Local employers in Cedar Rapids and the Corridor announced a string of hires, promotions and board appointments this week, plus the opening of a pair of independent retail businesses in Marion that could draw shoppers from across Linn County.
New staff and leadership changes across the Corridor
Financial and professional services firms added experienced staff to their ranks. Ohnward Bank & Trust named Chris J. Oberbroeckling senior market investment officer; he is joining the Marion branch after more than 20 years with Farm Bureau Financial Services in Marion. Informatics Inc. brought on Matt Hacker as senior marketing strategist. Midwest Equity added two in-house legal roles: Mackenzie Main as legal counsel and Lorelle Lindo as general counsel.
Promotions and arts board appointments
Think Iowa City promoted Kylee Stock from director of special events to director of marketing & communications; Stock has worked at the organization since 2022. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art announced four new board members for its fiscal year: Kathy Good, Kara Hinzie, Lyz Lenz and Tara Moorman Benson. Their backgrounds include nonprofit leadership, consulting, journalism and the visual arts.
- Chris J. Oberbroeckling — Ohnward Bank & Trust, senior market investment officer (Marion branch)
- Matt Hacker — Informatics Inc., senior marketing strategist
- Mackenzie Main — Midwest Equity, legal counsel
- Lorelle Lindo — Midwest Equity, general counsel
- Kylee Stock — promoted to director of marketing & communications, Think Iowa City
Small-business milestone on Sixth Avenue in Marion
Two independently owned businesses sharing a stretch of Sixth Avenue in Marion — Cedar Witch Goods and Familiar Cat Café — will hold a joint grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 25. The daylong event is open to the public and will include activities, tastings, door-prize registration and a fundraiser benefiting the Iowa Humane Alliance.
| Business | Address | Hours for grand opening |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Witch Goods | 945 Sixth Ave. | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Familiar Cat Café | 935 Sixth Ave. | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Cedar Witch Goods previously operated a stall at NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids for two years before moving into a larger retail space on Sixth Avenue. The Familiar Cat Café will open its doors for the first time and will offer visitors the chance to spend time with adoptable cats during the event.
Taken together, these announcements reflect steady turnover and modest growth in the Corridor's small-business and professional sectors. Financial institutions and tech-adjacent firms continue hiring experienced staff, arts organizations are refreshing their leadership, and Main Street–style retail is expanding with new retail concepts and animal-adoption partnerships that aim to draw local customers.
