The Cedar Valley Podcast

Grow Cedar Valley

Welcome to the Cedar Valley Podcast. Consider this your inside look at what makes our region special. We talk about everyday life in the Cedar Valley, the voices speaking up for progress, the ideas shaping our future, and the partners investing in our success. We believe community is built one conversation at a time and we’ve saved you a seat at the table and the conversation is just getting started.

Episodes

  1. Parades, Pancakes, and Waterloo Pride

    4d ago

    Parades, Pancakes, and Waterloo Pride

    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 begins with a question from a young community member looking forward to summer and wondering what there is to do at My Waterloo Days. That simple question leads to a fun conversation about the event, the work of Experience Waterloo, and how creating great experiences today helps build the Waterloo of tomorrow.

    28 min
  2. Patios & Partnerships

    May 28

    Patios & Partnerships

    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-scenes look at what it takes to keep downtown moving. The episode begins with a conversation with Alayna Akers, a freshman at UNI and young entrepreneur launching two businesses while attending school full-time. Alayna asks Kim and Audrey an important question, leading to a great conversation about resources, support, and growing a business in the Cedar Valley.

    24 min
  3. Coffee Talk on the Count Me In Study

    May 20

    Coffee Talk on the Count Me In Study

    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.

    9 min
  4. Young Professionals Making Things Happen

    May 13

    Young Professionals Making Things Happen

    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 from Main Street Waterloo sharing what’s happening downtown before passing the mic to Zach for a conversation about leadership, community, and why the Cedar Valley continues to be a place young professionals want to stay and build careers.

    22 min
  5. Coffee Talk: Bringing New Business to the Cedar Valley

    May 4

    Coffee Talk: Bringing New Business to the Cedar Valley

    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 choosing this region. This conversation pulls back the curtain on the process, the partnerships, and the people involved. It’s a real look at how communities compete, collaborate, and work together to create new opportunities and bring new investment into the Cedar Valley.

    12 min
  6. Coffee Talk with Katelyn and Caleb

    Apr 28

    Coffee Talk with Katelyn and Caleb

    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.

    10 min
  7. How CourtWorks Will Change the Game

    Apr 23

    How CourtWorks Will Change the Game

    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 Crawford, a sophomore at West High and local volleyball player, who shares the perspective of young athletes already traveling for club sports. Together, the conversation explores why CourtWorks matters, the economic energy it can bring, and how projects like this help shape the future of our community.

    20 min
  8. Coffee Talk - Leadercast with Erin & Sandi

    Apr 13

    Coffee Talk - Leadercast with Erin & Sandi

    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.

    7 min
  9. Investing in the Cedar Valley | Phil Nash

    Apr 9

    Investing in the Cedar Valley | Phil Nash

    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 episode begins with a question from Sam at the United Way, offering a glimpse into the needs across our community and the impact of consistent support. That conversation carries through as Katy and Phil talk about why giving back matters, how culture drives involvement, and the role businesses play in strengthening the Cedar Valley.

    28 min

  10. Mar 26

    Emily Hanson | Executive Director | Black Hawk County Gaming Association

    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 excites her about what’s ahead.

    23 min

  11. Mar 17

    Coffee Talk with Katy & Adrienne

    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.

    14 min

  12. Mar 10

    Meet the Mayors

    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 the year ahead. From collaboration across the region to the opportunities they see for the Cedar Valley, they share what’s happening in our communities and what they’re most excited about moving forward. It’s a conversation about where we are today and where we’re headed next.

    33 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Cedar Valley Podcast. Consider this your inside look at what makes our region special. We talk about everyday life in the Cedar Valley, the voices speaking up for progress, the ideas shaping our future, and the partners investing in our success. We believe community is built one conversation at a time and we’ve saved you a seat at the table and the conversation is just getting started.

Information

  • Creator
    Grow Cedar Valley
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Grow Cedar Valley
  • Show Website
    The Cedar Valley Podcast

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