Premier Media Sponsor- KWWL

Gold Sponsor- Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

Silver Sponsors- Hawkeye Community College, Tyson Foods and Waterloo Convention Center

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904

 

Investing Where You Live: Real Talk from UNI’s Career Crawl

Earlier this month, members of the Cedar Valley Young Professionals (CVYP) had the opportunity to serve as panelists for UNI’s Wilson in the Valley: Business, Community & Purpose Career Crawl. The experience offered a powerful reminder of why connecting education and industry matters—because the next generation of leaders is already here, eager to learn, grow, and make an impact.

Donald Patnode, Vice Chair of the Advisory Council, reflected, “One of the things I love most about our community is seeing the incredible talent UNI brings to the Cedar Valley year after year. The energy, ideas, and potential that these students carry remind me how bright our future is. While we might not be a ‘big city’ like Chicago or Kansas City, the Cedar Valley offers nearly everything those places do, but with the warmth and connection of a small-town community. You can get involved, make a difference, and see the results of your work in a very real way.”

Monica Dhumne, Chair of the Fundraising Committee, shared a similar perspective: “It was an honor to represent the CVYP Board at the UNI Career Crawl. I always enjoy connecting with UNI students and hearing what their dreams and goals are, coming out of college. To many, myself included, deciding what we want our career to look like long-term can be an overwhelming decision. If there was one thing I knew upon graduating from UNI, it was that the deep connections and networks I had built here in the Cedar Valley weren’t worth leaving. Learning early that success is more dependent on who you surround yourself with rather than where you live has shaped my career in lasting ways.”

For Zach Hansen, Chair of the Marketing Committee, the event underscored the unique opportunities that come from launching a career in a community that values both contribution and growth. “As part of the Cedar Valley Young Professionals, I had the opportunity to present to UNI students about the unique advantages of launching a career in the Cedar Valley. We explored how young professionals can go far, fast by getting involved and embracing a mindset of giving more than they get. It was a meaningful conversation about growth, leadership, and the power of investing in where you live.”

Together, the panelists highlighted a common theme: the Cedar Valley is a place where young professionals can build meaningful connections, accelerate their growth, and make a lasting difference. By continuing to invest in our students and emerging leaders, we invest in the very future of our region.

For more information on Cedar Valley Young Professionals (CVYP), please click HERE.

A New Era for the Cedar Valley Manufacturers Association

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. 

To learn more, please contact:

Kelsie Kunkle
Talent & Workforce Development Manager
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4910

Cedar Valley Population Study

Update: November 2025

8 Big Bets: What We Heard From The Community

After months of listening, testing ideas, and comparing what the data says with what people experience day to day, a clear set of priorities rose to the top. Community members, employers, educators, and local leaders helped shape eight Big Bets that can drive long-term growth across the Cedar Valley. These reflect what we heard in workshops, round tables, and one-on-one conversations, and they focus on practical steps we can take together.

1. Modernize Manufacturing & Build Advanced Manufacturing

  • Update technology and processes
  • Connect education and industry
  • Diversify into new sectors

2. Expand Healthcare as a Local Growth Engine

  • Grow regional specializations
  • Support and retain workers
  • Expand access and inclusion

3. Diversify with Technology and Logistics

  • Rebuild the start-up ecosystem
  • Increase access to capital
  • Leverage fiber and logistics assets

4. Secure the Talent Pipeline

  • Retain and connect young professionals
  • Welcome and integrate new Iowans
  • Improve livability and belonging

5. Build a True Regional Identity and Alignment

  • Build a shared Cedar Valley story
  • Bridge divides between communities
  • Promote pride and collaboration

6. Connect Education and Industry to Drive Innovation

  • Align training with employer needs
  • Simplify student-to-career pathways
  • Offer incentives to stay local

7. Create Career Ladders and Job Quality Pathways

  • Create visible advancement paths
  • Invest in upskilling programs
  • Turn jobs into careers

8. Align Housing with Workforce Needs

  • Expand attainable housing options
  • Link housing to workforce goals
  • Support local builders and rehab

What happens next is simple and important. Our consultants are now translating these eight Big Bets into specific actions with timelines, owners, and measures we can track. As that draft takes shape, we will bring it back to the community for feedback and enlist partners to lead pieces of the work.

Questions? Contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904

 

Update: October 2025

Community Ideas Workshops

Last Thursday, community members from across the Cedar Valley came together for two Community Ideas Workshops filled with energy, collaboration, and forward thinking. The sessions began with a look at the latest data, and the message was clear: doing nothing is not an option. Together, we must build on the Cedar Valley’s many strengths and continue to innovate to attract and retain more people who want to call the Cedar Valley home.

The workshops were part of the ongoing Cedar Valley Population Study, led by CivicSol in partnership with Grow Cedar Valley.  Building on CivicSol’s research and conversations so far, participants reviewed and provided feedback on eight “Big Bets”, emerging themes and ideas that could have the greatest impact on the Cedar Valley’s ability to grow and thrive.

