As we close out the month, I’ve had the opportunity to stand in a couple of very different places and be reminded that they are all part of the same story.
Recently, I joined partners at the ribbon cutting for the Advanced Magnet Facility at Ames National Laboratory. Not long after, I was on-site for the groundbreaking of a new 105,000-square-foot facility for Fareway Stores. One represents cutting-edge federal research. The other reflects long-term private-sector growth. Both are critical to our region’s future.
At the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, we often talk about building an ecosystem for economic development. That ecosystem includes Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, the Iowa State University Research Park, entrepreneurs, and established companies. When it’s working well, you see a continuous cycle where research leads to innovation, innovation leads to commercialization, and commercialization leads to jobs and investment.
The Advanced Magnet Facility is a strong example of where that cycle begins. The work happening there has national implications, particularly in areas like energy and advanced manufacturing. But just as important is the local impact where partnerships with industry, new business opportunities, and the ability to attract top talent to Central Iowa.
That kind of asset gives our region a competitive advantage few communities can match.
At the same time, projects like Fareway’s new facility remind us that economic development is also about supporting companies that have been part of our story for generations. Their continued investment here speaks volumes about the strength of this community and the confidence businesses have in growing here.
Confidence is what really connects these moments.
Confidence from federal partners to invest in research here. Confidence from companies to expand here. And confidence in the partnerships that make it all possible.
Much of economic development happens behind the scenes, but these milestones give us the chance to see that work in action. They are reminders that our region is not standing still.
Whether it starts in a lab or on a job site, the goal is the same: long-term impact for the people and communities we serve.