ICR’s population is growing faster than the national average. Not only do we have people seeking new opportunities, we’re also attracting individuals who want to return to ICR when the right opportunity becomes available. With an annual pipeline of thousands of graduates from the University of Iowa, Coe College, Cornell College, Mt. Mercy University, and Kirkwood Community College, our local employers regularly report that we have some of the best, brightest, and most ethical workers in the nation.
Educated. Talented. Growing.
Talent Attraction
ICR Talent Hub
The ICR Talent Hub is a pool of professionals interested in new career opportunities in Iowa City-Cedar Rapids. Candidates are identified through targeted marketing campaigns implemented by ICR IOWA and then connected with local employers through bi-weekly electronic lists. What makes these candidates unique? Their interest in moving (or moving back) to ICR! They are identified through campaigns that specifically target professionals who want to be here, which often leads to a higher capture rate and a longer retention rate. We talk with each candidate individually to identify their skills, interests, and hopefully an ideal career match.
Employers must be members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance or investors in the Iowa City Area Development Group at the $1,000+ annual level to receive ICR Talent Hub candidates.
Handshake
Handshake is a network that allows employers to connect with college talent across the nation. The platform is used by all of the colleges in our region and over 700 university career centers nation-wide. The platform allows your job postings to reach multiple schools across Iowa, the Midwest, and the nation.
Iowa Layoffs
The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) offers protection to workers, their families, and communities by requiring employers to give 60 days advance notice of covered plant closings and mass layoffs. A log of the notifications issued in Iowa can either be downloaded in PDF form or viewed directly in a dashboard maintained by Iowa Workforce Development. For employers searching to fill openings, the WARN notices can provide insight into workers who may be searching for new opportunities.
Marketing Tools
Attracting talent from outside our region takes more than just the promotion of a job….it takes the promotion of our amazing communities. ICR IOWA has developed a variety of resources our local recruiters can add to their own toolkit to promote Iowa City-Cedar Rapids as an amazing place to live.
Candidate Website: add this website link to the recruiting page on your website and national job postings to showcase the region as an amazing place to live.
Career Fair Booth Materials for New Grads: add an ICR IOWA banner and rack cards to your career fair booth to promote the region along with your job opportunities. The materials are designed to appeal to new college graduates and designs are free. Let us know if you need access to certain files for your printer of choice.
Significant Others: share a link to the ICR Talent Hub to help your candidate identify job opportunities for a significant other.
Candidate Brochure: share a copy of our candidate brochure with your hopeful hire when they come for a job interview. The brochure includes a pocket that is ideal for other materials including tourism and livability guides. A limited number of brochures are provided free of charge to Economic Alliance and ICAD investors. Employers can access those copies by sending a request to ICR Iowa at info@icadgroup.com. Employers may also order copies of the brochure for the cost of printing through ICR IOWA.
Candidate Tours: arrange a tour of the community with a Wingman, a community ambassador who can showcase the region during a candidate visit. Note: Wingman candidate tours are free for employers who invest in the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance or the Iowa City Area Development Group at the $5,000+ annual level.
Career Fairs
A variety of career fairs are held annually by local organizations and schools including:
Corridor Career Fairs
Website
Contact: Liz Kennedy, 319-368-8970, Liz.kennedy@thegazette.com
Kirkwood Career Fairs
Contact: Danielle Ebaugh, danielle.ebaugh@kirkwood.edu
University of Iowa Career Fairs
Website
Contact: Allan Boettger, Pomerantz Career Center, allan-boettger@uiowa.edu
Iowa State Career Fairs
Website
University of Northern Iowa Career Fairs
Website
Concierge and Newcomer Services
Wingman
Wingman is a program designed to help Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) newcomers navigate their new home. Through the program, newcomers are connected to a Wingman, a community champion with a robust network and knowledge of Iowa City – Cedar Rapids (ICR). Our Pre-Flight Checklist is used to match newcomers with the ideal Wingman, a first friend who can answer questions, make connections, and help our newest neighbors take flight in ICR IOWA!
