Recognizing that a sound strategy for economic growth and diversity would be a catalyst for the Cedar Rapids area, private and public leaders established Priority One as the area’s economic development organization in 1986. Since that time, Priority One has assisted in the creation of more than 30,000 new jobs, recruited more than 150 new companies to the area and assisted nearly 450 existing businesses in expansion, training and support.
Priority One serves as an initial contact for businesses interested in expanding or relocating to the Cedar Rapids area. The group provides extensive assistance to new and existing businesses, including demographics and trade figures, site location assistance, state and local incentive assistance, workforce development and a variety of specialized activities designed to respond to the needs of each particular project. The staff of seven works with other area development groups to provide complete information to interested companies and site selection consultants.