The Cedar Valley Podcast

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Erin Langenberg sits down with Phil Nash of Community Bank & Trust to talk about the challenges small businesses are facing and the value of having the right people and resources around you. They preview the upcoming Small Business Summit, including practical breakout sessions, resource booths and opportunities to connect with people who understand the challenges of running and growing a business. Phil also shares why Community Bank & Trust continues to support the Summit and how strong relationships can help business owners find answers, navigate change and keep moving forward.

In this Coffee Talk episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Erin Langenberg discusses what’s planned for the second annual Small Business Summit on November 12. With 15 breakout sessions covering marketing, finance, HR, leadership, AI, business ownership and more, attendees can build a day around what matters to them while connecting with other business owners, entrepreneurs, mentors and resources from across Iowa. Tune in for a preview of what to expect and why Business is Better Together.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.