Blog

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  CVLI Multicultural Tour

  posted on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in Grow Cedar Valley

  The December CVLI session offered the 2024-25 class an in-depth exploration of the Cedar Valley's diverse cultural, historical, and social landscapes.

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  A Simple Way to Support Our Community

  posted on Monday, December 16, 2024 in Communications

  We've all heard the phrase “shop local,” but how often do we think about the real impact it has on our community? In today's fast-paced world, convenience often takes priority, and it's easy to overlook the businesses that shape the Cedar Valley's identity and economy.

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  Update on the Corporate Transparency Act: What Cedar Valley Businesses Need to Know

  posted on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 in Blog

  Small businesses across the Cedar Valley and the nation have been following developments regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its potential impact. Originally enacted in January 2024, the CTA introduced new requirements for businesses to report beneficial ownership information to the Department of the Treasury. However, a recent federal court ruling has brought this requirement to a halt, at least for now.

• Understanding Property Taxes in Iowa: A Simplified Overview

  posted on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Property taxes in Iowa play a significant role in the financial health of property owners, local governments, and communities. Recent changes in property values, legislative actions, and tax rates have highlighted the complexities of the system and its impact on stakeholders. With property assessments rising significantly since 2021, and new laws limiting local government revenue, understanding how these changes interact is essential.

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  Shop Local. Shop the Cedar Valley.

  posted on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 in Live the Valley

  This holiday season, Live the Valley is encouraging everyone to get out, explore, and support local businesses across the Cedar Valley. We've scattered 600 festive shopping bags throughout downtown shops in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, with some bags hiding surprise gift cards worth up to $100! Here's the fun part: find a bag in Waterloo, and you might score a gift card for Cedar Falls, or the other way around!  Ready to discover what's waiting just across the way? Read the full story in the blog.

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  November 2024 Cedar Valley Leadership Institute

  posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in Grow Cedar Valley

  The Cedar Valley Leadership Institute's November session focused on community engagement and giving back. Beginning at Hawkeye Community College's Van G. Miller Adult Learning Center, participants explored board service with Dr. Julianne Gassman and connected with 12 local non-profits during a Power-Networking Fair. After lunch and team project planning, the group volunteered at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, wrapping up with networking at Jameson's Public House.

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  Friday Forum November 2024

  posted on Friday, November 1, 2024 in Government Affairs

  The November Friday Forum, featuring Dr. Chris Larimer from UNI, gave attendees insights into understanding election outcomes ahead of Tuesday's vote. Dr. Larimer discussed polling accuracy, the impact of growing partisanship on straight-ticket voting, and Iowa's unique competitiveness in congressional elections.

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  Made in the Cedar Valley: SciPlay's Story

  posted on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 in Grow Cedar Valley

  The Cedar Valley is full of surprises, including a growing hub of game development. In this Made in the Cedar Valley series, we're featuring SciPlay, a company that's been making waves in the world of mobile gaming right here in our own backyard. From a small startup to a global developer and publisher of free-to-play games, SciPlay's journey is an inspiring example of the Cedar Valley's innovative spirit.

• Hear from the Candidates: Iowa House of Representatives

  posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Advocacy is a central part of Grow Cedar Valley's mission to support economic development in the region. As part of these efforts, we reached out to Iowa House of Representatives to understand their perspectives on key economic issues impacting the Cedar Valley.  Grow Cedar Valley received a joint response from Iowa House Representatives Bob Kressig (District 75), Jerome Amos Jr. (District 62), and Timi Brown-Powers (District 61).

• Hear from the Candidates: Iowa State Senator for District 38

  posted on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Government Affairs

  Advocacy is a central part of Grow Cedar Valley's mission to support economic development in the region. As part of these efforts, we reached out to Iowa Senate candidates to understand their perspectives on key economic issues impacting the Cedar Valley. Below, we've provided their unedited responses side by side.