The Cedar Valley Podcast

In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Stephanie Detweiler and Sandi Sommerfelt discuss what makes leadership programs so impactful. Sandi shares her experience as a recent Leadership Iowa graduate and Cedar Valley Leadership Institute alum, while Stephanie talks about leading CVLI and helping participants discover the people, places, and organizations that make the Cedar Valley...

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...

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, p...

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 opportuniti...

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...

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-sc...

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 fr...

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 ch...

In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katelyn Tungland and Caleb Brothers sit down to talk about Grow Cedar Valley Ambassadors and ribbon cuttings. From celebrating new businesses to recognizing expansions and major milestones, this conversation shares how these events bring energy, visibility, and community pride across the Cedar Valley.

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Jim Miller to talk about the CourtWorks project and what it means for Waterloo and the entire Cedar Valley. From youth sports and family opportunities to downtown momentum and regional growth, Jim shares how this new facility can create lasting impact both on and off the court. The episode begins with a question from Kennedy C...

Join us for this Coffee Talk edition of the Cedar Valley Podcast as Sandi Sommerfelt sits down with Erin Langenberg to recap her experience at Leadercast Live and share what’s coming to the Cedar Valley on June 10.

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Phil Nash of Community Bank and Trust for a conversation about leadership, culture, and what it really looks like to invest in a community. From supporting local events to building a workplace where employees are encouraged to give back, Phil shares how their team stays connected and engaged across the Cedar Valley. The episod...

What is the Black Hawk County Gaming Association, and how does it impact the Cedar Valley? In this episode, Emily Hanson shares how funding supports local nonprofits, community projects, and initiatives that shape everyday life across the region. We start with a question from Lauren Finke of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, then dive into how decisions are made, what stands out, and what exci...

Katy and Adrienne sit down for our first Coffee Talk to talk about behind-the-scenes work at Grow Cedar Valley and recap their recent trip to Washington, D.C.

In the first episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, we’re talking about leadership, community, and the future of our region. We start the conversation with Bailey Murphy, a CAPS high school student, who shares what it’s like to learn and work alongside local professionals while thinking about life after graduation. Then we sit down with the mayors of Waterloo and Cedar Falls for a conversation about...