Technology Corridor

[cevec]

I think a good reason Waterloo isn't included is that the Iowa City half of the partnership, "Iowa City Area Development Group," probably wouldn't think they have much to offer them.

Iowa City brings healthcare and education to the table and Cedar Rapids brings more jobs. Waterloo is kind of unnecessary to add to the mix. I guess it is kindof random how big a circle they want to draw around each city as its "metropolitan area" and include or exclude Kalona from the Iowa City MSA, though.

BTW--I've got another gem to add to the corridor sights...Oakdale prison.

[zz4guy]

Originally Posted by DSMGuy

There are probably other places that could legitimately call themselves a tech corridor, but this is not one of them. I mean, compare this to the route between San Fran & San Jose.

As you drive along that you see Yahoo, a big Microsoft facility, Computer Associates, EA Games, Google, Webex and the list goes on and on. A true tech corridor.

You drive between IC and CR you see... North (or West?) Liberty (nice town), a lake, corn, more corn, truck stop, strip club, airport that bills itself as the airport of Eastern Iowa (CR airport) and a huge ethanol plant.

Small difference.

I don't think the intention was to brand it the Technology Coridoor of the USA. There's only like 350,000 people in the entire area.

But it is definitely the hot spot for high tech manufacturing/engineering in this state, if not the midwest.

I don't see why Waterloo is not included in the corridoor. The JD Prodoct engineering center is home to thousands of engineers and labs.

The technology coridoor was developed to attract people from Chicago and other Megalopolises that wanted to keep their high tech careers but live in an area without all the congestion and other crap that comes w/a big city.

[DSMGuy]

Some consultant is making out like a bandit. Google "technology corridor" and you'll see everyone and their dog is a "technology corridor." It is some off the shelf consultant's gimmickry.

[metro223]

Well, I guess I don't want to get into the topic of whether it's a wannabe or not - but I think if they are going to actually pursue that image seriously - Waterloo and Cedar Falls should be part of the shiny package.