The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance (CRMEA) has announced the 2024 BRAVO Award Winners and Community Spotlight recipients to be celebrated at this year’s upcoming “Good Morning Cedar Rapids!” event.
Now in its 33rd year, Good Morning Cedar Rapids! annually honors the role that small businesses and nonprofit organizations play in the local economy and community, as stated in a release from CRMEA.
This year’s BRAVO recipients include:
Almost Famous Popcorn
Almost Famous isn’t seeking fame, but rather a humble way for their kids to grow and gain business experience on their own — to “pop.” While their delicious popcorn delighted the people, it served as a defining moment for our younger generation. As they’ve continued to pop that delightful, delicious popcorn, their business has popped, too.
Altorfer Inc.
Altorfer Machinery Company was founded on Feb. 4, 1957, by the late Edward J. Altorfer. The mission of Altorfer is to live and work by Ed’s motto: “Tell it like it is.” It’s the only way to approach business when you represent a manufacturer whose name is synonymous with quality and integrity.
Bloomsbury Farm
Bloomsbury Farm was homesteaded in 1856. Dave Petersen, the 5th generation to take over the Farm, along with his wife Karen, started the agri-tourism business in 1994. Their daughters Jessica and Samantha are also both a big part of the business. In years since, it has served as a destination for thousands of Eastern Iowans each year who want to get away from city lights and take in a beautiful, living, breathing farm.
Rapids Wholesale Equipment Co.
Started in 1936, Rapids Wholesale Equipment Co. aims to be a one-stop shop for food service excellence. Rapids’ motto is: Creating, delivering, and maintaining exceptional food service spaces where communities come together. From bar & beverage supplies to commercial refrigeration and kitchen equipment, and janitorial supplies to restaurant furniture, they cover a wide spectrum of needs.
This year’s Community Spotlight Recipients include:
Uptown Marion Redevelopment
Uptown Marion and The City of Marion’s Master Plan’s mission is to drive continued revitalization, growth, and preservation of historic character through appropriate design, promotion, and economic strategies that improve the community. The Uptown Improvement Master Plan has been in the works for more than a decade.
Tanager LGBTQ+ Center
Tanager LGBTQ+ Center provides a safe and confidential environment for LGBTQ+ youth, families, and allies. Programs at the Center are diverse and include support groups, special art offerings, mentoring programs, Pride Café, community service, health initiative classes, parent workshops, financial literacy, tutoring, and career exploration.
Mirrorbox Theatre
Mirrorbox produces Iowa-premiere plays as dramatic reflections on contemporary culture. The company embraces practical theatricality within an intimate setting, illuminating new thinking through new writing that is relevant to our modern lives.
This year’s Good Morning Cedar Rapids! event will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 7-9 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Cedar Rapids Convention Complex. Hosts Clare Duffy & Eric Hanson of KZIA Z102.9, or “The Morning Scramble,” will entertain with the help of musical acts. Interested parties must reserve a table for 10 or an individual ticket before Nov. 1.
