|
|
Alliance & Chamber Programs |
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Business Education Series |
|
No need to travel. The Business Education Series is your local link to information on timely issues which influence the bottom line of your business. These breakfasts are held three times per year and give attendees instant access to “do it now” business growth tools.
NEXT EVENT:
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
7:30am-9:30am
The VGM Group
1111 West San Marnan Drive, Waterloo
Being raised in Iowa, we learn a valuable lesson: how to grow a healthy rich crop from seed to sale. The same lesson is learned when building a website. It's taking an idea and nurturing that idea into a healthy, functional website producing high revenues for your company, acts as a resource for customers hungry for information, all while promoting your company in a good, ethical light. Using optimized paid and organic search marketing, search-friendly content and an engaging social media presence, we keep our website producing high yields every season.
This presentation will walk you through how to establish company branding throughout your website and create a site that is user-friendly while giving the user exactly what they're looking for. We'll also examine the most effective tools for finding your target audience and pulling them to your site through search engine optimization and social media marketing. Grow your site to its full potential with the information your targeted audience is looking for while constantly increasing traffic to your site.
Speakers:
Jeremy Kauten - General Manager, VGM Forbin. Jeremy manages the day-to-day business functions and identifies, develops and directs the implementation of the company's business strategy. Jeremy has developed a reputation for delivering effective and timely solutions to businesses looking to enhance their online presence.
Christina Throndson - Web Marketing Manager, VGM Forbin. Christina is educated in New Media Marketing and Search Engine Marketing. These focuses allow her to analyze customers' websites and provide ideas and solutions to drive traffic to their sites for increased revenues.
Please RSVP by March 1st below. You can also call the Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156 or email Bette Wubbena at bwubbena@cedarvalleyalliance.com to reserve your spot.
This networking event is open to all chamber & alliance members and their employees, as well as to non-members.
Premier Sponsor:
Farmers State Bank
Gold Sponsors:
Networking Solutions
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
| | |
|
|
Good Morning Cedar Valley |
| Quarterly Networking Event |
Good Morning Cedar Valley is a quarterly networking breakfast, educating Alliance and Chamber investors on current events. The brief program includes the Cedar Valley Mayors and a Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors representative. Updates are also given by other community business leaders. Each breakfast attracts more than 125 member investors from across the Cedar Valley. Breakfast is served. There is no cost to attend. RSVP is required.
RSVP by January 19th. Call Bette at 319-232-1156, email bwubbena@cedarvalleyalliance.com, or click the RSVP icon.
Alliance & Chamber networking events are open to all Alliance & Chamber members and their employees.
NEXT EVENT:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2012
LOCATION: Fred Becker Elementary School, 239 Sheldon Street, Waterloo. (Former Black Hawk Elementary). Parking in front of school on Sheldon Street.
7:30-9:00 AM
RSVP by January 19
Upcoming 2012 GMCV dates:
- March 28, Northeast Iowa Food Bank
- June 14, National Cattle Congress
- September 20, Clarion Inn University Plaza
- December 6, New Aldaya Lifescapes
Premier Sponsor:
Waterloo Community Schools
Gold Sponsors:
Mix 93.5
Waterloo Center for the Arts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Power Networking |
Quarterly Networking Event
|
|
Power Networking is a structured social event, limited to 50 Alliance & Chamber member representatives (Limit 2 per business). Build your prospect list with 25 new business contacts in just 90 minutes with a one minute commercial. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards.
This Alliance & Chamber event is open to all members and their employees. Limited to two representatives per member and fifty attendees. Cost for this event is $10 per person.
NEXT EVENT:
Thursday, April 26, 2012
4:00-5:30pm
LOCATION: The Supervisor's Club
3265 Dewitt Road, Waterloo
Gold Sponsor:
Allen Hospital
J's Homestyle Cooking
The Supervisor's Club
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Business After Hours |
| Semi-Annual Event |
This informal networking event gives your business the opportunity to showcase its products and services to Chamber & Alliance members. Business After Hours offers networking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. RSVP is required
Please contact Bette Wubbena at 232-1156 or bwubbena@cedarvalleyalliance.com for more information or RSVP with the form below.
