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Waterloo Mayoral Candidate Forum Recap

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber held a Waterloo Mayoral Candidates Forum on Wednesday, October 21st 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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Winnebago Industries to Expand Operation to the Cedar Valley of Iowa

Officials from Winnebago Industries Inc., the City of Waverly, Iowa, and the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber are announcing the planned location of a Winnebago production facility in Waverly, Iowa.

The Winnebago facility will locate in the Waverly’s SW Business Park on 8th St. SW in 33,400 square foot building.   As stated in an earlier press release from Winnebago Industries, the new Waverly facility will be used for wire loom assembly for the Company’s motorhomes.

The Waverly production facility is expected to employ 70 full time workers with a capital investment of $1.5 to $2 million.

The Alliance & Chamber along with the Cedar Valley Regional economic development partners, to Randy Potts, Winnebago’s Chairman, President & CEO after reading about the company’s projected growth in January.

“The announcement of Winnebago’s decision to locate their new facility in Waverly is the culmination of a collaborative effort among Winnebago Industries, Waverly Economic Development, the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber and Hawkeye Community College. This effort has resulted in very positive outcome for the entire Cedar Valley Region” said Connie Tolan, Economic Development Specialist, Waverly Economic Development.

“We are very excited that Winnebago Industries has chosen Waverly as the site for their new sub-assembly facility. The addition of a quality employer like Winnebago to Waverly and the Cedar Valley will have a positive impact on the entire Region” said Bill Werger, Community Development Director, Waverly Economic Development.

“The Waverly property was the best fit for the companies immediate and long term needs,” Werger added.

Property acquisition is expected within the next 45-60 days. No timeline has been given for the start of production, but Winnebago anticipates that hiring will begin in June 2015. Those interested in employment are directed to the company website www.winnebagoind.com/company/careers.

“We are pleased to have another legacy Iowa brand locate in the manufacturing hub of Iowa, the Cedar Valley. On behalf of our manufacturers and all businesses and institutions, the Alliance & Chamber welcomes Winnebago to the Cedar Valley of Iowa,” said Steven Dust, CEO, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber.

 

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Jesup and Independence Utilities Offering Gigabit Service

Like Cedar Falls, Independence and Jesup are communities that can offer up to 1 Gigabit broadband connections to businesses, schools and individuals.  Farmer’s Mutual Telephone of Jesup (FMT) and Independence Light and Power Telecommunications (Indytel), are investing in their communities by establishing the state-of-the- art internet backbones needed to provide this service. With a 60-day notice, 1-gig service can be established to clients in the FMT & Indytel service areas. In addition to broadband, both communication utilities provide television, and telephone services.

FMT Manager, Tony Lange, explained that all clients have a dedicated fiber connection to their home or business. FMT is a member owned Cooperative that was formed in 1902 and serves both rural and city customers.

Indytel’s service area also extends beyond city limits.  Telecommunication’s Manage Marty Diesburg said that Indytel has established “to the curb” fiber network throughout Independence and to much of the rural area surrounding Independence. Those not connected to Indytel’s broadband can be connected within hours.  Indytel is a division of Independence Light and Power, a municipal owned utility that was formed in 1893.

Redundancy of service is strikingly important to maintaining top-tiered broadband service. Farmer’s Mutual and Indytel are working to jointly develop duel broadband rings between their communities, their customers and to the world at large. Shared costs and services means that cost effective redundant broadband service is available to serve existing customers and will serve to attract new growth to Buchanan County.

Indytel’s Marty Diesburg said, “Both entities serve small communities and are overseen by locally appointed Boards. It just makes sense to work together for a common goal.”

“We must work together to survive,” chipped in Tony Lang from FMT. “Our goal is to provide world-class service and technology. This is best accomplished when we work together.”

If you have questions, contact:

Lisa Skubal, Vice President of Economic Development, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber by calling 319-232-1156.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Cedar Valley Economy – Strong and Growing!

The Cedar Valley Economy – Strong and Growing!

The strong and growing Cedar Valley economy contains the right conditions for business and career success. Current economic growth and its demand for quality talent is benefiting manufacturing, business services, retail, housing, education, healthcare and other enterprises that contribute to the vitality of the region.

Strong Cedar Valley job market is creating opportunity and raising income.

