The Cedar Rapids Entrepreneur Program (CREP), a partnership between Jane Boyd Community House and GoDaddy, has announced that it is now Empower by GoDaddy.
The change reflects the organization's mission to empower entrepreneurs and expands program options.
"The name CREP implies that we only serve the Cedar Rapids community." Maurice Davis, program coordinator, said in a release. "That just isn't true. We serve not only Cedar Rapids, but also its surrounding communities."
The entrepreneur program, a partnership between Jane Boyd Community House and GoDaddy's Social Impact program, first launched in 2017. The free community program provides fair access to resources and support to underserved communities through education, mentorship and social capital to further small business ownership and development.
"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Jane Boyd to strengthen underserved communities through the power of small business," said Stacy Cline, director of corporate citizenship at GoDaddy. By updating the program name we are able to better reflect the work that we are doing as we grow Empower by GoDaddy across the U.S. and internationally."
Empower now offers free monthly networking nights that are open to the public, and plans to roll out free one-day entrepreneur workshops open to the public. The program has also expanded partnerships with Amy Rose Photography and DJ Commando, a previous program participant, to provide additional resources for entrepreneurs.
Since it began, the entrepreneur program has served more than 100 interested or budding entrepreneurs in the Cedar Rapids community. The next cohort begins in October and registration is currently open. For more information, contact Maurice Davis, program coordinator, at (319) 366-1408, ext.1310 or [email protected].
Kalona's Tuscan Moon Grill on Fifth was one of just 10 Iowa restaurants - and the only restaurant in the Corridor - to be named to
Wine Spectator's 2019 Restaurant Awards,
highlighting eateries around the world that offer the best wine selections.
The magazine for wine enthusiasts uncorked this year's winners in a special issue that hit newsstands July 16. All told, 3,800 dining destinations from all 50 states in the United States and 79 countries were recognized.
"We're pleased to shine a spotlight on the destinations around the world that show devotion to their wine program, while also creating a comprehensive global dining guide for our readers to enjoy," said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator, in a release. "Both novice wine lovers and seasoned sommeliers alike actively seek and frequent restaurants with exciting, well-curated wine lists. Bravo to all the 2019 recipients - we raise a glass to you."
Tuscan Moon, profiled by the magazine here, is owned by Warren and Paula Miller. Mr. Miller also serves as wine director while the restaurant's chef isZorica Pilipovic.
The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers. These wine lists typically offer at least 90 selections along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.
Goldfinch Tap + Eatery coming to Marion with a 'twist'
Promising "an exciting new restaurant and bar focused on thoughtfully crafted American favorites with chef-inspired twists,"Goldfinch Tap + Eatery is set to open in Uptown Marion later this summer or in early fall.
"As a native of Marion, my partners and I have been excited about the development in the area for several years," said Josh Immerfall, a partner in the venture, in a release. "We are looking forward to bringing a fresh new look paired with unmet hospitality to Uptown. We are working to create a comfortable and approachable place that works for all occasions."
Goldfinch will boast a diverse tap list alongside traditional classics. The completely remodeled space at 740 10th St., will also feature scratch cocktails and seasonal favorites.
Those interested in following the restaurant's progress can do so on
Facebook, and
Twitter.
SBA approved $7.8M in Iowa small business loans in June
The U.S. Small Business Administration backed 36 loans worth nearly $7.8 million to Iowa businesses in the month of June, including eight in the Corridor.
Local businesses receiving loan approvals in June included:
Barbershop Sharpness Inc. of Coralville, which received $95,000
Agent/management firm Snowball, LLC of Iowa City, which received $124,000
Health and personal care store TLHStudio LLC of North Liberty, which received $270,000
Solid waste collector Wilson's Rubbish Hauling Inc. of Cedar Rapids, which received $317,000
Snack and nonalcoholic beverage bar A & S Folkers, LLC of Center Point, which received $150,000
Specialty trade contractor Active Thermal Concepts, Inc. of Hiawatha, which received $1.6 million
Used merchandise store Puddle Jumpers Real Estate, LLC of Marion, which received $30,000
Used merchandise store Puddle Jumpers, Inc. of Marion, which received $10,000
Corridor loan approvals totaled almost $2.6 million in June, almost double the amount awarded in May when $1.35 million in loans were approved. Corridor employers reported creating 20 new jobs and retaining 148 others as a result.
Hiawatha's Active Thermal Concepts received June's largest loan.
Overall, Iowa employers using the SBA 7(a) and 504 programs reported creating 59 new jobs and retaining 241 jobs as a result.
Consulting: Monkey see, monkey do in workplace behavior
In this week's consulting spotlight, Greg Dardis of Dardis Communications discusses the power of "behavioral contagion" in an office setting.
As a father of four, I have witnessed the power of example.
