Alliance Events

Join us for the 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Annual Awards Celebration, recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of our local businesses and community leaders! This special evening will honor the award winners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to economic growth and innovation in the Boone, Hamilton and Story County region.

Individuals, Organizations and Companies will be recognized in the following categories:

• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Business of the Year
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Community Impact Project of the Year
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Culture Creator Award
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Economic Development Volunteer of the Year
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Housing IMPACT Award
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Entrepreneur of the Year
• 2024 Ames Main Street Hero Award
• 2024 Ames Main Street Board Chair
• 2024 AREA YP Advisory Council Chair
• 2024 AREA YP 4 Under 40
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Economic Impact Award
• 2024 Ames Main Street Business of the Year
• 2024 Ames Foundation Board Chair
• 2024 Ames Foundation Influence Award
• 2024 Boone County Economic Development Corporation Board Chair
• 2024 Nevada Economic Development Council Board Chair
• 2024 Ames Regional Economic Alliance Ambassador of the Year
• 2024 Ames Chamber of Commerce Board Chair
• 2024 Ames Economic Development Commission Board Chair

Join Us for the 2025 Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast!

Start the new year off right by connecting with key legislators, community leaders, and fellow business professionals at the 2025 Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast. This important event marks the beginning of the 2025 legislative session and serves as a prime opportunity to discuss vital issues impacting our community, businesses, and region.

This event is an essential gathering for anyone invested in the future of Story, Boone and Hamilton Counties. Whether you are a business owner, community leader, or advocate for regional development, the Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast is an event you won’t want to miss. Together, we can make a positive impact on our local and state legislative efforts, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation. RSVP today and join us for an engaging and impactful morning at the 2025 Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast!

Invited Legislators:

State Senators

• State Senator Jesse Green, District 24 (Confirmed)
• State Senator Herman Quirmbach, District 25 (Confirmed)
• State Senator Kara Warme, District 26 (Tentative)
• State Senator Dennis Guth, District 28 (Confirmed)

State Representatives

• State Representative Chad Behn, District 48 (Confirmed)
• State Representative Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, District 49 (Tentative)
• State Representative Ross Wilburn, District 50 (Confirmed)
• State Representative Brett Barker, District 51 (Confirmed)
• State Representative Shannon Latham, District 55 (Confirmed)

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the newly expanded Ames History Museum! Learn more about the museum’s history, collections, and programs. Tour the beautifully restored Ames Pantorium building, go behind the scenes through the collections vault, and spend some time viewing exhibits in the new galleries. Registration for this event will be available in the coming months.

Every week, entrepreneurs and small businesses present ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth. Your local 1 Million Cups (1MC) community gives you the opportunity to refine your elevator pitch to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support.

Date: Wednesday, January 15

Time: 7:30-9:00am

Speaker: Robbyn Anand with Coltie, Inc

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/1MCAmes

Thank You Sponsors!

Come join us for Business After Hours!

If you’re new to the area or the Alliance, we’d love to meet you! Grab a friend or coworker and join us for drinks and appetizers. Business After Hours is a free, come and go as you please, event designed to help community members build relationships with other Alliance members and business owners.

These evening receptions are hosted monthly by member businesses as a great opportunity to network with others across the community. As an Alliance member there is no fee to attend.

Every week, entrepreneurs and small businesses present ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth. Your local 1 Million Cups (1MC) community gives you the opportunity to refine your elevator pitch to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support.

Date: Wednesday, January 22

Time: 7:30-9:00am

Speaker: TBD

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/1MCAmes

Thank You Sponsors!

Every week, entrepreneurs and small businesses present ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth. Your local 1 Million Cups (1MC) community gives you the opportunity to refine your elevator pitch to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support.

Date: Wednesday, January 29

Time: 7:30-9:00am

Speaker: Kari Romero with Visiting Angels

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/1MCAmes

Thank You Sponsors!

You are invited to the Ames Regional Economic Alliance Annual Economic Outlook Breakfast, presented by Friedrich Iowa Realty!

We are excited to welcome Robin Anderson, State Chief Economist at the Iowa Department of Revenue, as our speaker. Join us at the ISU Alumni Center as we forecast the local, state and regional opportunities, challenges and economic trends, and how they affect the AREA business community. Space is limited, so register today!

About the speaker:

Robin Anderson is the State Chief Economist at the Iowa Department of Revenue.

Robin started working for the Iowa Department of Revenue in March 2020 as the State Chief Economist and Division Administrator for the Research and Policy Division.  In her role as Division Administrator, she oversees the Policy section, who lead and drive tax policy administration within the Department. She also oversees the Research team. The Research Bureau produces fiscal estimates, reviews and administers tax credits, and produces economic and tax forecasts for the Revenue Estimating Conference. In her role as State Chief Economist, Robin oversees revenue and economic forecasting provided to the Revenue Estimating Conference. Robin also provides counsel on the Iowa, U.S., and global economy to the executive branch including the Governor’s office, meeting with the Governor and providing briefings.

Robin worked at Principal Financial Group as a senior economist, reporting to the Chief Global Economist from 2011 and 2020.  Prior to that, she worked as an economist at the U.S. Census.

She received her Ph.D. in economics in 2008 from the University of Washington in Seattle and a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2002 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In her role at Principal Financial Group, Robin did a variety of print interviews for news agencies including Bloomberg, CNBC, and the Wall Street Journal.

2025 Economic Outlook Breakfast Sponsors

CALLING ALL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS!

Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®!

The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.

WHY CIVICS?

The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Iowa and celebrating our civic pride.

HOW TO ENTER

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Iowa with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. All essays must be submitted by Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.

Students should review the Contest Rules and Essay Guide below and then apply using the following link: 2025 National Civics Bee® Application Link.

RESOURCES/ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Essay Guide
• National Civics Bee® Highlights Video
• National Civics Bee® Website
• 2025 National Civics Bee® Contest Rules – Essay Round

LIVE EVENT INFO 

• April 11, 2025 at 9:00am
• Ames Regional Economic Alliance, 304 Main Street, Ames, IA 50010
• Third prize – $125
• Second prize – $250
• First prize – $500

Every week, entrepreneurs and small businesses present ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth. Your local 1 Million Cups (1MC) community gives you the opportunity to refine your elevator pitch to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support.

Date: Wednesday, February 5

Time: 7:30-9:00am

Speaker: Robert Sheets with Becon Beacon Enterprises

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/1MCAmes

Thank You Sponsors!