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.
Jeremy Arends
Central State Bank
Matt Bohner
Magic Matt’s Cleaning
Jessie Borkowski
Century 21 Signature Real Estate
Luke Borst
Northridge Village
Blake Bosley-Bohner
Poo Fighters
Rachael Branson
Steamway Craftsmen Cleaning Services
Bonnie Brown
South Story Bank & Trust
Jared Bravard
First National Bank
Nic Bulver
American Packaging Co.
Lucia Carlson
Ames Public Library Friends Foundation
Lenny Crouse
Lenny The Payroll Guy
Jack Currans
Bound
Morgan Dalbeck
Saltech Systems
Taylor Dulaney – Spark by Hilton
Heather Fischer
The Community Academy
Sarina Flathers
Boys and Girls Clubs of Story County
Jared Gescheidler
AssuredPartners
Danielle Gibson
Century 21 Signature Real Estate
Grace Griffin
Hunziker & Associates, Realtors
Angela Harms
Iowa State University
Kyle Hauswirth
Ames National Corporation
Kelli Hecker
TS Bank
Shelby Hennager
Wings of Refuge
Lydia Hill
Wings of Refuge
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
Sarah Narotam – Farm Bureau Financial Services/Siegfried & Associates
David Nelson
First National Bank
David Orth
Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County
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
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
Beth Westercamp – Studio 192 and CO
Justin Witek
South Story Bank & Trust
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.
“Being part of the Ambassador Program has been incredibly rewarding. It’s an excellent opportunity to network, learn, and build genuine connections with local leaders and businesses while actively supporting the continued success of our community.”
“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.”
Serving as an Ambassador gave me the opportunity to consistently engage with like-minded professionals who share a genuine commitment to supporting one another and strengthening our community. The regular interaction fosters meaningful relationships that go well beyond networking — it creates an environment where members actively look for ways to connect each other, grow businesses, and provide value to the broader community.
I chose to join the Ambassador Program because I believe strong communities are built through intentional relationships and servant leadership. I would strongly encourage others to get involved because the program provides a unique platform to expand your professional network, deepen community ties, and play a direct role in helping others succeed. The personal and professional impact of those connections is powerful and lasting.
“When I joined the Ambassador program, I was already attending Business After Hours and other events to grow my network and meet people.
When I was asked to be an Ambassador I said yes! I have continued to be an ambassador because I want to support the business owners and communities around me.
I think anyone that wants to meet people, support the community or just have something fun to do, should consider becoming an ambassador.”
“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 Morganne Dennis
Coordinator, Investor Relations
morganne@amesalliance.com