NO COST TO ATTEND. NEXT EVENT:
Thursday, May 10, 2012
4:30-6:30 pm
LOCATION: Grout Museum of History & Science/ Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
Enter at Park Avenue Entrance- Handicap entrance off parking lot in back of building- enter off South Street
Parking: Corner of Park & Washington Streets
Premier Sponsor: Grout Museum District
Gold Sponsors:
Allen Hospital
Lincoln Savings Bank
Bridges Senior Living
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
CEO Roundtable Breakfast |
|
This semi-annual breakfast event brings CEO's and Alliance & Chamber investors together for various peer-to-peer mentoring groups. Two events are held each year in February and November. Each Roundtable offers a forum for attendees to gain valuable insight into current business issues.
Cost is $20 for Alliance and Chamber Members NEXT EVENT:
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
7:00 am Breakfast
7:30am-9:30am CEO Panel Discussion
The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
777 Isle of Capri Boulevard, Waterloo
Premier Sponsors:
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
Black Hawk County Gaming Association
Gold Sponsors:
Iowa Laser Technology Inc.
Team Technologies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Member Briefing |
| Semi-Annual Event |
|
|
Member Briefing is an opportunity for participants to learn about the value of their investment and to network with other new members. This semi-annual breakfast allows new members to give a brief commercial description of their business/organization.
This event is open to new Alliance & Chamber investors only. NEXT EVENT:
Thursday, May 31st, 2012
7:30-9:00am
LOCATION: To Be Determined
| |
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Annual Celebration |
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, Waterloo |
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Annual Celebration has one major theme - recognition. The Alliance and Chamber offer this yearly gathering to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations. The event is attended by over 500 including Cedar Valley community business leaders and area elected officials. The evening event includes a social networking hour followed by dinner, awards ceremony and dessert bar.
To reserve your corporate table or purchase tickets click on the RSVP button or contact Bette Wubbena at the Alliance & Chamber office at 319-232-1156 or email her at bwubbena@cedarvalleyalliance.com
Awards presented at Annual Celebration are:
Legacy Award
Fulfilling the Vision of One
"To recognize an outstanding contribution by an individual in the private sector for leadership in creating and strengthening regional collaboration and cooperation for economic and community development."
Business of the Year
"To recognize the efforts of a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor in promoting the quality of life and offering leadership within the Cedar Valley, achieving a major business accomplishment or making an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley community, economy and citizens."
John Deere Treating Capital Well"
To recognize the efforts of a private sector firm (a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Investor) for a significant investment in the Cedar Valley that most emphasizes the attributes of the Cedar Valley:
Building - green and sustainable; technologies; innovative talent recruitment and training; and new tech jobs.
Harold Brock Innovation
"To recognize the efforts of a private sector firm (a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor) for innovation in technology, advanced manufacturing or talent development."
Cedar Valley Partner
"To recognize the efforts of an educational institution, non-profit organization, service club or human service agency (a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor) in promoting economic growth and employment, quality of life, offering leadership or making an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley and its citizens on a continuing basis or with a specific project."
Nomination Deadline is Februry 10th, 2012.
Nomination forms can be found by clicking on the Resource Document tab.
This event is open to all Chamber & Alliance members and their employees. |
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Cedar Valley Diversity and Inclusion Initiative |
|
The Cedar Valley Diversity and Inclusion Partnership is an initiative designed to strengthen the Cedar Valley through promoting diversity, full inclusion and cultural competencies in business. This initiative consists of a series of events and publications that shed light on the valuable diversity found in the Cedar Valley. The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber also looks to celebrate businesses that are strong in their efforts towards inclusion in the workplace.
Cedar Valley Diversity and Inclusion Summit:
Friday, September 23rd, 2011 7:30 AM - NOON
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Classrooms 10 and 11
3421 West 9th St., Waterloo
One of the first efforts of this partnership is to educate the Human Resource and CEO/Leadership community about the reasons an Inclusion Initiative is needed. Therefore, this initial summit will be focused on Human Resource and CEO Leadership. This summit will focus on the importance, impact, and benefits to business of effective diversity & inclusion practices in business. Please join us and be part of this brand new initiative!
