Young Professionals Making Things Happen

Patios & Partnerships

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Kim Bear of Community Main Street and Audrey Kittrell of Eagle View for a conversation about the partnerships, events, businesses, and people helping downtown Cedar Falls thrive. From patio season and Live to Nine to supporting small businesses and creating spaces where people want to gather, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep downtown moving. The episode begins with a conversation with Alayna Akers, a freshman at UNI and young entrepreneur launching two businesses while attending school full-time. Alayna asks Kim and Audrey an important question, leading to a great conversation about resources, support, and growing a business in the Cedar Valley.

Coffee Talk on the Count Me In Study

In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong and Stephanie Detweiler sit down to talk about the Count Me In Population Study, the work leading up to the reveal event, the response from the community, and why so many people across the Cedar Valley are ready to be part of what comes next.

Young Professionals Making Things Happen

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Zach Hansen to talk about volunteering, young professionals, downtown Waterloo, and why he keeps saying yes to getting involved in the community. From Cedar Valley Young Professionals and Main Street Waterloo to golf courses and giving back, this conversation covers a little bit of everything. The episode starts with Morgan from Main Street Waterloo sharing what’s happening downtown before passing the mic to Zach for a conversation about leadership, community, and why the Cedar Valley continues to be a place young professionals want to stay and build careers.

Coffee Talk: Bringing New Business to the Cedar Valley

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.

Coffee Talk with Katelyn and Caleb

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.