Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
2008-2009[ ]nnul report
growthSeeds of
Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
2008-2009
laying the foundation for recovery and growth
“All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.”
- Calvin Coolidge
As we come together to reflect and celebrate the Chamber’s 91st year, it is our privilege to present this year’s Annual Report theme, “Seeds of Growth.” This idea not only signifies the immense growth the Chamber continues to experience, but the aptitude, resilience and evolution of Cedar Rapids’ businesses and community. Together, we are poised for progress in the aftermath of the 2008 Flood.
The Chamber has had a remarkable year and worked diligently to put its members and our community in position to move several vital initiatives forward. We are fortunate to have talented and energetic leadership, combined with professional and passionate staff. Cooperatively, they will continue to foster and advocate for economic and community development, enhance member services, identify and promote critical business projects and partner collaboratively with community organizations and local, state and federal governments.
Within these pages is a brief overview of the return on investment and value Chamber members received during fiscal year 2009. We thank you for being a part of our continual growth.
Sincerely,
F. Allen Witt, board chair, 2008-2009
Brad Hart, board chair, 2009-2010
Shannon L. Meyer president & ceo
accomplishments
your businessThrough the BUY IN program, 135 businesses pledged to shift a portion of their out-of-area expenses to local businesses, generating an economic boost of nearly $1 million.
Nearly 100 members enhanced their business with sponsorship, marketing and advertising opportunities.
Hitting Business Out of the Park, Business EXPO, featured the products and services of 80 businesses to over 1,200 attendees.
The International Business program brought together 9 visiting countries from around the world: Brazil, Chile, Pakistan, Panama, Sierre Leone, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, West Bank and Zambia.
your workforceImpactCR, an organization dedicated to connecting, engaging and empowering young talent in the Cedar Rapids area, was launched.
In its 25th year, two classes of 70 business professionals graduated from Leadership for Five Seasons.
More than 1,000 members attended at least one educational or training program.
Good Morning Cedar Rapids! provided over 600 attendees a venue for entertainment, team building and networking.
Growing
Growing
through flood recoveryThe Chamber granted $6,046,000 to 334 flood impacted businesses through the Job & Small Business Recovery Fund.
State and federal JumpStart dollars awarded 596 flood impacted businesses $19,342,220.
The national media campaign, Cedar Rapids Flood Story, generated more than 65 national news stories, including: 60Minutes, CNN, Forbes, FOX News and the New York Times.
We actively participated in approximately 4,160 hours of critical flood recovery activities.
through advocacyA total of 68 members convened twice in Washington, D.C. to discuss and garner support with our federal delegates.
We generated awareness, exposure and understanding for the local option sales tax election, which voters passed by 68%.
Key leadership traveled to Des Moines more than 100 times, advocating pro-business and economic development issues with state delegation.
The legislative team brought together in excess of 400 attendees to local events and meetings, addressing state and federal legislative advocacy.
These accomplishments were a collaborative effort with our community and business partners.
Growing
Growing
numbersGrowth through
Other 13%1,353
members
timelineFlood Recovery
Members by Industry
Retail 7%
Professional 12%
Manufacturers & Processors
7%
Financial 9%
Diversified 10%
Construction & Real Estate
9%
Services 24%
Wholesale, Distribution & Transportation
5%
Publishers, Printers, Radio
& Television 4%
JuneTwo days prior to the flood crest, staff encouraged every member within the 500-year flood plain to evacuate.
July Launched the Adopt-A-Business Program.
JuneTwo days after the flood, in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Downtown District, coordinated Operation Skywalk.
JulyEstablished the Job & Small Business Recovery Fund
November HUD approved $125 million in aid to state.
2008
of members are located in Linn County
Cre
st90%
of members
employ less than 25 staff members73%
October HUD approved the state’s $516.7 million action plan for disaster Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
Marketing 9%
2009
April Completed the administration of JumpStart Business program. Applications for the Business Rental Assistance Program began.
July Local and state officials announced a new Steam Energy Assistance Program totaling $21 million.
Revenue
Expenses
Dues 63%
Member Programs
17%
Sponsorship 15%
Interest and Other Revenue
4%
Product Sales
1%
Training and Networking
30%
Economic & Community
Development 30%
Legislative Advocacy
21%
Administrative 10%
Flood Recovery
$6,046,000334 businesses
Job & Small Business Recovery Fund
$4,336,855123 businesses
JumpStart State
$15,005,365473 businesses
JumpStart Federal
$25,388,220930 business checks
Total
(Since June 13, 2008)
August Small Business Task Force developed four programs to aid in business recovery and presented to RIO and IDED to be included in the State Plan.
initiativesGrowing through
Economic Development initiatives focus on providing direction, leadership and support to foster economic growth .
