Affiliate Organizations.

The Ames Regional Economic Alliance has a long history of organizational partnerships across the area. These affiliate organizations serve a specific purpose and provide greater depth of service and programming to members. Learn more below about all of our affiliate organizations.

Ames Chamber of Commerce Logo

Ames Chamber of Commerce

Located in Ames, Iowa the Ames Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit corporation. With over 700 members, the Ames Chamber of Commerce strives to make Ames a better place to live, work, and do business by strengthening the economic vitality and the quality of life in the Ames community.

Ames Economic Development Commission Logo

Ames Economic Development Commission

The Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) stands ready to provide businesses with timely assistance in learning more about Ames and Story County as a first-class location for doing business. Whether it is site location assistance, packaging of financial incentives, or demonstrating an available workforce, you can rely on the AEDC team for all of this and more as you contemplate investment in new or expanding operations.

Ames Main Street Logo

Downtown Ames

We are the organization that serves the location known as Downtown Ames. 

Downtown Ames aspires to be a unique and vibrant destination to live, work, and play. As the historic focal point, Downtown Ames serves as a hub for art, culture, retail and entertainment for the entire Ames community.

Ames Main Street Farmers Market Logo

Ames Main Street Farmers' Market

Fresh fruits, veggies, meats & breads. Hand crafted goods. Family entertainment. The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market has it all! Located on the 300 and 400 block of Main Street, including the Tom Evans Plaza, the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market brings local food and fun to the heart of Ames. Discover something new every Saturday.

AREA Young Professionals

AREA Young Professionals, formerly FUEL Story County, was founded in 2002 as an affiliate organization of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. Our mission is to be transformative leaders enhancing quality of life through a community focused on leadership, growth, philanthropy, and social engagement.

AREA YP provides a forum for networking, professional development, and community partnerships. We seek to promote and preserve the businesses, attractions, and events that make our Central Iowa communities a great place to live, work, and play. We are committed to creating an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in our area.

Ames Seed Capital Logo

Ames Seed Capital

Founded in 1987, Ames Seed Capital is an equity based investment fund operated by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. The firm invests a pool of private capital for business start-ups or growth. These investments primarily focus on companies located in Central Iowa with high growth potential in the biotechnology, software, energy, and engineering sectors, but no sector is automatically excluded.

The Ames Foundation

The Ames Foundation serves as the catalyst for the identification and execution of projects that enhance the quality of life and create a greater sense of community among citizens. For more than 30 years, The Ames Foundation has sought out and raised money for both large and small projects to enhance the city including the creation of the Ames Miracle League Park, Ames Dog Park and more!

Nevada Economic Development Commission logo

Nevada Economic Development Council

The Nevada Economic Development Council (NEDC) has a robust history of working with both large and small business and industry, all choosing Nevada, Iowa as the place to grow. Nevada is centrally located and has a population of nearly 7,000 and a Regional Workforce Population of 684,890. Nevada has a great location for both rail and interstate transportation needs. With close proximity to Iowa State University, locating in Nevada offers a multitude of research and development opportunities.

Boone County Economic Growth Corporation Logo

Boone County Economic Growth Corporation

Boone County, Iowa is centrally located and has a population of nearly 26,000 and a Regional Workforce Population of 684,890. Communities in Boone County possess an enviable richness of highly productive and educated citizens as well as a diverse economic base of industrial, agricultural, educational, and service enterprises.