When a toddler sees her parent or older sibling behaving a certain way, she will mimic that behavior. Sometimes it works in our favor: a 1-year-old who yearns to clean like her parent, a toddler who figures out how to use his fork or the little girl who learns how to swing a bat. Other times it results in double the trouble: two kids who shouldn't be climbing on the dollhouse or sliding down the banister. Monkey see, monkey do.
I think about this from a parenting perspective often, contemplating the impact on my children of their peers. It's evident in the classroom, at the ball field and in the gym - where my daughter and her friends who cheerlead work to sync every element, from their hairstyle down to their shoes.
Psychologists have a name for this phenomenon: behavioral contagion. It's the tendency to act as those around you act because behavior is contagious.
Behavioral contagion affects a host of areas, including my expertise: communication. It influences verbals - such as accents, pacing and tone of voice - along with non-verbals, like gestures and mannerisms. These are aspects we address in executive training through Dardis Communications because they are learned behaviors, and few businesspeople have been trained to master them, even though they are crucial.
We tend to think about behavioral contagion as it plays out in social settings, often identifying it as "peer pressure." But it has powerful ramifications in the workplace that we would do well to heed.
One study demonstrating the practical effects of behavioral contagion found that a person's cooperation level is not set, but rather, affected by the social norms of a group. University of Pennsylvania researchers conducted this study, which was published last year, after analyzing data on modern hunter-gatherers in Tanzania. It has a clear bearing on the workforce: An employee will be persuaded to cooperate more in the workplace if he or she is surrounded by cooperative coworkers.
Read the full column in the July 8 print and digital editions of the CBJ.
About 150 small business owners from Iowa and around the nation were in Washington, D.C. today to advocate against the Raise the Wage Act, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, but the New York Times reports the $15-an-hour measure passed the U.S. House on a largely party-line vote.
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Corridor Stocks
Short-Term Event Planner
July 19
ATD-Hawkeye Chapter Meeting, by Association for Talent Development, 8-9:30 a.m., ESCO Group, 3450 Third St. Marion, and Leepfrog Technologies, 2451 Oakdale Blvd., Coralville. Gale Mote will be the presenter. Cost: Free for members, $20 for non-members. To register, visit
bit.ly/2Krg3Xg.
July 22
Coralville Roundtable, by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, noon-1 p.m., Divots!, 1900 Country Club Drive, Coralville. Use this social hour to network and keep up-to-date with chamber and community events. Free. For more information, visit
bit.ly/2x9u8QC.
July 23
Corridor Area Leadership Live, by CALL, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., The Early Bird, 333 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Learn how to lead from where you are, with speakers including Laura Seyfer, of Iowa BIG, Charlie Goetzinger, of Iowa BIG and Nate Klein, of Mount Mercy University. Free. For more information, visit
bit.ly/2JFs7Tr.
July 24
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Cedar Rapids, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Join for community connections, free coffee, and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit
facebook.com/1MCICR.
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Iowa City, 9-10 a.m., MERGE, 136 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City. Join for community connections, free coffee, and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit
facebook.com/1MillionCupsIC/.
Headlines from CBS2/FOX 28
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28
Criminal justice experts at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids conducted a study of satisfaction with the police department and found more than 70 percent were satisfied with the department, including a majority of minorities. That's well above the national average and some leaders in the community say the figures do not accurately represent the people that make up Cedar Rapids.
Chief Wayne Jerman is confident that his department is in a good place. "We also understand," Mr. Jerman said, "we're not perfect, we're going to make mistakes but we want to improve." That's why the department is looking at the responses given by several hundred citizens, who took part in a survey put together by Chad Loes, a professor of criminal justice at Mount Mercy University. Mr. Loes admits the study is not necessarily a accurate representation of the city's more than 133,000 residents. "We're not saying we're representative of everybody," he said. "What we're saying is this is sort of a glimpse and the first time we've ever done it. So it's not perfect, but let's give it a try and see what's going on." At issue is the sample size. Because this was free work, the study's authors were unable to reach a sample size conducive to the makeup of the city. Read the full story here.
Solon Beef Days kicks off tomorrow and runs through Saturday.
Ribeye steak dinners are being sold for $12 on Friday from 5-9 p.m. and on Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and then again from 5-9 p.m. The famous hay bale toss is on Friday at 7 p.m. For a full list of event, check out there website, here.
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28
CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Terry Swails' Weather First Forecast
Dangerous heat expected this week with hot temperatures and high humidity. Lots of dry weather with the only chance for rain late Saturday.
An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING is in effect today through Saturday. Dangerous heat index values will be near 105 today and even higher the rest of the week.
Overnight, expect clear and warm conditions with lows in the mid-70s. The worst of the heat will continue Friday and Saturday. Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 90s and humidity will be high with heat indices of 100 to 110 likely. It will be warm and muggy at night even with low temperatures in the low to mid-70s. Saturday evening into the overnight hours, a cold front will arrive bringing widespread showers and thunderstorms. There is a chance for locally heavy rain but the severe threat is low at this time.
Entrepreneur program expands, rebrands as Empower GoDaddy 
