The Ames Regional Economic Alliance and affiliate organizations are excited to announce the 2025 Annual Award winners. The award recipients will be honored at an event on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Iowa State Memorial Union, presented by Northwest Bank.
Since 1987, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance has recognized individuals and businesses who have shown exemplary service and commitment in their profession or in the community. The Annual Awards represents the combined efforts of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, its affiliate organizations and regional economic development partners.
Join us in congratulating the 2025 Annual Award recipients:
Business of the Year
- Northwest Bank
Culture Award
- Continental Manufacturing Chemist
Trailblazer of the Year
- Shalika Khindurangala, Piece & Freedom Bakery
Community Project of the Year
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County
Entrepreneur of the Year
- Mike Schmid, Inside Golf & Games
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Business of the Year
- Wheatsfield Cooperative
AREA YP 4 Under 40
- Scott Henry, LongView Farms
- Grace Larkey, Chevron
- Stacey Negrete, Oak Lane Candle Co.
- Dr. Nash Stopko, Complete Connection Chiropractic
Economic Impact Awards
- American Packaging Corporation
- City of Webster City, Site Certification
- Critical Materials Recycling
- Dakota Supply Group
- Lincolnway Energy, LLC.
- Mary Ann’s Specialty Foods
- Strand Associates, Inc.
- United Equipment Accessories, Inc.
Ames Main Street Hero Award
- Nicole Rasmussen, First National Bank
Community Impact Awards
- Don Williams Recreation Area
- Northridge Village
- Oak Park Trail
- Ogden Commercial/Industrial Park
- Slater Sports Plex
- Story County Conservation
The Ames Foundation Volunteer of the Year
- Joni Kellen, Northwest Bank
Ambassador of the Year
- Matt Bohner, Magic Matt’s Cleaning
