Alexandra Olsen's stories

A small group of community leaders toured the Centennial Park project on Wednesday, June 4, getting an early look at North Liberty’s upcoming event venue. CREDIT ALEXANDRA OLSEN

GALLERY: See inside phase one of North Liberty’s Centennial Park project

On Wednesday, June 4, a select group of community leaders received an exclusive tour of North Liberty’s Centennial Park, currently under construction at 1565 St. Andrews Dr. The tour offered a preview of the park’s first phase, which includes the…

Northwestern Mutual named 2023 ‘Coolest of the Cool’ workplace

Since 1904, Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa has been providing Iowans with insurance and financial planning…

Kalvin Grabau Keele, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual Eastern Iowa speaks at 2023's Coolest Places to Work awards dinner, Nov. 30, 2023.

See the companies named 2023’s Coolest Places to Work

Each year the CBJ’s Coolest Places to Work award identifies and honors local companies that…

The winners of 2023's Coolest Places to Work pose for a group photo at the awards dinner, Nov. 30, 2023.

James Klein named CBJ’s Most Influential for the second consecutive year

James Klein has served as the president of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) since…

Lion Bridge Brewing Co. is bringing customization to event beverages

On any given day of the week, a local brewmaster can be found conceptualizing and…

Zombie Awakening Lion Bridge

Wright House of Fashion to host free workshop with Def Jam designer

Wright House of Fashion will host a free youth workshop focused on art, collage, fashion,…

Cey Adams

2023 Entrepreneur of the Year: Candice Luter

If you search Candice Luter’s name online you will find hundreds of images featuring intricate…

Candice Luter

The Corridor’s Fastest Growing Companies of 2023

I have only served as the CBJ’s managing editor for a short time, but it…

2023 Best of the Corridor

Within this post you will find the CBJ’s Best of the Corridor, a celebration of…

Best of the Corridor

Champions of Nature: Indian Creek Nature Center celebrates 50 years of growth

John Myers, executive director of Indian Creek Nature Center (ICNC) in Cedar Rapids, often contemplates…

Students taking part in Indian Creek Nature Center's Fresh Air Academy play in water on the center's land. CREDIT INDIAN CREEK NATURE CENTER

What advice would these four leaders give their younger selves?

Hindsight is 20/20, and it is also something young professionals who are just starting their…

Shea Kelly, Cari McCoy, Jennifer Bennett and Brandon Achen photographed at the Cedar Rapids Country Club by Brian Draeger of Draeger Photography. CEO

Rising through the ranks: How four Corridor leaders found themselves in the C-suite

Past experiences inform how leaders manage many different aspects of their companies. At Shive-Hattery, Clickstop…

Shea Kelly, Cari McCoy, Jennifer Bennett and Brandon Achen photographed at the Cedar Rapids Country Club by Brian Draeger of Draeger Photography. CEO

Celebrating this year’s Women of Influence

The 2023 Women of Influence are an inspiring group of community leaders who have each…

Women of Influence

2023 Women of Influence: Thais Winkleblack

Thais Winkleblack glances at a sticky note displayed in the corner of her computer monitor…

Thais Winkleblack

WATCH: Highlights from 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes

On April 13, the CBJ hosted its annual 90 Ideas in 90 Minutes event. As…

90 Ideas in 90 Minute

Residents benefit from Oaknoll music therapy program

At Oaknoll Retirement Residence in Iowa City, music is not a luxury. It is essential.…

Music therapist Meghan Ross interacts with a resident during a one-on-one music therapy session at Oaknoll Retirement Residence.