SARIO Strengthens Economic Connections in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

With strong Slovak and Czech heritage, Cedar Rapids, Iowa is both proud of its past and focused on its economic future. Once home to a large Slovak immigrant community, the city today honors that legacy through institutions like the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and an enduring sense of connection to Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Cedar Rapids is not just a cultural touchpoint – as Iowa’s second-largest city, it is a leader in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and biotechnology and food processing industries. It is home to the world’s largest cereal mill (Quaker Oats), major yeast and ethanol producers, and increasingly, a growing presence in the AI and data center industries. This combination of heritage, infrastructure, and forward-looking industry makes the city of Cedar Rapids and the state of Iowa strategic partners for Slovak companies looking to build ties and grow in the U.S. market.

SARIO, represented by Special Representative to the U.S. Vladimír Lackovič and FDI Consultant Kristína Krajčírová, traveled to Cedar Rapids for a multi-day series of business-focused events. The centerpiece was the Economic Summit 2025, hosted by the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) in partnership with government, academic, and business institutions from the U.S., Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

At the summit, Vladimír Lackovič presented Slovakia’s business landscape, highlighting its strong innovation ecosystem, skilled workforce, and strategic location as a European entry point for American investors. The message, previously shared in Austin, San Francisco, New York City, Boston, and Chicago, resonated strongly in Cedar Rapids – a city actively investing in its future.

Slovak companies including Sparring, Supercity AI, Talent Square, and Touch4IT participated in the Summit and related events, connecting with Iowa’s business community to explore partnerships and industry opportunities. In addition to the main forum, they joined a private VIP dinner hosted by one of Cedar Rapids’ leading business figures and attended a reception at the residence of Dr. Cecilia Rokusek, Honorary Consul of Slovakia and CEO of NCSML.

SARIO also met with Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell and regional trade and economic leaders to discuss shared priorities in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, the food industry, and the fast-growing data center sector. With major new projects from Google and QTS totaling over $1.3 billion, Cedar Rapids is quickly becoming a data center hub for the Midwest. This presents valuable opportunities for collaboration with Slovakia’s expanding AI and digital infrastructure sectors.

Looking ahead, SARIO will continue working with partners in Iowa to deepen ties through future meetings, business missions, and investment initiatives. With a shared history and aligned economic goals, the foundation for meaningful Slovak-American business partnerships in the Midwest is strong.