In 2009 we...advocated that local government approach development with a pro-business, ‘can do’ attitude
supported growing business locally through strong programming and indentifying gaps in economic development not currently being addressed by other local organizations
collaborated to complete the Highway 100 environmental study
Government Affairs initiatives put a voice to pro-business and development issues at all levels of government.
In 2009 we...provided elected officials and public policymakers an analysis of the current and future effects of policy decisions facing businesses
polled Chamber members regarding their opinions on a 1% sales tax and leveraged the positive results to recommend a vote for flood recovery
encouraged business leaders to run for office by partnering to develop the Linn Area Political Leadership Academy
witnessed the results of long time advocacy efforts during the groundbreaking of a new Federal Courthouse
Small Business initiatives , including the formation of the Small Business Task Force, have focused primarily on flood recovery activities due to the severe need.
In 2009 we...led advocacy efforts resulting in additional $65 million in federal aid for the flooded small businesses statewide
partnered to obtain $5.5 million of community disaster grants for business and residential landlord recovery
commissioned the Small Business Development Center to complete a one-year impact and needs post-flood survey of all affected businesses
Membership initiatives represent the interests of our current and future businesses.
In 2009 we...conducted more than 425 personal member meetings to discuss the current business climate and concerns
created focus groups and identified areas for value added improvements which developed new effective, efficient and relevant programming, such as the U.S. Chamber Small Business Summit, the International Trade Summit and member roundtables
launched BUY IN, asking businesses to pledge to shift 5% of their current out-of-area spending back to Linn County
were honored as a Chamber of the Year Finalist
Community Enhancement initiatives send a clear message that we take pride in our community and encourage businesses, residents and visitors to join us.
In 2009 we...helped position the US Cellular Center to be the beneficiary of significant funds for revitalization and expansion
engaged with all the stakeholders involved with the Paramount restoration
discussed activities around an option for an improved viable downtown hotel
actively participated in establishing and promoting the downtown redevelopment plan
“The Chamber is committed to using its resources to further the growth and vitality of the greater Cedar Rapids area.”
-Allen Witt, board chair, 2008-2009
chamber’s futureGrowing your
Achieving Organizational Excellence
Ensure diverse representation of the business community on the Board of Directors and task forces, with members that provide broad based support, impartiality, knowledge and engagement.
Enhance communications to our members and community about pro-business initiatives, activities and results.
Develop and utilize useful tools to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and relevancy of the organization.
Achieve national accreditation that will heighten recognition and support, and strengthen business tools for member use.
Advocate for Sustainable, High Performing Government
Advocate for pro-business, economic development issues at all levels of government.
Proactively work to have pro-business representation on key boards and commissions at local and state levels.
Develop and implement a plan for sustainable, high performance government.
“With collaborative and strong leadership, the Chamber, businesses and our community will grow beyond our expectations.”
- Brad Hart, board chair, 2009-2010
Enhance Member Services
Enhance recruitment and retention plans to support member activity.
Access and design programs to meet members’ evolving needs.
Increase engagement in ImpactCR and Leadership for Five Seasons initiatives.
Advocate and Facilitate Economic and Community Development
Explore opportunities that bring together community and regional partnerships which support and enhance a pro-business and economic development environment.
Work with local jurisdictions to advance future infrastructure and transportation needs.
Support current and future strategies for workforce development and employee recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce.
Play an active role in community enhancement initiatives to create a vibrant, hometown environment.
Redevelop Flood-Impacted Areas
Create and implement programs to aid business in long-term recovery and development.
Develop strong relationships with local, state, federal and private agencies to encourage additional flood recovery funding and to ensure coordinated flood-recovery efforts.
Be Professional. Be Productive. Be Social.
At Corridor
CoWorks, we are
proud that our
partnership with
the Chamber
enhances the
growth of small
businesses and
the progress of
Cedar Rapids.
“Good and exciting jobs, great schools, the arts, parks, restaurants, trails -- all of these things depend on a strong climate for growing businesses; that climate starts with the Chamber.”