Agenda: Continental Breakfast; What's Inclusion - The Vision by Jean Trainor; Cedar Valley Demographics by Mark Grey and Michele Devlin from UNI; Keynote Speaker, Troy Cicero, President and Chief Skill Officer of MulticultuReal Communications, Inc.; Panel Discussion; Greater Des Moines Partnership Award Winner, Principal Financial Group - Nu Nuynh, Diversity Relations Consultant; Business Case for Inclusion by Rona Berinobis - Director of Workforce Inclusion for Wellmark, Inc.
Participants will receive the book Inclusion Breakthrough. Unleashing the Real Power of Diversity by Frederick A. Miller & Judith H. Katz.
RSVP by Tuesday, Sept. 20th. Please call the Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156 to RSVP or follow the RSVP link below.
Premier Sponsor:
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Gold Sponsors:
Allen Health Systems
John Deere
Veridian Credit Union |
Use Entrance G, classrooms are on the 4th floor of the Outpatient Center. Click here for parking information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Cedar Valley Leadership Institute |
| Annual Event - October through May |
Cedar Valley Leadership Institute is a professional development series designed for business members who want to develop and strengthen their leadership skills within the community. Monthly sessions (the first Wednesday of each month October - May) focus on a variety of topics including community volunteerism, diversity and economic development in the Cedar Valley.
Tuition fees ($795 per person) and application process apply. Limited to 25 participants.
Register by calling (319) 232-1156 or emailing Molly at mbrown@cedarvalleyalliance.com. Make sure to register soon to guarantee your place in this popular program!
This program is open to all Chamber & Alliance members and their employees. |
2011-2012 CVLI Brochure
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Cedar Valley Legislative Reception |
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Renaissance Savery Hotel, Des Moines |
All state legislators and administration leaders are invited to enjoy our personal hospitality while we discuss issues of importance to The Cedar Valley. It is important that our investors be there to indicate broad-based support for pro-market, pro-business policies and the projects and programs that will make The Cedar Valley an even better place to live and operate a business.
Sponsored by The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber
RSVP by Friday, February 3, 2012
Directions: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/dsmbr-renaissance-des-moines-savery-hotel/
Contact Steve Firman at the Alliance & Chamber office 319-232-1156 or sfirman@cedarvalleyalliance.com for more information. |
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley |
|
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber in partnership with Cedar Valley Marketing Partnership and MyEntre.Net, supports the 'Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley' contest. This is a contest for entrepreneurs and small businesses in Iowa to show what their business is about, and possibly win a reward after community members vote for their favorite venture on the project website. Businesses in Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Chickasaw, Grundy and Tama Counties compete to win in order to bring their business concept to reality or help their business to grow here in the Cedar Valley.
Contact the Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156 for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Leader Valley |
|
Leader Valley is an Education and Business Partnership that features a variety of programs designed to assist educators in developing the essential learning, decision making and life skills students need to thrive in the 21st century. A program already being implemented in Cedar Valley Schools is The Leader In Me. This is an education program based on the principles of Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
Leader Valley Rally
Monday, October 24th
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on the UNI Campus
Attend this event to learn more about the Leader In Me initiative that will be implemented in every Cedar Valley school and how it will influence students and their families.
Hear from students, parents, faculty and community members who have already felt the impact of Leader Valley.
Become inspired by Sean Covey, author, and Muriel Summers, principal of the first Leader In Me school in Raleigh, NC.
|
Leader Valley Rally
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Legislative Session Recap |
|
The Legislative Session Recap provides a summary of the legislative session from a panel of local legislators. Alliance & Chamber investors will have an opportunity to share their views with lawmakers, ask questions and hear their take on the topics of interest to business leaders in the Cedar Valley.