According to Smart Solutions Group, employment in the Cedar Valley Region Labor Market grew by 7.4% from 2003 to 2013, slightly above the State of Iowa during the same period. As of November 1st, Iowajobs.org, the web-based job board of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), shows 1,504 positions currently available in the Cedar Valley. Many of these jobs are in the advanced manufacturing sector. Welders and CNC operators are among the many positions available in advanced manufacturing operations in the Cedar Valley.

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber recently surveyed Cedar Valley employers regarding their immediate employment needs. “We’ve identified businesses in the Cedar Valley region with immediate openings,” reports Danny Laudick, Talent Solutions Coordinator with the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber.  “We are coordinating efforts to match available talent with these companies or with training in the fields where there is greatest demand.”
Connecting to training

The Alliance & Chamber collaborates with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and Hawkeye Community College (HCC) and other agencies to connect talent with employment and training opportunities through career and resource fairs, data collection and sharing.  There is ongoing collaboration between employers and agencies to design programs to stay ahead of shifts in demand and provide rapid response to immediate workforce needs. The Alliance & Chamber identifies the specific employment needs in the Cedar Valley business community and acts as the voice of business. The Alliance & Chamber develops innovative solutions to solve talent issues. They use their network of partners and affiliate to bring others into the process.

In response to local demand, Hawkeye Community College now offers short term certifications for industrial maintenance and CNC machining programs. The CNC Machining Program prepares students for high demand, entry-level positions as a CNC machine operator or general machinist, one of the most demanded skills by area employers in the Cedar Valley. Both programs are designed to create a pipeline of available talent with new skills to fill these high demand jobs in a short amount of time.

The Department of Industrial Technology at the University of Northern Iowa also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the areas of: Construction Management; Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Technology Education, and Technology Management. The UNI Metal Casting Center, offers students practical hands-on experience in concepts in additive manufacturing with modern well-equipped facilities and cutting edge technology. At the Additive Manufacturing Center, located at the Cedar Valley TechWorks, students operate a variety of 3D printers, including the ExOne, the largest of its kind in North America.  Students are producing products and part prototypes for manufacturing clients across state.  UNI students are ‘floor ready’ upon graduation having had real world experience working with private sector businesses on actual projects. The Center also provides manufacturers affordable access to research and development and rapid prototyping. The Department of Industrial Technology currently enrolls over 500 students annually.

K-12 Career Training

Cedar Valley school districts are making sure their students are prepare for success beyond graduation through a variety of initiatives and partnerships with the business community.

In the Waterloo Community School District, Career Academies give students the opportunity to choose an area of interest, such as construction, business and finance, marketing, engineering, healthcare, etc. Students then take a sequence of classes to prepare for the real world of work in that field. Waterloo also has an International Baccalaureate Program which is an intensive, two year academic program in the high schools that prepares students for success in higher education and for effective participation in global society. The program includes writing an extended essay (similar to a doctorate thesis, but at high school level), a focus on critical thinking as well as creativity, action, and service activities. Waterloo’s West High and East High are two of only three schools in Iowa to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Both the Waterloo and Cedar Falls school districts have embraced the Leader in Me initiative championed by the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber. The Leader in Me is based on Stephen Covey’s book Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The initiative teaches students 21st Century soft skills for success in college, career, and citizenship. Through authentic leadership opportunities and daily practice of the habits, participating schools are transforming their school cultures into proactive, leadership focused communities of learning and development.

Cedar Valley West’s School to Work program brings together students from four Cedar Valley school districts (Aplington-Parkersburg, Dike-New Hartford, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, and Grundy Center) to provide valuable career information and connections to area businesses. Businesses are asked to provide speakers, offer internship and job shadowing opportunities, give worksite tours and contribute financial support.

Through the School to Work program, students throughout the Cedar Valley are becoming more prepared for the local job market. Businesses are molding potential employees by creating hands-on ways for students to explore careers while still in high school. Business – education partnerships like these are helping to bridge the talent gap and produce individuals prepared for employers across sectors in the Cedar Valley.

Diverse Economic Base
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber and the Cedar Valley Regional Partners have placed diversifying the economic base as a top priority of business attraction . . . and it has paid off. The diversified economic base has created jobs and helped the region weather the last recession far better than most parts of the country earning the Cedar Valley the title “Recession Busting” by Area Development Magazine, a leading executive magazine covering corporate site selection.  The Cedar Valley is not reliant on one sector to maintain the health of the economy.

