Skip to Content

October 13, 2026 | Education

Bringing Business Leaders Together to Strengthen Community Connections

Inaugural Partners in Progress a Success

3 women

What happens when local business leaders come together to share ideas about building stronger workplaces and communities? At Matthew 25’s inaugural Partners in Progress event on October 7, the result was a meaningful afternoon of learning, conversation, and new ideas for community engagement.

group

Held at the Groundswell Event Center in Cedar Rapids, the event brought together business and community leaders to explore how companies can strengthen their workplace cultures while making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

Creating a Culture That Lasts

jamieJamie Meyers, Chief Operating Officer of Strategic Financial Solutions (SFS), brought an important perspective to the conversation: building a workplace culture that encourages employees to get involved.

Jamie shared how company culture develops through everyday decisions and interactions. From hiring and leadership to recognizing achievements, listening to employees, and giving back, each action helps shape the workplace experience.

Her message reinforced that a strong culture requires consistent attention and intentional choices. It’s something organizations build over time through the way they treat people and live out their values.

The thoughtful questions and discussion from attendees were among the afternoon’s highlights, creating opportunities to exchange experiences, explore challenges, and consider new approaches to corporate volunteerism.

Building a Community Brand Through Volunteerism

katieKatie Jensen of UFG Insurance shared insights on building a strong community brand through employee volunteerism. Drawing on UFG’s long history of community involvement, Katie highlighted how giving back benefits both the organizations receiving support and the employees who participate.

She offered practical ways businesses can encourage greater participation, including scheduling volunteer opportunities during slower work periods and offering flexible, drop-in activities that fit employees’ schedules.

Katie also emphasized the importance of recognizing employees who give their time. Whether through certificates, appreciation luncheons, or public acknowledgment, celebrating volunteer efforts helps reinforce a company’s commitment to community service.

Continuing the Conversationpeople

Another memorable moment came when attendees watched a video highlighting Transform 2026, Matthew 25’s annual neighborhood home maintenance and repair initiative. The video offered a moving reminder of the difference volunteers and community partnerships can make right here in Cedar Rapids.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make our first Partners in Progress gathering a success. Thank you again to Katie Jensen and Jamie Meyers for sharing their experiences and insights, and to everyone who attended and contributed to the conversation.

group

And this is only the beginning!

We look forward to hosting more Partners in Progress events, bringing local leaders together to share ideas, build relationships, and discover new ways to strengthen our community.

Have an idea for a future topic or presenter? We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected] with your suggestions and help shape our next Partners in Progress conversation.