More than 100 people representing businesses, nonprofits, education, and local government attended across multiple sessions. Their input will directly inform the next phase of the study, helping CivicSol and the steering committee refine these “Big Bets” into actionable strategies and community-driven solutions.

Thank you to everyone who shared your time, insights, and ideas to help shape the future of the Cedar Valley.

Questions? Contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904
Update: September 2025
Conversations & Next Steps
Our population study is moving forward, and we’ve already reached some important milestones. Over the past few months, our consultants (CivicSol) have been learning about the Cedar Valley by digging into data, listening to local voices, and identifying the key insights that will shape our region’s future growth.
In August, our consultants had 18 one-on-one conversations with community leaders and stakeholders across the Cedar Valley. These conversations gave them great insight into both the opportunities and the challenges our region is facing, and they’ll help shape where we go from here.
We’re excited to share that the consulting team will return to the Cedar Valley for their second visit on Thursday, October 2nd! They’ll be leading a series of workshops where we can come together, share ideas, and start shaping the action plan. This is an important milestone as we move from gathering input to creating a roadmap that will help strengthen and grow the Cedar Valley for years to come.

Please check back as we continue to update this post with the most recent information.

Questions? Contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904
Update: June 2025

The Consultant’s First Visit to the Cedar Valley

population study

From June 24–26, we welcomed the CivicSol team to the Cedar Valley for their first in-person visit as part of the regional population study. Over the course of three days, they facilitated 12 roundtable discussions with more than 120 participants from across the region. These focused conversations centered around the following key sectors:

  • Economic Development
  • Regional Leadership
  • Non-profits & Funders
  • Young Professionals
  • Small Business & Entrepreneurs
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Business Community
  • Manufacturing
  • Workforce
  • Current Students
  • Housing
  • Education & Training

Each group participated in a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats), giving CivicSol a deep understanding of what’s working in the Cedar Valley, what challenges we’re facing and where we have room to grow. The feedback gathered during these sessions will help shape the next phase of the study.

“By taking an honest assessment of our overall community population numbers and the root causes of population stagnation, we can finally unlock a strategic approach to holistic community planning, focused on addressing soft-spots in regards to community attractiveness, as well as strong foundational elements that can unlock a stronger future for the entirety of the Cedar Valley.” 
— Tavis Hall, , CDME
Executive Director, Experience Waterloo | Black Hawk County Supervisor

While many of us already have ideas about the potential causes of population decline in our region, CivicSol brings an outside perspective that’s already beginning to surface new factors and overlooked considerations. Their approach is grounded in data and shaped by local voices which will help validate what we’ve suspected while also pushing the conversation further. We’re excited to see where this leads and look forward to sharing more as the work continues.

“It’s important for service agencies and organizations to attempt to identify the potential reasons why our population is not growing. To that end, it is also critical for our communities to define alternative solutions when addressing growth impediments. Finally, the communities then need to focus on implementing selected alternatives that will help us maintain and improve our quality of life in the Cedar Valley.”
— Brian Schoon, AICP
Executive Director, Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments (INRCOG)

Please check back as we continue to update this post with the most recent information.

Questions? Contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904
Update: April 2025

Exciting News: CivicSol Selected as Consultant for Cedar Valley Population Study

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve officially signed a contract with CivicSol (Civic Solutions Partnership) to lead our Cedar Valley Population Study!

This milestone marks a major step forward in our efforts to understand and address the challenges and opportunities related to population growth in our region. After a thoughtful and competitive interview process led by a dedicated team of six individuals from our Population Study Steering Committee, CivicSol emerged as the top choice among five impressive candidates.

CivicSol brings extensive experience in community-driven research and strategic planning. Their collaborative approach aligns perfectly with our commitment to inclusive, data-informed decision-making. Over the coming months, CivicSol will work closely with our steering committee, local stakeholders, and the broader community to dive deep into the factors influencing population trends in the Cedar Valley—and, most importantly, help us develop actionable strategies for a thriving future.

Update: February 2025

In response to the forecasted population decline in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls MSA, Grow Cedar Valley is partnering with a consultant to conduct an in-depth population study aimed at identifying the root causes and uncovering best practices for sustainable solutions. The findings will serve as the foundation for a public and private sector action plan over the next decade, strategically addressing these challenges to ensure long-term regional growth.

On January 10th, we issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to consultants across the United States, seeking the right partner to lead this important study. Proposals were due to Grow Cedar Valley by February 21st, and we were thrilled to receive 15 strong and competitive proposals from consultants nationwide.

We’ve since narrowed the list down to our top five candidates, who we will be interviewing during the week of March 10th–13th. We aim to make a final decision by the end of March and kick off the project with the selected consultant in mid-April.

Please check back as we continue to update this post with the most recent information.

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Detweiler, PHR
Director of Workforce and Talent
(319) 232-1156 ext. 4904