On Episode #004 of the AREA Podcast, Jill Klindt, Chief Financial Officer of Workiva said, “If you’re not building something new, then you’re not growing. So, it’s really important to find the next thing.” I think about this often because it gets at the heart of what drives the Ames Regional Economic Alliance: forward momentum. Whether we’re talking about new companies, new ideas, or new partnerships, growth doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a willingness to think beyond what’s comfortable and a commitment to taking risks for the sake of progress.
At the Alliance, we’re fortunate to collaborate with leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are constantly building what’s next—new businesses, new ideas, and new ways of investing in our communities. Growth here is more than economic; it’s about creating places where people want to live, work, and play. That’s why I’m especially excited to share that we’ll soon be launching a new brand and website that reflects that vision. It’s more than a refreshed look—it’s a bold statement about who we are and where we’re going as a region.
What Jill said also resonates on a personal level. Building something new doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. Sometimes it’s about seeing familiar things in new ways, reworking what already exists to serve more people, or simply asking better questions. At the Alliance, we’re constantly evaluating how we can better support our communities—how we can amplify the voices of innovators and ensure the infrastructure is in place to sustain growth. That work is never finished, and that’s exactly what makes it exciting.
Very little in this world is static – communities and businesses in particular. You are either moving forward or falling behind. I can assure you that here at the Alliance we believe it is paramount that are moving forward, and we strive for that daily.
So, as we continue these conversations on the AREA Podcast (be sure to subscribe and listen) and across our region, I hope you’ll join us in this mindset. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, celebrating bold ideas, and supporting one another in the pursuit of what’s next.