Since 1996, 76% of new jobs created in the Cedar Valley have not been tied to a single industry, specifically agricultural manufacturing. Likewise, 81% of the new capital investments in the Cedar Valley were equally diversified during the same time. This diverse industrial base provides increased opportunities for wealth creation and employment in the event of a downturn in one sector.

“Most new capital investment has come from companies who have expanded existing operations here or established new locations in a broad spectrum of industry sector. This is consistent with new construction and new jobs created,” notes Lisa Skubal, Vice President of Economic Development with the Alliance & Chamber.

Adding to the industry mix is the growing Information Technology (IT) sector. In the Cedar Valley, IT consists of local start-up web product and software companies, and is among the fastest growing sector in percentage of current workforce in the Cedar Valley market area. Enterprises also see internal IT operations increasing and contributing to the growing demand for highly skilled programmers, engineers, coders, and designers in the Cedar Valley.

Conversations with technology leaders in the Cedar Valley suggest that IT employers are increasing their employment by up to 50% or more over the next few years.  This makes availability of trained/educated individuals critical. The Alliance & Chamber, Kate Washut of Far Reach Inc., and Linda Allen of Hawkeye Community College (HCC) convened a discussion between Alliance & Chamber investors in the IT sector and HCC academic and career education teams. The group discussed courses, training, and programs available through Hawkeye, and the expectations of the employers. Dialogs like this, between business and education, are vital to better understand of specific skill demand in order to offer training programs that are most relevant to industry needs.

 

“The strong job market is creating opportunities for individuals to take advantage of an increase in training opportunities and raising personal income,” says Steve Dust, CEO of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber. “We see growing demand across industry sectors. IT related fields, advanced manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, logistics, and business service markets make up the employment landscape of the Cedar Valley.  The competitive wage scales being offered go much further here than in most areas of the country thanks to our low cost of living.”

The cost of living in the Cedar Valley is 8.1% lower than the national average according to third quarter 2014 Cost of Living Index prepared by The Council for Community and Economic Research. Utility costs are an even greater value, at 10.4% below the national average – a key factor for companies looking to locate or expand their operations.

While the cost of living is low, prosperity is on the rise in Cedar Valley. According to the new US Cluster Mapping website launched by Harvard Business School and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Cedar Valley Region is one of a handful of regions with growth in prosperity from 1998 -2012. Our economic region ranks 7th among 170 economic regions in the country for prosperity growth. The scorecard is based on three categories of data: performance (the economic activities of the region), business environment, and demographics & geography. The Cedar Valley is also in the top 20 regions for growth in annual personal wages at 3.49%.  This outpaces the national average of 3.16% during the same period.

Low cost of living and strong personal wages may contribute to an increase in spending. In September of 2014, the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers were released showing considerable growth in the Cedar Valley. The Waterloo/Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (GDP) grew to $8.7 billion from 2012-2013. This is up 5.6% from the previous year, according to data released in September from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.  Collectively, real GDP for U.S. metropolitan areas increased 1.7% during the same period. The Waterloo/Cedar Falls metro area had the second highest percentage increase in GDP compared to other Iowa metros.

These gauges of economic health demonstrate the strength and continued growth of an already stable Cedar Valley economy and instill confidence both in consumers and business leaders. Recent announcements of business expansions reflect confidence and optimism in the region.

Business Confidence and Private Investment

Cedar Valley businesses across the region are making investments in their companies. Increasing exports, and hiring talented, productive people demonstrates their confidence in the strength of the Cedar Valley economy.

CBE Companies, with international locations, chooses to keep their corporate headquarters here in the Cedar Valley where their success started over 80 years ago. “We continue to tap into a rich talent pool in our own backyard to fill a variety of positions and levels – from contact center associates to fraud service representatives to IT, Analytics, Finance, Marketing and HR professionals,” says Mary Phillips, Chief Human Resources Officer for CBE Companies.

Based on a variety of regional data, CBE has determined that the Cedar Valley has the talent resources available to expand their staff considerably.  “We use information from both the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber and Iowa Workforce Development when considering expansion.  We evaluated unemployment rates, education levels, Spanish speaking population, underemployment, average wages, and average ages.”  Over the last year, CBE has had two major surges in hiring making them one of the top ten major employers in the Cedar Valley.