- Bill McCartan
Thank you to our sponsors
Allen Witt, Hall & Hall Engineers Inc., Chair
Brad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, Chair Elect
Chuck Peters, Gazette Communications, Secretary
William Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer
Ralph Russell, Howard R. Green Company, Immediate Past Chair
Shannon Meyer, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, President
Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Director
Bruce Anderson, City State Bank, Honorary Director
Thomas Anderson, Merrill Lynch, Director
Todd Barker, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, Director
Christopher Blake, Mount Mercy College, Director
Scott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, Director
Joe Ceryanec, PAETEC, Director
Lijun Chadima, Thorland Company, Director
Chris DeWolf, Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc., Director
Jeff Elgin, J & T Elgin LLC, Director
James Ernst, Four Oaks Inc. of Iowa, Director
Ronald Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, Director
Kristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, Director
Christian Fong, AEGON Insurance Group, Director
Karen Gaddis, CEI PACER Equipment Co. Inc., Director
Nancy Garberson, Marketing & Communication Strategies, Inc., Director
Marc Gullickson, Ryan Companies US, Inc., Director
Kay Halloran, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary Director
Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., Director
Nancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, Director
Tim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, Director
Shannon Knoepke, WMT AM/FM Radio, Chair Elect Marion Chamber
Christine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc., Director
Robb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, Honorary Director
Mark Long, Wells Fargo Bank, Chair Priority One
Katie Mulholland, Linn-Mar Community School District, Director
Curt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center Inc, Honorary Director
Doug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Honorary Director
Ron Olson, Paulson Electric Company, Director
Hazel Pegues, Diversity Focus, Honorary Director
Jim Prosser, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary Director
Carroll Reasoner, Shuttleworth & Ingersoll PLC, Director
Ralph Russell, Howard R. Green Company, Immediate Past Chair
Mark Seckman, President, Priority One, Honorary Director
John Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, Director
Kyle Skogman, Skogman Realty, Chair Elect Priority One
Paul Treangen, Alliant Energy – Interstate Power & Light Co., Director
Monica Vernon, Vernon Research Group, Honorary Director
William Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, Director
Cassie Willis, City of Cedar Rapids, Chair Marion Chamber
Brandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc., Director
officersBoard
2008 - 2009
directorsBoard of
2008 - 2009
Bruce AndersonDan BaldwinJack Evans
Ronald FielderBrad HartNancy Kasparek
Paul MorfBill VincentAllen Witt
partnersCommunity
The Chamber would like to give special recognition to all its Community Partners, whose continued support and dedication enables our growth .
boardChamber Foundation
Kim AdamsSharon AlbaughMichele BoyerCraig BurtisCody CrawfordMary DaughertyDave DeWalleRyan DelaneyConnie DunkinChad Dunne Linda EastSteve EricksonJessica FergesenDana GoshonJim HackneyNadine HartkemeyerAmanda HartyNancy Hockaday
Andy JohnsonMatt LikeConnie LiraPaula KulaDarrell McChesneyBrenda MillerRichard MoffittLisa MooreTami MysakKimberly ObbinkChris OberbroecklingKathy HolmesSara Peiffer SorensenTherese PlummerCherokee RenderKeith RippyLisa RoweJoyce Schaefer
Jane SchlegelGerald SchmidtSharon SchmidtPaul SchultzRose SlaymakerKim SmithHarold Stone IISean TaylorRenee UthoffLaurie WahlertPatrick WilliamsMolly WilliamsVirgina WiltsDebbie WrightCarl YostJeff Zahrt
ambassadorsShannon Meyer, CEOJeanne BrandesKim BrislawnKathy HoranSherita JenkinsCatie KriewaldRandy KrugSara MentzerCandy NankeJeff SchambergerKelly SlaughterLee SmithTyanna StephensonJulie Stow
staffChamber
“The Chamber’s collaboration at the local, state and federal level is of vital importance. Through their services, businesses can get the help they need to survive and thrive in today’s economy.”
- Lt. General Ron Dardis, executive director, Rebuild Iowa Office
The Chamber is the leader of economic and community initiatives and improvement in Linn County.
visionOur
missionThe Chamber is the catalyst to promote economic vitality and quality of life in Linn County.
Our
Rendering of the Chamber’s proposed Economic Commerce Center
424 1st Avenue NECedar Rapids, Iowa 52401-1196
Phone: 319.398.5317 Fax: 319.398.5228
[email protected] www.cedarrapids.org
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