Newcomer Resources
Give your candidates and newcomers the best experience possible in Iowa City-Cedar Rapids by leveraging these resources, provided at no cost by ICR IOWA and our partners:
Candidate and Newcomer Website: make sure your candidates and newcomers from outside the region have access to the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) candidate and newcomer website by sending them the link early on in your recruiting process.
/people/get-connected/”>Diversity Resource Guides: share our online diversity resource guides with candidates and newcomers who may benefit from them.
Wingman: arrange a tour of the region with a Wingman during candidate interviews and make sure your newcomers enroll in the newcomer program. Note: the concierge portion of Wingman is provided at no cost for employers who are members or investors at the $1,000+ level with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance or the Iowa City Area Development Group.
Significant Others: make sure candidates know about the ICR Talent Hub as a way to seek assistance for a significant other who may need a new job opportunity in ICR.
Finding Interns
The colleges and universities in ICR use a national platform called Handshake to connect students with internships and jobs. If you are searching for an intern, you should consider posting the opportunity on Handshake to connect with local candidates.
For additional information or seek assistance in developing an internship program, contact:
University of Iowa Pomerantz Career Center
Contact: Allan Boettger, allan-boettger@uiowa.edu
Website: https://careers.uiowa.edu/employers/internships
Coe College
Contact: Barb Tupper, 319-399-8662, btupper@coe.edu
Website: https://www.coe.edu/academics/coe-difference-centers-and-programs/center-creativity-careers/careers/employers
Cornell College
Contact: Jason Napoli, 319-895-4458, jnapoli@cornellcollege.edu
Website: https://www.cornellcollege.edu/berry-career-institute/Internships-research-opportunities/index.shtml
Mt. Mercy College
Contact: Nate Klein, 319-368-1323 or ext. 1630, nklein@mtmercy.edu
Website: https://www.mtmercy.edu/career-services
Kirkwood Community College
Contact: Danielle Ebaugh, danielle.ebaugh@kirkwood.edu
Workplace Learning Connection (high school internships)
Contact: Sarah Shepherd, 319-398-2584, sarah.shepherd@kirkwood.edu and Sue Neil, 319-398-4828, sue.neil@kirkwood.edu
Website: http://www.kirkwood.edu/site/index.php?p=38584
Ignite ICR
Ignite ICR is a program for college students and interns working in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) region. This summer event series gives students the opportunity to meet one another, explore our incredible culture, connect with young professionals, and imagine a future for themselves in ICR. Ignite ICR is hosted by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and Iowa City Area Development Group.
Past Events
ICR What?? A guide to all things Iowa City-Cedar Rapids (ICR) Region & Navigating a Hybrid Work Environment
Took place June 9
Review of the Iowa-City Cedar Rapids (ICR) region
- Professional skill – Hybrid work environment
- Co-workers
- Online etiquette
- Navigating a CRM
- Networking
ICR – Get This…A run-down of all sectors and facts in the Iowa City-Cedar rapids (ICR) Region & Building your digital resume
Took place June 23
Review of the Industry sectors and possible jobs you can find in the ICR Region
- Professional skill – Digital resume workshop
- Headshots
- Resume review
- Networking
Progressive Dinner Through Cedar Rapids
July 14, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Download the Ignite ICR Itineraries card to explore the area!
Summer Events in Cedar Rapids
Rock the Block – Every Friday
Rock the Block, NewBo City Market’s FREE Friday concert series, is back and better than ever! Featuring talented local and traveling bands each week, all summer long! Every Friday, May through August!
Kernels
The Cedar Rapids Kernels are Minor League Baseball team of the Midwest League and the High-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. Check their website for a schedule and game day specials like Bark in the Parks.
Downtown Farmers Markets
June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16, August 6, August 20, September 17. The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market, presented by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, has become one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest. The event is produced by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and averages 14,000 patrons per market. The event features nearly 200 local Iowa vendors offering an array of products from fresh produce and flowers to meats and artisan gifts.
