The Gazette reported in a front page story in the Monday, March 9, 2009 edition of paper: Cedar Rapids Chamber seeking federal money for regional economic center.
The following press release was part of a Chamber e-mail this afternoon:
While discussions for regional collaboration amongst key economic leaders have been in the works for some time, the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is currently leading the way towards solid partnerships in a newly designed Regional Economic Commerce Center. In April, the Chamber applied for an EDA (Economic Development Administration) grant totaling $9 million for a $12 million Economic Commerce Center, building pictured above.
The first of its kind in the area, the potential Regional Economic Commerce Center, would stand six-stories tall and be a 60,000 square foot economic cornerstone of Cedar Rapids’ downtown. The Chamber is currently working with the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Downtown District, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Priority One, and the Entrepreneurial Development Center in an effort to create this one-stop shop for regional economic success.
“The building will act as a catalyst fostering economic synergy with unified time, talents and treasure that do not exist today,” states President Shannon Meyer. Funding decisions for the EDA grant proposal should be made by early May, if not sooner. The remaining $3 million to complete the project will come from local financing options. Funding will not come from local sales tax dollars, nor will flood recovery money be used.
With additional details progressing, if the funding is made available the project could begin as early as August 1, 2009 with an anticipated completion date of December 1, 2010.
Board Chair, Allen Witt says, “This project – of collaboration - will produce a complete range of effective, relevant and cohesive products and services needed for business and community growth.”
Robin Tucker attended the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids meeting today at noon. President/CEO Shannon Meyer was today's speaker and was introduced as a new member of our Club. She spoke about the new Regional Economic Commerce Center, as well as giving a background on her life and a brief State of the Chamber address.
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