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
New Teachers' Breakfasts |
| Annual Event - August |
This annual recognition breakfast is for new teachers in the Cedar Valley. This is a great chance for your business to support quality education and welcome new teachers to Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Business representatives can network with each other as well as the educators. A brief program includes an update from the District Superintendent, Alliance/Chamber representatives and business leaders. Both the Waterloo and Cedar Falls events are held in August and are attended by approximately 100 people.
2011 Events:
Cedar Falls
Thursday, August 11th
Prairie Lakes Church
1907 Viking Road, Cedar Falls
7:30 AM
Waterloo
Monday, August 1st
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center
205 West 4th Street, Waterloo
7:30 AM
Premier Sponsor:
University of Northern Iowa
Gold Sponsors:
Hawkeye Community College
University Book & Supply
Superintendent Sponsors:
Allen Health Systems
Cedar Valley Catholic Schools
Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Hy-Vee
Principal Sponsors:
Courier Comunications
MidWestOne Bank
Prairie Lakes Church
Stuff Etc.
The Gregg Nicoll Agency
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Strictly Business |
| Annual Event - April |
|
Strictly Business is the annual Cedar Valley business expo. This event is an opportunity for Alliance & Chamber business owners and professionals to showcase their products and/or services in a trade show format. This April 5 event, held at The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, attracts 750 community business representatives. Attendees gain a wealth of knowledge while learning and viewing the newest products and services offered by the 60 vendors. Networking during Business After Hours concludes the evening.
2012 THEME:
"User Friendly in the Cedar Valley"
NEXT EVENT:
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
4:00 - 7:00 PM
ISLE CASINO HOTEL WATERLOO
Premier Sponsor:
Community National Bank
Gold Sponsors:
Bossard
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
Business After Hours Sponsors:
Courier Communications
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
Exhibitor Exchange Sponsor:
Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau
Beverage Sponsor:
Nagle Signs
Exhibitor Booth Sponsors:
Allen Hospital
Always Best Care Senior Services
AmericInn Lodge & Suites
Bridges Senior Living
Cadillac Bowling Lanes
Candlewood Suites
Cedar Valley Hospice
Cedar Valley Networking
Clarion Inn
Comfort Suites
Copyworks
Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Dynamic Impressions
Elite Chiropractic & Wellness
Energy Systems of Iowa
Express Employment Professionals
Family Health Chiropractic
Glass Tech
Hampton Inn of Waterloo
Hawkeye Community College
Home Instead Senior Care
Humble Travel Service
Kapalan University
Liberty Bank
Lincoln Savings Bank
Livingston Aviation
Manpower Inc.
Maple Lanes/ Valley Park Lanes
Matt Parrott/ Storey Kenworthy
MidAmerican Energy
Mount Mercy College
Petersen & Tietz Florists & Greenhouse
Signs & Designs
St. Ambrose University
TargetClick Marketing Solutions, LLC
UNI- Business & Community Services
UNI- MBA Program
Veridian Credit Union
VGM Forbin
Waterloo Center for the Arts
Waterloo Rotary Club |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
TechBrew Cedar Valley |
|
TechBrew is an informal gathering for entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and funders getting together to network. TechBrew Cedar Valley is held the first Thursday evening of each month in Cedar Falls.
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Total Resource Campaign |
| September-November |
The Total Resource Campaign takes place September through November. In an eight-week period, volunteers raise the funding for our Alliance & Chamber programs for the entire year. A TRC markets sponsorships of Alliance & Chamber programs, events, publications and electronic media and recruits new investors. Recognition and fun campaign events provide an exciting environment for all volunteers. The funds raised during the Total Resource Campaign are important to the Alliance & Chamber because they enable the Alliance & Chamber to continue to provide quality programming, networking opportunities and community and state advocacy for our city, county and state.
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Cedar Valley Multicultural Reception |
Thursday, February 23, 2012
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Veridian Credit Union
1827 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo |
The Multicultural Receptions are presented by The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber and are hosted by businesses that are strong in their efforts toward inclusion in the workplace. The primary focus of the reception is to provide networking for community leaders and organizations that work to retain a diverse workforce population in The Cedar Valley of Iowa. There is no cost to attend.
