Cedar Rapids: Business Buzz with a New York Flair

You know how it goes. Business keeps moving, like the downtown traffic. Cedar Rapids and Iowa City—the Corridor—is buzzing with fresh faces and ideas.

Fresh Talent on the Block

First up, let’s talk about some new hires making waves. Over at OPN Architects in Cedar Rapids, they’re welcoming:

• David Selk, Construction Administrator
• Sierra Wroolie, Emerging Professional
• Jim Riley, Creative Strategist

Meanwhile, Eric Wenck is the new Chief Technology Officer at ACT. Over at Hills Bank, Chris Williams has stepped in as Senior VP, Financial Reporting at their Hills office.

Big Wins: Pitch Competition

Now, here’s something exciting. The Downtown SSMID, teaming up with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, ran the 2025 Race For The Space pitch competition.

First place went to Dr. Tiffany Carr and her project, ThirdSpace Create. She’s crafting a haven for creatives downtown and scoring resources worth $15,000. In second, Downtown Dogs Canine Social Club by DawnLarie Michel is sniffing out $10,000 to make the Kingston Village a bit more pawsome.

More Movers and Shakers

The folks at GreatAmerica Financial Services are rounding out their team with:

• Emily Deahr, Sales Support Specialist
• Mitch Sullivan, Portfolio Manager
• Christy Barta, Legal Analyst
• Lolo Samec, Operations Support Specialist
• Shelby Wegmann, Portfolio Manager

Stay in the Loop

Think you’ve got newsworthy business chatter? Snag a spotlight by submitting info and photos to The Gazette.

While we focus on today, these newcomers are making tomorrow look bright. The energy is palpable in the Corridor. If you’re wandering the streets or watching from afar, remember: the business scene here is always on the move.

Stay tuned, because there’s always something new in these city streets.