Mark Hanawalt is the CEO of United Equipment Accessories, Inc. (UEA) in Waverly, Iowa and the current chair of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI). He often shares with peers from around the state that the Cedar Valley is a great place to do business. “They know about the Cedar Valley and never disagree,” notes Hanawalt. UEA has found that being part of a regional economy driven by advanced manufacturing has contributed to their growth. “Because of the presence of very large manufacturers in the area, we can utilize a common vendor base with tremendous capabilities without having to go outside the area.”

UEA invests in training and development opportunities that contribute to the personal and professional growth of their employees.  UEA provides training for new hires, development opportunities with specifically designed skills enhancement training, job cross-training, as well as a Tuition Assistance Program for employees. Highly technical positions, such as CNC programmers, machinists, engineers and IT professionals regularly participate in training opportunities relating to technology advancements and developments, job knowledge enhancement, computer software and system developments and updates.

“United Equipment Accessories, Inc. has been a Cedar Valley manufacturer for over 60 years.  Even as we have grown substantially over the years, we have never felt the need to expand outside this area,” says Hanawalt. “Our pool of labor talent is very high.  Employees are well educated, trained, and motivated to be productive employees.”

Start-up Momentum

While long standing businesses continue to expand, the start-up community in the Cedar Valley is picking up momentum at a rapid pace. ‘Serial’ entrepreneurs and young visionaries are gathering in coffee shops, bars, and meeting rooms around the Cedar Valley to share ideas and connect with resources in hopes of launching the next big thing. Start-Up Drinks, Start-Up Weekend, BarCamp, One Million Cups, Cedar Valley Opencoffee, and Cedar Valley Makers are a few of the organized efforts to support a young and energetic start-up community.

Steve Dust, CEO of the Alliance & Chamber, believes that “the prosperity of the Cedar Valley still depends on fostering, growing, and attracting entrepreneurship in all types of businesses. We want to encourage more people to build on our history of successful entrepreneurship, and the Alliance & Chamber supports efforts to enhance the strong, growing start-up scene throughout the Cedar Valley economic area.”

The Cedar Valley is thriving

With an abundance of good paying jobs and access to higher education, the Cedar Valley offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals to grow their careers. Businesses are thriving and making significant investments in the region by expanding their operations through building projects, new processes, equipment, technology, and talent. The lower cost of living, excellent school districts, and overall safety make it a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.

The mission of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is to increase economic vitality and wealth by leading collaborative economic and community development. Details about the many programs and initiatives of the Alliance & Chamber can be found at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com or by calling Steve Dust, CEO at (319) 232-1156.

Brownfields Project Awarded $3 Million

Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) officials awarded the Grand Crossings project $3 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in January 2015. The four-story building will include 68 units located at the corner of Jefferson Street and Westfield Avenue on the former Grand Hotel site near the TechWorks Campus.  More information on the Former Grand Hotel site project can be found here.

2015 Cedar Valley Legislative Agenda for Economic Progress

2015 Cedar Valley Legislative Agenda for Economic Progress has been released.  The agenda is substantially the same as last year with modifications to address specific issues of interest to the Cedar Valley, and larger issues that will likely come up of state wide interest, such as:

a)            Support funding for University Avenue reconstruction

b)            Removing prohibition on IRD plan changes after 2018.

c)            Increase funding for the Strategic Infrastructure Fund.

d)            Enable schools to use Local Option Sales Tax for Schools beyond 2029

e)            Support the Board of Regents’ funding plan that emphasizes in-state student enrollments.

f)             Support new or alternative sources of funding highway and bridge repair such as a fuel tax increase or alternative means of levying taxes on fuels.

Download the agenda here.

John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum Opens Doors December 2nd

WATERLOO, Iowa (November 24, 2014) – The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo, Iowa opens its doors to the public December 2nd with a focus on engaging visitors in the history of tractor and engine design and manufacturing at John Deere, especially in Iowa’s Cedar Valley.

Deere said the December launch will be followed by a grand opening celebration to be held in spring 2015.

“Tractors and engines have been and continue to be important to John Deere’s success,” said Dawn Hendershot, Project Manager. “We are pleased to share the history of these products as part of our overall story as a technology leader and quality manufacturer.”

Located on the original site of the Waterloo Tractor Works, museum exhibits highlight the rich history and dynamic growth of the tractor business at John Deere, the world’s largest provider of agricultural equipment.

