How will the new organization be structured?
Here is a simple flow chart of the new organization. Note that you, as a member of this new organization, provide critical input to the Innovation Councils.
How will the innovation councils be determined and governed?
There are currently four innovation councils: Large Investor; Business Support; Community Development; and Economic Development.
What is the new name of the organization?
Staff members and board directors from the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Priority One and the Downtown District were involved in brainstorming sessions to name the new organization. The Unification Council approved the name.
Will additional organizations be able to join forces with the new organization in the future?
Today, just three organizations have decided to unite. In the future, the structure is designed to allow other organizations to join formally or informally with the new organization. We are now able to integrate with other economic development organizations to increase and improve public-private results.
How will staff be impact by the merger?
Staff integration and configuration are still going on. We don’t anticipate any staff cuts, however there will be realignment to meet the new shared vision of the organization.
The new organization currently has 24 staff members (Cedar Rapids Chamber 10; Priority One 7; and Downtown District 7)
Are there other organizations that have successfully reorganized?
There are three that we researched prior to the decision to merge the three organizations: Des Moines Area Partnership; Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Siouxland Chamber of Commerce; among other around the U.S.
How will the new combined organization affect current “regionalism” efforts?
The new organization with its common vision is aligned with the values sought in regionalism and is a step forward in the entire region’s success. We expect, as a result of this intensified focus on the north end of the Corridor, a stronger focus on our combined objectives and a greater ability to affect change alongside our community partners throughout the area.
Who will be in charge of the Downtown Farmers’ Market?
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance will be in charge of the Downtown Farmers’ Market. You will not see a change in focus or effort. In fact, the new organization provides greater opportunities to enhance the Downtown Farmers’ Market experience.
Who will I pay my Chamber dues to?
One of the advantages of the new organization is that you now only need to write one check to be part of the great work that the three organizations represent. The Unification Council is still working on the financial details and we hope to have this finalized in early 2012.
Has the leadership been decided for the new organization?
Dee Baird, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce president/CEO and President of Priority One, is the CEO of the new, combined organization. Doug Neumann, Downtown District President/CEO, is the Executive Vice President of the new organization.
