Voice of the Valley: Meet Angie and Laura
“We are all walking this journey of life together, and in my opinion there is no better place to be than the Cedar Valley.” For longtime friends Angie Koop and
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Wait, That’s Made in the Cedar Valley?
You might be surprised by just how many things have a connection to the Cedar Valley. From products you use every day to things you’d never think about, businesses across
What Would You Do With 75 Extra Hours?
You can’t add more hours to the day, but you can spend fewer of them in the car. In the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro, the average commute to work is just
Kas Logan: A Voice of the Valley
“I found a place where the life we wanted to create, the work we love to do, and the opportunity to contribute to a community we now call home all
Leadership Is a Choice, Not a Position
A conversation with Melissa Reade of Leader Valley Melissa Reade can spot a Leader in Me kid from across a room. She was recently at a community event, something with
Ana Hernandez Eveland: A Voice of the Valley
For Ana Hernandez Eveland, the Cedar Valley was supposed to be the next stop after growing up in a small Iowa town. Instead, it became the place where she would
Naida Avdic: A Voice of the Valley
“Looking back, it was one of the best decisions our family ever made.” For Naida Avdic, the Cedar Valley isn’t simply where she grew up. It’s where her family’s American
Stephanie Detweiler: A Voice of the Valley
I am a Boomerang. Not in the literal sense (a curved throwing tool that comes back to you when you throw it), but in the metaphorical sense. I am someone
How CourtWorks Will Change the Game
For many Cedar Valley families, youth sports mean loading up the car before sunrise, spending weekends in hotels, and driving for hours to tournaments. Soon, some of those game days
Cedar Valley Spotlight: Where Jewelry Gets Personal
Alloy Custom Jewelers is a great example of local entrepreneurship in action. Founded by father-son team Aram and Sam Susong, the Cedar Falls business has built its reputation around creativity,
Maoko Umeda: A Voice of the Valley
“Life here feels comfortable, and I feel like I can be myself.” Maoko Umeda never expected Iowa to feel familiar. Before moving to the Cedar Valley, she had spent most
Why Your Budget Goes Further in the Cedar Valley
Living in a place where everyday life is affordable changes the way people experience their community. You can grab coffee downtown before work, spend the weekend at a local concert
Beyond the Blue Bin
Some companies talk about sustainability. Rite Environmental is out on the road doing it every day. On Earth Day, it feels fitting to talk about a Cedar Valley business that
The People Who Help Good Happen
Think of them as the “we know a place” friend of community service. You know the type. Need a great coffee shop? They have three ideas. Need a trusted mechanic?
Hidden Gems of Waverly, Iowa
By Chelsea Petersen, Executive Director, Waverly Chamber of Commerce & Main Street Waverly, Iowa has a way of surprising people. Visitors often arrive for a tournament, a college visit, or
A Voice of the Valley: Simon Campbell
“What we didn’t expect was how quickly this community would make us feel like we belonged here and that we had something to give.” Hi, my name is Simon Campbell,
Count Me In: A Local Response to a Statewide Talent Challenge
New research from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) confirms what many communities across Iowa have felt for years. Too many graduates are leaving the state, and the economic consequences are
New Hampton, Iowa: Best Kept Secrets
New Hampton may be small, but its charm runs deep. From locally loved restaurants and family-friendly attractions to peaceful nature escapes and unique shopping experiences, these best-kept secrets are what
A Voice of the Valley: Haley Hamm
“Somewhere between my first day of college and my first coffee run downtown, the Cedar Valley became home.” Hi, my name is Haley Hamm, and this is why I Live
Brrr-illiant Things to Do in Buchanan County
Winter in Buchanan County is full of charm, cozy spots, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to get outside, try something new, or enjoy a warm drink, there’s something for