To inquire about hosting a Multicultural Reception, contact Sue Hansen at 319-232-1156 or shansen@cedarvalleyalliance.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Innovation in the Cedar Valley Celebration |
|
This annual event celebrates innovation in the Cedar Valley and announces the winner of the Dream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley contest. This evening event is held in May and is attended by over 100 Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investors, business leaders and entrepreneurs. The event includes a social networking hour, a "Shark Tank" style small business expansion competition session and awards presentation. The evening concludes with a social and dessert bar.
Contact the Alliance & Chamber office at (319) 232-1156 for more information. |
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Golf Classic - Full Day Event |
Annual Event - August
|
The Golf Classic, which attracts up to 288 golfers, is an excellent opportunity for golfers to network in a relaxed atmosphere with Alliance & Chamber investors, community leaders and potential clients. A networking lunch and social hour is included.
This Chamber and Alliance event is open to all members and their employees.
Next Event:
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21st, 2012
LOCATION: Gates Park Golf Course
820 East Donald Street, Waterloo
$300 per foursome
Shotgun Start
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Wing Ding and Things |
| Annual Event - September |
This community event held every September in Cedar Falls’ Overman Park attracts 2000 people. Attendees enjoy an evening of music provided by the always popular Bob Dorr & The Blue Band, while sampling a variety of good food and ice cold beverages. A limited number of Chamber & Alliance members serve their version of “wings and other things”.
This Chamber & Alliance event is open to everyone.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th, 2011
LOCATION: Overman Park, Cedar Falls
5:00-8:00 p.m.
VIEW THE EVENT'S VIDEO PROMOTION HERE
Food Vendors:
Clarion Inn, University Plaza
Famous Daves of America, Inc.
Fareway Stores, Inc. #974
Hy-Vee
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
The Other Place
Southern Smokeshack Barbeque Restaurant
The Supervisor's Club
Toad's Bar & Grill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Microsoft Community Connection |
The November 16th only event has be canceled.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
November 16, 2011
7:30 - 9:00am
Mudd Advertising
One Mudd Centre
915 Technology Pkwy, Cedar Falls |
Join us for an informative technology series featuring step-by-step demonstrations designed to get the most from Microsoft Office in your day-to-day work.
You will learn how to:
- Get through everyday tasks more quickly
- Overcome email overload
- Create professional documents and presentations with more impact
- Get insight into your data
- Easily connect and share with customers and colleagues
OFFICE TIPS AND TRICKS
Wednesday November 16, 2011
DO MORE IN LESS TIME
Wednesday January 18, 2012
SIMPLIFY IT
Wednesday February 29, 2012
All sessions will be held from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the offices of Mudd Advertising
Mudd Advertising
One Mudd Centre
915 Technology Parkway
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614
Facilitated by ACES - Advanced Computer Engineering Solutions
$20 for each session or $50 for all three. Space is limited so be sure to register today! Call the Alliance & Chamber offices at (319) 232-1156, email bette@cedarvalleyalliance.com or RSVP below.
|
|
|
|
| | |
|
|
Pre-Session Legislative Reception |
|
The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, the Cedar Valley Manufacturers Association and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Area Rural Electric Cooperatives co-sponsor the Cedar Valley Pre-session Legislative Reception. The event will be held Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo from 4:30-6:30 pm. All area Senators and Representatives are being invited. We hope you will put this event on your calendar and plan to attend. Well over 100 Cedar Valley leaders attended last year’s reception and we received strong encouragement to conduct the same event this year.
NEXT EVENT:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2011
LOCATION: The Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
777 Isle of Capri Boulevard, Waterloo
4:30-6 p.m.
Hor’s d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. There is no cost to attend, but we ask that you register for the event so we will have an idea of how many of our legislators from the Cedar Valley region will be present. We look forward to the opportunity to share our personal hospitality and discuss issues of importance to the Cedar Valley with you.
To register, please click the link below. RSVP by Monday, November 28th.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
