The Cedar Valley Podcast

What does it actually take to bring a new business to the Cedar Valley?In this Coffee Talk episode for Economic Development Week, Lisa and Stephanie sit down to talk about site selection and what it takes to bring new businesses to the Cedar Valley. From international visits to packed multi-day agendas, they share how companies explore a community and what goes into helping them feel confident choosing this region.This conversation pulls back the curtain on the process, the partnerships, and the people involved. It’s a real look at how communities compete, collaborate, and work together to create new opportunities and bring new investment into the Cedar Valley.

In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katelyn Tungland and Caleb Brothers sit down to talk about Grow Cedar Valley Ambassadors and ribbon cuttings. From celebrating new businesses to recognizing expansions and major milestones, this conversation shares how these events bring energy, visibility, and community pride across the Cedar Valley.

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Jim Miller to talk about the CourtWorks project and what it means for Waterloo and the entire Cedar Valley. From youth sports and family opportunities to downtown momentum and regional growth, Jim shares how this new facility can create lasting impact both on and off the court.The episode begins with a question from Kennedy Crawford, a sophomore at West High and local volleyball player, who shares the perspective of young athletes already traveling for club sports. Together, the conversation explores why CourtWorks matters, the economic energy it can bring, and how projects like this help shape the future of our community.

Join us for this Coffee Talk edition of the Cedar Valley Podcast as Sandi Sommerfelt sits down with Erin Langenberg to recap her experience at Leadercast Live and share what’s coming to the Cedar Valley on June 10.

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Phil Nash of Community Bank and Trust for a conversation about leadership, culture, and what it really looks like to invest in a community. From supporting local events to building a workplace where employees are encouraged to give back, Phil shares how their team stays connected and engaged across the Cedar Valley.The episode begins with a question from Sam at the United Way, offering a glimpse into the needs across our community and the impact of consistent support. That conversation carries through as Katy and Phil talk about why giving back matters, how culture drives involvement, and the role businesses play in strengthening the Cedar Valley.

What is the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, and how does it impact the Cedar Valley?In this episode, Emily Hanson shares how funding supports local nonprofits, community projects, and initiatives that shape everyday life across the region. We start with a question from Lauren Finke of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, then dive into how decisions are made, what stands out, and what excites her about what’s ahead.

Katy and Adrienne sit down for our first Coffee Talk to talk about behind-the-scenes work at Grow Cedar Valley and recap their recent trip to Washington, D.C.

In the first episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, we’re talking about leadership, community, and the future of our region. We start the conversation with Bailey Murphy, a CAPS high school student, who shares what it’s like to learn and work alongside local professionals while thinking about life after graduation.Then we sit down with the mayors of Waterloo and Cedar Falls for a conversation about the year ahead. From collaboration across the region to the opportunities they see for the Cedar Valley, they share what’s happening in our communities and what they’re most excited about moving forward.It’s a conversation about where we are today and where we’re headed next.