When people think about what makes a community successful, they often think of jobs, businesses, or new developments. And while those things matter, they all depend on one critical factor: people choosing to live here. That’s where Live the Valley comes in.
Telling Our Collective Story
Live the Valley is more than a website or a marketing campaign. It’s the story of who we are as a region, told in a way that’s authentic, optimistic, and uniquely ours. It gives us the chance to show the world (and remind ourselves) that the Cedar Valley is a place where you can build a meaningful life and career, surrounded by opportunity and community.
For years, we’ve known that one of our biggest challenges isn’t what we offer – it’s how we tell our story. Live the Valley gives us a shared voice and a shared brand that helps us stand out and connect with the people who might not know just how much we have to offer here.
A Tool for Employers
Attracting and retaining great people is one of the toughest challenges employers face today. Live the Valley helps them meet that challenge head-on. It provides a toolkit full of real stories, photos, and resources they can use to show job candidates why the Cedar Valley is a great place to call home, not just to work.
When local businesses can point to a credible, community-driven platform that celebrates what makes our region special, it reinforces every recruitment conversation they have. It’s not just about filling jobs; it’s about showing people why they’ll want to stay once they’re here.
Fuel for Growth
Talent attraction is economic development. Communities grow when people decide to plant their roots, start businesses, raise families, and get involved. Every new resident, every returning graduate, every person who chooses to stay instead of leaving means growth for our community.
Live the Valley connects the dots between talent, business, and community. It’s one of the most important tools we have for strengthening our economy from the inside out.
Building Pride in Place
Live the Valley also matters because it helps us see ourselves differently. It gives residents a reason to be proud; to talk about our region with confidence, to share its stories online, to invite friends and family to visit and maybe even stay.
That sense of pride and belonging brings people together. It fuels everything from community projects to volunteerism to business investment. It’s the heartbeat of a growing, successful region.
Live the Valley matters because it connects people to this place – our community! When people feel that connection and can picture their future here, it leads to stronger businesses, dynamic neighborhoods, and a community that continues to grow together.
KATY SUSONG
President and CEO I Grow Cedar Valley