Practice in the Prairie: Free Summer Yoga Series
Every Tuesday beginning June 7-Aug 9
Take your practice to the prairie as some of Cedar Rapids’ best instructors teach a different style of yoga or Pilates each week to keep you on your toes! Bring a yoga mat and dress for the outdoors. Class is held on the Amazing Space patio, and in case of rain, will need to be canceled. Arrive a few minutes early to get settled and meet new friends.
Freedom Festival, Cedar Rapids
June 14th- July 4th
Join the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival annually from mid-June to July 4th for fun events that embody the spirit of patriotism and a sense of community and family. For more details visit freedomfestival.com.
CR Opera at Brucemore – The Pirates of Penzance
June 16-18
Avast ye! Get ready for a rowdy, rollicking, musical voyage in CROpera’s modern spin on Gilbert & Sullivan’s masterpiece comic opera. Helmed by visionary Metropolitan Opera 25-year Guest Stage Director, Gregory Keller, this exuberant new production features punk rock pirates, donut-wielding policemen and a cast of seriously talented singers. Be warned… these pirates have been known to smoke, drink, and party, so consider leaving the smallest sailors in your family at home for this voyage. Batten down the hatches and set sail for Brucemore… if you dare!
Juneteenth, NewBo City Market
June 18th
Join the African American Museum of Iowa for a mayoral proclamation, all-day stage performances, community vendor booths and more. Juneteenth is the oldest known cleebration of the end of slavery in America and remebers the day of June 19, 1865 when the last enslaved people in America were finally freed upon receiving news of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Linn County Fair, Central City
June 22nd-26th
Join the festivities during this six-day extravaganza of entertainment, competition and exhibits. Experience the fun of a great county fair and become part of its rich history. Mitchell Tenpenny and Rodney Atkins highlight the musical acts Thursday and Friday night
Edith Lucielle’s Bait Shack and Wing Depot Summer Concert
June 24th
Too Hype Crew is an old school tribute to the hip hop of the 80’s, 90’s, & early 00’s, featuring an all-live 6 piece band, MC’s, & “Fly Girl” dancers.
Red, White and Bourbon Music Fest, Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery
July 1st-4th
A love of music, Americana, and bourbon all come together over the July 4th weekend at Cedar Ridge. The Distillery will host free, live music all weekend long with amazing cocktail specials and much much more.
Lincoln Highway Nitty Gritty
July 3-5
The annual Lincoln Highway Nitty Gritty (formerly known as the 4th of July Antiques Extravaganza) is an open-air show is located “Uptown” on Main Street (1st St) each July 4th. First Street is surrounded by antique shops, specialty shops and cafes.
There’s something for everyone at Lincoln Highway Nitty Gritty! A variety of antiques, vintage, architectural & agricultural, salvage, industrial, primitives, repurposed, and retro will be available. Join us in Mount Vernon on the 4th of July! #visitmvl #mvnittygritty
Mt Vernon 34th Annual Heritage Days Festival, Mount Vernon
July 8th-10th
Heritage Days is Mount Vernon’s 3-day community festival. Live music, parade, kids fun and food are just a few of the activities planned! It will take place Friday, July 8 at Kernoustie Golf Club and Saturday, July 9 in and around Uptown Mount Vernon.
CR Pride Festival, Cedar Rapids
July 9th
Show your true colors with CR Pride for the annual CR Pride Festival. The family-friendly event features performances, art, food and entertainment!
Harmony Festival, The New Bohemian District
July 30th-31st
Harmony Festival is a Yoga Music Festival that will take place in Cedar Rapids on July 30 and 31, 2022. There will be a variety of yoga, meditation, and sound healing classes., as well as live music to listen to, local shops to explore, and more!
Music in the Courtyard at Brucemore
July 29, Aug 5, 11, 18
Rooted in a 20 year tradition, Brucemore’s Music in the Courtyard series will return with two special shows over four weeks. Designed by Brucemore’s Artisan in Residence, Gerard Estella, each show will offer a unique evening to relax outdoors and enjoy listening to music under the stars.
The talented and creative minds behind this Brucemore program are still putting together two shows that we promise you’ll love, but that means we aren’t quite ready to announce the show titles or talent quite yet. But, why let that stop us from putting tickets on sale? What we can tell you is that they’ll be filled with talent with Eastern Iowa connections and keep your toes tapping all night long! Take a chance and book your tickets now or wait just a little bit longer and we promise, more information will be coming soon!
