Corridor 'Jelly' planned Thursday at Kirkwood Center

The Iowa City Area Development Group, in partnership with COWRK Iowa City, the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Entrepreneurial Development Center and Kirkwood Community College, are hosting the first “Corridor” Jelly from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19,  in the Atrium of the Kirkwood Center.

Jellys are casual co-work sessions that combine creativity and productivity.  Past participants include entrepreneurs, freelancers, designers, developers, writers, and those working online. 

Anyone who can work remotely is welcome at the Jelly for fresh ideas and a change of pace.

The environment encourages collaboration, discovery and productivity according to Mark Nolte, director of business development for the ICAD Group. 

"Each month is unique, but overall we are seeing great connections being made and collaboration among workers and companies in our area," Nolte said.

There is no fee and no set agenda.  Coffee, wireless Internet access and electrical outlets are provided free of charge.

"This is our first regional endeavor and we are encouraged to see ideas connecting between communities along the 380 Corridor," Nolte said. "We hope to see full-time co-working facilities set up in both communities soon."

The Kirkwood Center is located at 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW in Cedar Rapids.  Parking is free and available in the lot south of the building.

Jellys started in New York City in February 2006 when two roommates, who missed the camaraderie of a traditional office, invited others to share their apartment as a workspace.  The aim was to create a creative environment that provided brainstorming, idea sharing, and conversations. 

Since then, Jellys have been held throughout the United States and all over the world.