Testimonials

The Corridor excels in studies ranking quality of life and livability. We're big enough to offer engaging opportunties, yet small enough to encourage everyone to participate and get involved. Iowans are caring, friendly, helpful neighbors. Others agree - read on:

 

Growing up in the near south suburbs of Chicago, I was used to a fast pace, traffic jams and never-ending commerce.  I followed friends to the University of Iowa and fell in love with the area. I found it to be a very diverse town that shattered my stereotype of Iowa. I studied management information systems, and minored in computer science. After graduation, I found a job with a local tech company. I wasn't expecting to find a tech job in the area so quickly. I was excited to stay in the area, Iowa City is a very 20-something-friendly town, with a great night life, Hawkeye sports and many arts and cultural events. Eight years later, I'm at the same job, with the same small tech company, only now I have a family and three children. Even now, I find the Iowa City area is family friendly. There are plenty of family-friendly activities including the Iowa Children’s Museum. The area has really grown on me. It 's not over-paced, like a big city, but not too slow. There is a good mix of retail and restaurants, from the national chains to local flavors. The Iowa City area truly is a great place to be for all stages of one's career.

Mike Ephraim, Senior Software Developer
Leepfrog Technologies

 

The Corridor offers young professionals the ability to have a voice. From leadership positions to professional development and collaboration with organizations and respected members of the community, you count. By simply deciding you want to get involved, you open a door to grow as an individual, all the while contributing to the continued growth and success of this community. I continue to be amazed at how young people are welcome and encouraged to offer their opinions and feedback on what we can do to continue to grow and develop the Corridor. The Corridor's seasoned leaders understand in order to continue to be a successful community and region, younger generations need to be heard and need to take leadership positions so they will have a vested interest in the future. Beyond professional growth, the Corridor offers an individual or family many attractions and accommodations. From theatrical performances, downtown night life, cultural exhibits, to athletic entertainment, there is something for every interest, all the while basking in the quality of life that only the Corridor can offer. In visiting the Corridor you’ll have the pleasure of discovering this is a diverse, vibrant, progressive region that has much to celebrate-now, and for years to come.  In moving to the Corridor, you’ll discover you are truly in a community you can call home.

Quinn Pettifer
Director of Marketing, Cedar Rapids Downtown District

 

Life in the Corridor offers some of the best of larger cities balanced with the charm of smaller communities in one cohesive region. The ability to partake of a wide variety of exceptional arts and cultural activities at reasonable prices, to easily get around from one city to the next with minimal traffic, and to make meaningful professional connections easily are all assets of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. I have the best of both worlds, personally, living in a comfortable and well-educated small town that is just a short drive to two good-sized cities with lots to see and do.

Contrary to what some might believe, opportunities for personal and career-related growth ARE available and accessible right here for young professionals. Getting involved in the community is a snap and you can watch the difference you are making unfold right before your eyes. Seasoned business and community leaders welcome our involvement and input to positively shape both the present and the future of the Corridor.

RJ Holmes, Director of Career Engagement Programs
Cornell College