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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.