Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce president Ron Corbett told the Kalona Chamber members at their monthly luncheon meeting June 28 that his chamber is now concentrating on workforce development.

He pointed out about 70 per cent of the chamber’s efforts are going into recruiting workers for existing industries because of Iowa’s low unemployment rate. He noted the alumni of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and Northern Iowa are being encouraged to return to Iowa. Their web page, corridorscareer.com receives 20,000 to 25,000 hits monthly. Business in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor post job openings on that site.

He added that area schools are being encouraged to test to see that intelligence can be translated into work skills.

A second area of concentration is stressing the development of quality of life issues such as recreational and cultural offerings. These are keys in marketing this area.

Other business

In other business, Jan Peterseim encouraged members of volunteer for half day work schedules at the Iowa State Fair booth in August. (See separate story).

Mary Marek reported that Kalona Days went well and with the funds raised by activities, there should be a surplus to help build a fund reserve.

Cammie Yoder, owner of Heart and Hearth Gift Baskets was introduced as a new member.

Chamber board meeting will be July 7.