The Cedar Valley Podcast

Grow Cedar Valley

5.0 (1)
Business
Updated Weekly

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.

Aug 12

The Heart Behind the Helping

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Lauren Fink, Executive Director of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, to talk about the power of volunteering and the impact it has on individuals, businesses, and the community. Lauren shares how the Volunteer Center connects thousands of volunteers with local organizations, why businesses benefit from encouraging employees to give back, and how volunteerism helps create a stronger, more connected Cedar Valley.
Jul 28

Intern Connect with Kelsie and Steph

Retention starts long before a job offer. In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Stephanie Detweiler and Kelsie Kunkle reflect on this year's Intern Connect program and discuss why introducing interns to the community beyond the workplace is just as important as introducing them to a career. From networking and professional development to exploring the Cedar Valley, they share how these experiences help young professionals envision a future here while supporting employers in attracting and retaining talent.
Jul 15

Melissa Reade with Leader Valley

Leadership begins with the choices we make every day. In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Melissa Reade, Executive Director of Leader Valley, to talk about developing leaders from the classroom to the boardroom. They discuss what great leadership looks like, why investing in people matters, and how organizations can build stronger teams by creating a culture of growth.
Jul 1

A Different Kind of Classroom

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 unique. The conversation looks ahead to this year's Cedar Valley Leadership Institute (CVLI) class, the value of building relationships, and why understanding your community is the first step toward making a difference.
Jun 24

The Power of Leadership Education

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 become stronger leaders both in and outside the workplace.
Jun 18

The Heart of Waverly

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, partnerships, and places that are the heart of Waverly. The episode begins with a question from a local middle school student looking for the best things to do in Waverly this summer, leading to a fun conversation about parks, ice cream, shopping, and outdoor adventures.
Jun 10

Coffee Talk: A New Chapter for CVMA

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 opportunities for manufacturers to learn from one another and tackle shared challenges together.
Jun 4

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.

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.

Creator

Grow Cedar Valley
Years Active

2026
Episodes

19
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Grow Cedar Valley
Show Website

The Cedar Valley Podcast

Investing

Investing

Updated Daily