Description

The public is invited to attend the OPPORTUNITY SUMMIT on Thursday, October 30 at the Waterloo Convention Center. The Opportunity Summit is Grow Cedar Valley’s annual event dedicated to advancing inclusive, resilient workplaces and communities.

Designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and community partners, the summit explores how culture and engagement are shaping today’s workplace and how organizations can adapt with purpose. Sessions are organized into three tracks: Innovation, Culture, and Strategy. This gives attendees the chance to choose content that fits their role and goals.

Through practical tools, open conversations and real-world strategies, the Opportunity Summit helps participants strengthen culture, improve engagement and connect business success with people-centered practices.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS COMING SOON!

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

Leading Mission in a World of Legend vs. Legacy

Norm Johnson, Chief Executive Officer at Family YMCA of Black Hawk County - CULTURE TRACK

Discover how to lead with purpose in a diverse workforce by balancing metrics with mission, practicing servant leadership, and leading by listening. This session explores how to build a culture of excellence that keeps organizations relevant, transforms products into the “Product of Choice,” and leaves a lasting legacy over fleeting legend.

From Vision to Action: Aligning Business Strategy and Company Culture to Drive Results

Lynette Hemann, Senior Director of Brand & Communications at CCR Technologies - STRATEGY TRACK

Even the best strategies fail without a culture to sustain them. This session shows how to align culture with strategy to drive the right behaviors, accelerate performance, and achieve organizational goals. Attendees will gain practical tools to embed strategy into daily actions, measure alignment, and inspire ownership across every level of the organization.

Leadership as the Business of Connection

Amy Eastman, VP Human Resources at Viking Pump, Inc. - CULTURE TRACK

True leadership is built on relationships—not just results. This session explores how connected leaders leverage curiosity, clear expectations, and regular feedback to strengthen trust, support accountability, and create high-impact teams. Attendees will learn how to use effective questions, foster coaching moments, and lead through meaningful connections that differentiate both leader and organization.

Breaking Down Silos: Building True Teams Employees Want to Stay In

Erika Kramer, Senior Director of Wellness Services at Thrivera - STRATEGY TRACK

With over half of U.S. employees open to leaving their jobs, leaders must go beyond departments to build true teams where people feel connected, valued, and engaged. This session highlights simple, low-cost ways to break down silos, foster open conversations, and create a workplace culture where employees want to stay and thrive. Attendees will leave with practical tools to strengthen relationships, tap into team strengths, and drive positive results across the organization.

Redefining DEIB: Human Innovation as a Business Asset

Kyle Roed, CHRO at CPM - INNOVATION TRACK

Innovation isn’t just about products—it’s about people systems. This session challenges traditional DEIB playbooks and introduces a redefined framework for Human Innovation, rooted in neuroscience, accountability, and real-world lessons from high-growth environments. Attendees will gain a practical blueprint for embedding belonging into business systems, tools to drive cultural accountability, and strategies to influence change across every level of the organization.

Photo and Video Release: Staff and contractors of the Grow Cedar Valley often take photographs and shoots video during events. The photos and videos may be used on social media, in brochures, publications, and on our website.