Hops for Housing @ ICNC
July 30 2:30-5:30
Hops for Housing is an annual fund and awareness-raising event to benefit Willis Dady Homeless Services, which provides shelter and prevention services to homeless and near-homeless households in and surrounding Linn County.
Sweet Corn Festival, St. Jude
August 12-14th
Since our founding in 1976, St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival has been a top carnival in Cedar Rapids. We offer guests of all ages the chance to enjoy our many entertainment services in a safe and fun-filled environment.
Lisbon Sauerkraut Days 2022, Lisbon
August 18th-20th
The old Lincoln Highway will be filled with the smell of brats and sauerkraut! The streets will be packed with rides, carnival games, community bands, bingo, bathtub races, street dances, and good time family entertainment!
Bourbon & Blues Festival, McGrath Amphitheatre
August 20th
Cedar Ridge and Linn County Blues Society present the first annual Bourbon and Blues Festival. Join in the celebration and raise funds for the organization’s several benefactors, including Eastern Iowa Arts Academy and the Community Health Free Clinic. The female, award-winning blues artists include headliner Shemekia Copeland, Caroyln Wonderland, Danielle Nicole, and Molly Nova and the Hawk featuring Bryce Janey.
Market After Dark, Cedar Rapids
August 27th
Celebrate with thousands in downtown Cedar Rapids for food, beer, wine, art, and entertainment. Shop a variety of vendors mixed with lively stage and street entertainment, creating a unique nightlife opportunity for downtown Cedar Rapids.
Summer Events in Iowa City
Festivals
Iowa Arts Festival
When: June 3–5, 2022
Where: Downtown Iowa City
About: The Iowa Arts Festival is an award-winning, weekend-long community celebration featuring over 110 local and national visual artists. On Saturday and Sunday, we feature high school and college artists in the Emerging Artist Pavilion. But that’s not all: there are music performances, food vendors serving regional and ethnic dishes, and creative, educational activities and entertainment for children. The Iowa Arts Festival is the most anticipated art event of the summer!
Iowa City Pride
When: June 18, noon-10pm
Where: Downtown Iowa City
About: Join Iowa City Pride for the 51st Iowa City Pride Festival with the return of the Pride Parade plus Vendors in the Ped Mall and along Washington & Linn Streets, a fun filled day of entertainment on the Linn Street Stage and more. Best of all the Iowa City Pride Festival is FREE to attend and an all ages event.
Downtown Iowa City Block Party
When: June 25, 2022, 4–11pm
Where: Downtown Iowa City
About: Downtown Iowa City’s annual summer evening event, the Downtown Block Party returns for the 5th year this summer on June 25th. Many fan favorites such as Dueling pianos, Silent Disco, Studio 13 DragShow, and Iowa City Parks & Rec roller skating are slated to return and continue to draw large engagement from the crowd. In addition to these beloved traditions, new for 2022, SCWPro Wrestling from Davenport, Iowa will host performances throughout the evening, Iowa City Ducks Rugby will be facilitating and running matches, and a 16-piece interactive international public art installation. The Englert Theatre stage sponsored by IBEV will have headliner Minneapolis native Kiss the Tiger, supported by Grand Rapids group Public Access, James Tutson & the Rollback, and Crystal City. All of the programming activities and participation at the event are completely free and targeted towards all ages participation. The event instead sells event cups that allow attendees 21+ older to purchase and take drinks from the bars and restaurants into the streets.
Iowa City Jazz Festival
When: July 1-3
Where: Downtown Iowa City
About: Come down for three days of live jazz performances and delicious dishes. You’re sure to enjoy the music from two stages, which showcase a variety of well-known jazz musicians and up-and-coming talent alongside national and international artists to encourage and educate a jazz audience of all ages. Bring a blanket, chair, and get ready for a weekend jazz extravaganza!