“Throughout its history, John Deere has remained focused on the success of customers whose work is linked to the land,” Hendershot said. “For 177 years, Deere has endured various economic cycles and this museum is a tribute to the resilience of John Deere employees and customers to weather both the good times and the bad.”

Nearly four years in the making, the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum joins various other company attractions in the Midwest, including the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois and the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, Illinois.

The John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum is open to visitors Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults ages 13-61 and $4 for seniors, active duty military, John Deere employees and retirees. Children ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult can enjoy the museum for free. For more information about tours and the museum email WaterlooTractor&EngineMuseum@JohnDeere.com or call 319-292-6126.

 

KWWL to Broadcast Three Iowa Debates Governor, Senate and 1st Congressional District Debates Scheduled

 

As a critical election day approaches for the state, KWWL stays on top of the important races. The station will be broadcasting debates for the Governor’s, Senate and 1st Congressional district races in October.

“Iowans take their politics very seriously,” said Jim McKernan, Vice-President and General Manager of KWWL. “Broadcasting these debates provides viewers the opportunity to hear the candidates without the spin and make an informed decision.”

The Senate debate will be broadcast on Saturday, October 11th at 7pm. KWWL’s Ron Steele will be present as one of the debate moderators.

The governor’s debate will be broadcast on Tuesday, October 14th at 7pm. Ron Steele will be present as one moderator.

KWWL will host the 1st Congressional debate in their studio on Saturday, October 18th at 7pm. Ron Steele and Amanda Goodman will act as moderators along with reporters from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier and Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, KWWL’s coverage partner.

“Covering state politics is critically important,” said Shane Moreland, KWWL News Director. “As journalists, it’s our obligation to provide this important service to voters. Having local anchors and reporters involved as moderators ensures that the concerns and questions of Iowans will be addressed.”

KWWL also plans to solicit questions from voters via social media. Those interested in submitting questions for consideration during the debates should closely monitor the station’s Facebook and Twitter feeds.

Complete rules and guidelines for the KWWL hosted debate can be found on the station’s website, www.kwwl.com.

QNI is a privately held family owned company with roots in the newspaper business dating back to 1835.  Quincy Newspapers, Inc. was formed in 1926 with the merger of The Quincy Herald and The Quincy Whig-Journal.

The company owns and operates NBC affiliates in Quincy and Rockford Illinois, Waterloo and Sioux City, Iowa, Rochester, Minnesota and Bluefield, West Virginia. QNI also operates ABC affiliates in Madison, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Wausau and Eagle River, Wisconsin and a FOX affiliate in South Bend, Indiana.  QNI operates another FOX affiliate in Rochester, Minnesota under a shared services agreement.  QNI also owns and operates an AM-FM radio combination in Quincy and daily/Sunday newspapers in Quincy, Illinois and Newton, New Jersey.

Waterloo/Cedar Falls Metropolitan Area produces second highest percentage increase GDP gain in Iowa

CEDAR VALLEY OF IOWA (Sept. 2014) The Waterloo/Cedar Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area gross domestic product (GDP) of $8.7 billion from 2012-2013. This is up 5.6% from the previous year, according to data released last week from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.  Collectively, real GDP for U.S. metropolitan areas increased 1.7% during the same period.

The Metro Area had the second highest percentage increase compared to other Iowa metros.  The largest percentage GDP increases by industry were: Information (7.5%); Real Estate, Rental, Leasing (11.9%); and Finance, Insurance (10.3%).  Manufacturing and Retail grew 3.3% and 3.7% respectively.

“These numbers support what our businesses have been saying all along: the Cedar Valley is strong and growing,” comments Steve Dust, CEO of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber. “These gains reflect the confidence of Cedar Valley businesses across the valley who are making investments in their companies, increasing exports, and hiring talented, productive people.”

Other IA metros GDP growth from 2012-2013:

Ames: 5.4%

Cedar Rapids: 3.1%

Des Moines: 4.5%

Dubuque: 1.3%

Iowa City: 4.4%

Quad Cities: 2.8%

Sioux City: 7.3% (25.2% construction led growth by industry sector)

Omaha/Council Bluffs: 3.9%

The complete data can be found here.

The mission of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is to increase economic vitality and wealth by leading collaborative economic and community development. Details about the many programs and initiatives of the Alliance & Chamber can be found at www.cedarvalleyalliance.com or by calling Steve Dust, CEO at (319) 232-1156.

 

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