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Grow Cedar Valley reports $137 million in prospect interest, unveils Jan. 22 population-study reveal
Summary
Grow Cedar Valley told the City of Cedar Falls Committee of the Whole it has pursued 13 new prospects representing more than $137 million in potential capital investment, reiterated business retention work and announced a Jan. 22 public reveal of a population study and action plan.
Grow Cedar Valley told Cedar Falls' Committee of the Whole that it has stepped up business-attraction outreach and is tracking a line of workforce and retention initiatives it says align with the city's economic-development contract. "Our goal is to provide a clear, honest picture of the work underway and how it supports the priorities we share with the city," Dave Wilson, chair of Grow Cedar Valley's board, said as he introduced the update.
The organization reported 13 new prospects since December representing "more than $137,000,000 of new capital investment," according to Lisa Schuyl. She described trips and meetings in The Netherlands and Germany, meetings with global site-selection consultants and outreach to industry at trade shows. Schuyl said Grow Cedar Valley will continue lead-generation travel in 2026 while adjusting markets when incentives make some regions less receptive.
Adrienne Miller, director of business services and advocacy at Grow Cedar Valley, outlined local business retention and expansion work, telling the council the group completed 18 BRE visits since July 1 representing 791 employees. "We've really seen a continuance of ... uncertainty due to policy changes, especially with tariffs," Miller said, describing tariffs as a top concern among local firms.
On talent and retention, Stephanie Detweiler described a population study that engaged about 150 participants across 12 roundtables and community workshops. Detweiler announced a public reveal on Jan. 22 at Gallagher Bluedorn Theater, which she said can hold up to 1,600 people, and said consultants will use community input to produce an action plan.
Kelsey Kunkel, talent and workforce development manager, highlighted programs tied to the council contract, including Cedar Valley Intern Connect (32 interns this year; "100 percent of the participants reported feeling more connected to the Cedar Valley") and Cedar Valley Young Professionals (79 active members since July). She said Wilson-in-the-Valley, a career-crawl partnership with a local college, filled all 30 student slots and generated a waiting list.
The Grow Cedar Valley team thanked the council for its partnership and offered to provide more information on request. The council asked clarifying questions and expressed appreciation for the presentation. There was no formal council action on the Grow Cedar Valley report; staff and the organization said they would follow up with additional details if requested.
The committee then moved to the next agenda item.