Music + Dance
Friday Night Concert Series
When: Every Friday Night from May 13 – August 19, 2022
Where: Weatherdance Fountain Stage, Downtown Iowa City Pedestrian Mall
About: Summer of the Arts invites the community to come out and get to know fabulous, local musicians! Running mid-May through August, this festival kicks off the summer season. Stop by and enjoy free, live entertainment!
Music on the Move
When: Every Tuesday Night from June 7 – August 23, 2022
Where: Various parks throughout Iowa City
About: Music on the Move began as a Truckload of Soul in 2020, when musician Kevin Burt approached Summer of the Arts about bringing live music to neighborhoods in the midst of a pandemic. In the back of a pickup truck, he played his guitar for some much-needed sound! The idea went over so well that we decided to bring back the concept in 2021 as Music on the Move.
Northside Concert Series
When: Select Saturdays June 11 – August 20, 2022
Where: In front of Oasis Falafel, 206 North Linn Street in Downtown Iowa City’s Northside
About: Summer of the Arts invites the community to come out and listen to local music! This three-concert series on North Linn Street offers one more reason to visit the vibrant Northside. Stop by and enjoy free, live entertainment!
Thursday Night Farm Sessions
When: Every Thursday night, 6–8pm
Where: Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
About: This recurring music event will take place at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm and will feature local musicians.
Sunset Salsa
When: Second Saturday of every month from May 14–October 7
Where: Weatherdance Fountain Stage, Downtown Iowa City Pedestrian Mall
About: Sunset Salsa™ is FREE for the entire community. Sunset Salsa™ continues to promote diversity and inclusion while boosting mental health and physical activity through Latin Dancing.
Movies
FilmScene in the Park
When: Regular screenings
Where: Chauncey Swan Park
About: FilmScene in the Park is an outdoor cinema built in partnership with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department located at Chauncey Swan Park. Regular Screenings between May and October highlight a diversity of all ages programming. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is first-come-first-served for all screenings, with movies beginning at sunset unless otherwise indicated.
Free Movie Series
When: Every Saturday Night from May 21 – August 20; October 8, 2022
Where: Various locations throughout Iowa City
About: Started as a pilot program by M.C. Ginsberg and the James Gang in 2005, the Free Movie Series typically features a full-length movie each Saturday night during the summer. Movies start at sundown, and we offer special entertainment prior to some of the feature films.
Outdoor Recreation
Free Outdoor Yoga with Hot House Yoga
When: Every Sunday Morning from June 5–September 25
Where: Van Allen lawn, Iowa Ave.
About: Join the instructors of Hothouse Yoga for a free hour of yoga every Sunday, 10-11 am, June through September, on the lawn of Van Allen hall. (Iowa Ave). Bring your mat and sunshine products. No sign-up required.
Yoga on the Farm
When: Every Wednesday at 6pm
Where: Wilson’s Orchard & Farm
About: This recurring yoga event will take place at Wilson’s seasonally available flower fields. Please plan to park in front of the farm market and please be 15 minutes early to walk to the field.
Iowa City Bike Library Friday Night Ride
TBD
Bingo, Bowling, and Trivia
Christopher’s Bar Exam
When: Nearly every day of the week
Where: Various locations throughout Iowa City and Cedar Rapids
About: Interactive pub quiz. Answer questions, compete in challenges, and win cash and other great team prizes!
Musical Bingo Night at Tiki Tacos
When: Every Thursday night, 8–11pm
Where: Tiki Tacos, Downtown Iowa City
About: Gone are days of the boring ol’ B9’s and G56’s. Instead, grab a board, listen to 30 second clips of your favorite songs of the 80’s/90’s/00’s and current songs. Match the song to your board for a MUSICAL BINGO! Food and drink specials run through the night and gift cards go to musical bingo winners AND can be applied that evening!
Entrepreneurship
Startup Weekend Iowa City
When: July 15–17
Where: MERGE, Downtown Iowa City
About: Learn how to think, work, and build like a startup in 54 thrilling hours. Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster — and, maybe even start that business.
1 Million Cups Iowa City
When: Every Wednesday 9-10am
Where: MERGE Iowa City
About: 1 Million Cups Iowa City is a free weekly program to educate, engage and connect local entrepreneurs and community members.
