The Alliance Ambassador Program consists of energetic Alliance Investors that volunteer and donate their time and talents to assist in our mission to provide services that strengthen the economic vitality in the Ames AREA and enhance the quality of life in our community.
The mission of the Alliance Ambassadors is to promote commitment, engagement and relationship building by raising awareness of Alliance activities, benefits, and resources across the AREA.
Ambassador Program Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsor:
Ambassadors serve as advocates by promoting the organization’s mission and the benefits of membership. They help raise awareness about available resources, services, and opportunities while encouraging others to get involved and support the organization’s initiatives.
Acting as a bridge between the organization and its members, ambassadors help communicate the organization’s values, goals, and initiatives. They represent both their own businesses and the organization, reinforcing a sense of community and mutual support.
Ambassadors ensure that members feel valued and supported by guiding them through the organization’s offerings. They help answer questions, provide insights into available resources, and facilitate communication between members and staff, ultimately enhancing the overall membership experience.
Ambassadors attend and assist at key events such as ribbon cuttings, Business After Hours, Coffee Mingles, and networking gatherings. They help create a welcoming environment, introduce new members to existing ones, and contribute to the success of events by fostering positive interactions.
Ambassadors connect with both new and existing members to create meaningful relationships. They serve as friendly points of contact, helping businesses and individuals expand their networks, share opportunities, and collaborate within the community.
Ambassadors play a key role in encouraging members to actively participate in events, programs, and initiatives. By fostering engagement, they help strengthen connections within the organization and ensure members take full advantage of available opportunities.
Matt Bohner
Magic Matt’s Cleaning
Jessie Borkowski
Century 21 Signature Real Estate
Luke Borst
Northridge Village
Bonnie Brown
South Story Bank & Trust
Jared Bravard
First National Bank
Nic Bulver
Chevron
Lenny Crouse
Lenny The Payroll Guy
Jack Currans
Bound
Morgan Dalbeck
Saltech Systems
Heather Fischer
The Community Academy
Sarina Flathers
Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County
Jared Gescheidler
AssuredPartners
Grace Griffin
Hunziker & Associates, Realtors
Angela Harms
Iowa State University
Kyle Hauswirth
Ames National Corporation
Kelli Hecker
TS Bank
Jason Jennings
Friedrich Real Estate
Sue Johnson
Northwest Bank
Rachael Karriker
Mary Greeley Foundation
Joni Kellen
Northwest Bank
Nathaniel Kuhn
Northwest Bank
Keith Lamfers
Casey’s
Amy Lang
MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union
Paul Livingston
Hunziker & Associates, Realtors
Leah Locke
Iowa SBDC
Tom Mortice
Availa Bank
Melissa Muschick
Discover Ames
David Nelson
First National Bank
Sumit Patel
TS Bank
Dan Runyon
Titan Roofing and Exteriors
Ryan Santi
Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County
Dorothy Schumer
Perfect Games Inc.
Kim Schilling
Bethany Life
Dan Siegfried
Farm Bureau Financial Services
Pete Smith
Lutheran Church of Hope
Nash Stopko
Complete Connection Chiropractic
Thanasy Telios
US Bank
Kevin Trana
Cyclone Contracting
Lydia Thyng
Heuss Printing
David Tucker
First Interstate Bank
Daryle Vegge
Story County Community Foundation
Barb Vincent
Ames Christian School
Justin Witek
First Interstate Bank
John Worley
AssuredPartners
Chris Zook
Zook’s Look, Inc.
The Ambassador of the Year Award honors an individual whose outstanding dedication to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance reflects the values of a true team player—someone who consistently goes above and beyond in service to our members and the broader business community.
If you’ve attended an Alliance event this year, chances are you’ve met Matt Bohner. His friendly, approachable nature and genuine interest in others make him a standout ambassador for both our organization and the Ames region. Matt shows up, engages fully, and ensures everyone feels welcomed and connected.
Through his consistent involvement and natural ability to bring people together, Matt strengthens relationships, builds community, and creates positive impact across the region. His efforts help the Alliance—and our region—thrive.
It is with great pride and appreciation that we honor Matt Bohner as the 2025 Ambassador of the Year. Congratulations, Matt, and thank you for your unwavering commitment and support.
“I joined several years ago as a way to continue to meet and connect with others in the Ames area. I’d gone to several different ribbon cuttings earlier in the year and referred into the program through a new connection. The Ambassador program opened the door for me to better engage with business owners and community leaders. It’s a great facilitator in connecting and celebrating businesses across the region.
I’d encourage others who are looking to become more engaged in the community to consider the Ambassador program. It’s a low commitment way to learn more about what goes on in the community and be an advocate for the Alliance.”
“I’m a long-time member of the Ames business community and found that joining the Ames Alliance Ambassador Program a great way to get to meet business leaders and learn more about their businesses.
I would encourage anyone interested in getting more involved with meeting business leaders to join the Ambassador program. Some of the activities the Alliance use that I find helpful are ribbon cuttings for new and existing businesses, and the monthly business after hours.”
Contact Ronnie Olson
Coordinator, Investor Relations
ronnie@amesalliance.com
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