Patios & Partnerships

The Power of Leadership Education

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Michael Gleason of Wartburg College's Institute for Leadership Education to discuss what leadership really means and why it matters in every stage of life. From leadership development and graduate education to purpose, community impact, and personal growth, Michael shares how Wartburg is helping students and professionals become stronger leaders both in and outside the workplace.

The Heart of Waverly

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Chelsea Petersen of the Waverly Chamber and Main Street to talk about what makes Waverly such a special place to live, work, and visit. From supporting businesses through the Bremer Avenue bridge project to strengthening connections with Wartburg College and creating memorable experiences downtown, Chelsea shares the people, partnerships, and places that are the heart of Waverly. The episode begins with a question from a local middle school student looking for the best things to do in Waverly this summer, leading to a fun conversation about parks, ice cream, shopping, and outdoor adventures.

Coffee Talk: A New Chapter for CVMA

In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Kelsie Kunkle and Adrienne Miller discuss the relaunch of the Cedar Valley Manufacturers Association (CVMA) and what it means for manufacturers, educators, workforce partners, and businesses across the region. From facility tours and workforce development to innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, they share how CVMA is creating opportunities for manufacturers to learn from one another and tackle shared challenges together.

Parades, Pancakes, and Waterloo Pride

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Tavis Hall of Experience Waterloo to talk about My Waterloo Days, community pride, and what it means to create experiences that bring people together. From parades and concerts to festivals, trails, restaurants, and local attractions, Tavis shares why Waterloo continues to be a place people are proud to call home. The episode begins with a question from a young community member looking forward to summer and wondering what there is to do at My Waterloo Days. That simple question leads to a fun conversation about the event, the work of Experience Waterloo, and how creating great experiences today helps build the Waterloo of tomorrow.

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.