Events in Marion (Click to download)
Inclusive ICR
Formerly Employee Resource Group Consortium (ERGC)
A coalition of local employers and organizations working together to support and grow inclusion and diversity in our workforce. The coalition meets monthly with a focus on:
- Developing diversity and inclusion resources for employers.
- Connecting diverse professionals through social and professional networks.
- Increasing the number of diverse high school and college students who intern with ICR employers.
Training Opportunities
Kirkwood Corporate Training
Looking for assistance in customized training programs for your staff? Connect with the Corporate Training Team at Kirkwood Community College! They offer scheduled training products along with customized options and support for the development of apprenticeships, earn and learn models, and more.
Eastern Iowa Human Resource Association (EIHRA)
The Eastern Iowa Human Resource Association is an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management. Whether you are new to the HR field or have many years of experience, they are a great local starting point for networking, information, professional development and continued support of excellence in Human Resources. EIHRA hosts a variety of valuable training opportunities throughout the year.
Employers' Council of Iowa (ECI)
Employers’ Council of Iowa (ECI) is an advisory group, located in each Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) region, and offers no-cost membership open to all businesses in the community. Its purpose is to guide IWD’s business focus, address topics of concern to employers, sponsor training initiatives, and assist IWD in meeting critical human resource needs.
Local Contact: Kate Pine at katherine.pine@iwd.iowa.gov
Workshop Calendar
Iowa Workforce Development
Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) offers a variety of services to benefit employers, including recruitment assistance, tax credits to hire new employees and outreach to targeted groups. Their programs include:
Hire A Veteran (Home Base Iowa)
Business Services
Employer Incentives
Contact: Kate Pine at katherine.pine@iwd.iowa.gov.
Employers Council of Iowa - Region 10
Employers’ Council of Iowa (ECI) is an advisory group, located in each Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) region, and offers no-cost membership open to all businesses in the community. Its purpose is to guide IWD’s business focus, address topics of concern to employers, sponsor training initiatives, and assist IWD in meeting critical human resource needs.
Contact: Kate Pine at katherine.pine@iwd.iowa.gov
ICR IOWA Workforce Coalitions
ICR Talent: Talent Attraction and Retention
ICR Talent is a coalition of employers and organizations working together to attract and retain talent in ICR. The coalition guides a collection of strategies designed to attract and retain new talent in high-demand occupations in ICR.
Current strategy teams include:
- ICR Talent Hub: Recruiting High-Demand Talent
- Wingman: Concierge and Newcomer Service
- Ignite ICR: Recruiting and Retaining College Interns
Inclusive ICR: Diversity and Inclusion
Current strategy teams include:
- Employer Resources: provides resource to ICR employers looking for guidance on implementing diversity and inclusion (D&I) workforce initiatives including: Employee Resource Group (ERG) implementation, D&I advisory council development, and connecting staff with colleagues and resources in ICR.
- Employee Resources: develops, supports, and promotes region-wide networks and resources that allow diverse professionals to connect, engage, and thrive in ICR.
- Student Resources: connects employers with resources to help them build programs and connect with diverse candidates for their internship positions.
Contact: Erin Foley at efoley@cedarrapids.org
Join the Mailing List!
ICR Future: Developing our Future Workforce
Current strategy teams include:
- Career Exploration and Pathways Program of Studies
- Work-Based Learning
- Computer Science
- Problem-Based Learning and 21st Century Skills
Contact: Tom Banta at tbanta@icadgroup.com
ICR Future Career-Connected Learning Hub
Join the Mailing List!
ICR Iowa Sector Partnerships
Sector Partnerships are comprised of diverse businesses within an industry, as well as education, workforce, economic, and community organization partners. These business led partnerships develop goals and strategies, and implement and evaluate strategies to meet the workforce needs of a given industry.
Click on the following link to see how industry sector partnerships in the ICR Iowa Region are working together to assist students and the available workforce in completing an interest assessment and exploring careers opportunities right here in the ICR Iowa region that align with their personality type.