Cedar Rapids is located in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Technology Corridor and is a prominent economic center in the state of Iowa. The city is home to numerous large companies including Cargill, General Mills, Allient Energy, Quaker Oats, Rockwell Collins, GE Commercial Finance and Archer Daniels Midland. Rockwell Collins is the region's largest employer. The company produces aviation electronic and communication technology for the government, airline customers and aircraft manufacturers.
Numerous high-tech industries are situated in the area's Technology Corridor. The Technology Corridor is one of the primary centers in the nation for the defense electronics industry. The city also has more than 275 manufacturing facilities. Agribusiness as well as food manufacturing and processing are integral parts of the economy. Telecommunications and telemarketing also provide a significant number of jobs. Local firms are involved in electronic design and consultation, equipment manufacturing and systems planning.
A combination of research and development facilities, a mid-nation location and an educated and productive workforce has attracted new companies and industries. The productivity rate of the workforce is considerably above the nation's average. In addition, the city has ties with companies from all over the world including France, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Cedar Rapids top employers are:
- Rockwell Collins, Inc
- Cedar Rapids Community School District
- AEGON USA, Inc
- St. Luke's Hospital
- Maytag Appliances
- Mercy Medical Center
- Hy-Vee Food Stores
- City of Cedar Rapids
- MCI, Inc
- McLeod USA Incorporated
- Kirkwood Community College
- Alliant Energy
- Amana Refrigeration Products
- Linn County Offices
- Walmart Stores, Inc
- Nash Finch Company
- Linn-Mar Community Schools
- General Mills Inc
- Gazette Communications
The primary manufacturing employers in the Cedar Rapids area:
- Maytag
- Gazette
- PMX Industries
- Cargill Inc
- Schneider Electric
- ADM-Corn Processing Division
- Cryovac Division, Sealed Air Corporation
- Cedar Rapids Inc
- Cedar River Paper
- H.J. Heinz Company
Cedar Rapids top non-agricultural job providing sectors are:
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Manufacturing
- Education and health services
- Government
- Professional and business services
- Finance
- Information
Pertinent data about Cedar Rapids: In 2008 the cost of living index in the city was 78.8 which is low when compared to the country's average of 100. About 28% of the adult population has achieved a bachelor's degree or better. In 2007 the estimated median household income in Cedar Rapids was $47,000.
Cedar Rapids businesses collaborate with organizations including:
- Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
- Iowa Department of Economic Development
- Iowa Small Business Development Center
The GazetteOnline.com provides information about local businesses and industries.