HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.04.2023 Council Work Session MinutesDecember 4, 2023
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
4:40 p.m.
Roll Call
Members present: Mayor Quentin Hart in the Chair. Mr. Boesen, Mr. Nichols, Mr. Chiles, Mr.
Grieder, Ms. Wilder and Mr. Feuss. Absent: Ms. Creighton -Smith.
Agenda, as proposed or amended
Feuss/Grieder
that the agenda as proposed, be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Update from Grow Cedar Valley.
Carrie Darrah, Grow Cedar Valley, President and CEO, provided a brief review of the mission
and goals of Grow Cedar Valley. She shared that this was her final meeting as CEO and that
she is confident that leadership is committed to choosing a successor who will grow and elevate
the efforts she just outlined, even more. She thanked council for their support and guidance
personally, and more importantly their leadership in the Cedar Valley.
Lisa Skubal, Grow Cedar Valley, provided an overview of economic development efforts in the
last few months.
Mr. Chiles questioned what might be some reasons that companies might not want to locate
here and how we might overcome that.
Lisa Skubal shared that there are a number of reasons and listed some specifics.
Mayor Hart shared that sometimes it depends on how much the state will incentivize
businesses as well. He explained that Waterloo was one of two cities a company was
considering, but the state did not provide enough incentives, and they left for a different state.
Stephanie Detweiler, Director of Workforce and Talent with Grow Cedar Valley, highlighted the
areas she has been focused on over the past several months and how those things are bringing
in a stronger workforce.
Nicole Sallis, Director of Communications, shared her efforts that build on what Lisa and
Stephanie spoke about through the "Live The Valley" campaign. She reviewed the uniqueness
of this campaign and others and how they are reaching the community in regard to workforce
attraction, tourism, etc.
Mike Mollaro, VGM Group and Chair of Grow Cedar Valley, thanked the City for their
partnership and support to grow the economy in the Cedar Valley. He spoke about the
importance of both regionalization and collaboration.
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Mayor Hart commented on the importance of collaboration and spoke about the good things
that are on the horizon for the City of Waterloo. He thanked the entire team of Grow Cedar
Valley for their efforts.
ADJOURNMENT
Feuss/Grieder
that the council adjourn at 5:06. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kerrey Ee[ch[e'
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk
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