Alliance Events

Join us for the first local public showing of the short documentary film, Light Painter, on Monday, November 25 at the Ames Public Library.

Produced by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and directed by Eric Smidt, Light Painter offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Ames photographer, Dan McClanahan, creates some of his most Epic images. As one of the nation’s best photographers, as recognized by his peers, portfolio, and accolades, Dan has represented the United States on Team USA at the World Photographic Cup several times and has reached the top of the photographic industry. For an artist and business owner who could live anywhere in the world, he has chosen to make Ames his home. The 38-minute film has already been accepted to one film festival, the first of what we hope is many to come.

Join us for this unique storytelling opportunity from the Alliance that celebrates artistry and business. This event is free to attend. Watch the trailer online.

Sponsored by:

We will have a panel of speakers that are innovators from the Iowa State University Research Park!

More details coming SOON.

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, December 4

Time: 7:30-9:00am

Speaker: Lyndsey Fennelly with Overtime Gym

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.

Are you new to the Alliance or community?

Are you an early bird and like to get your day started with news and networking?

Are you looking for ways to get involved or meet new people, but after hours events just aren’t great for you?

Then this event is for you! 

This monthly Coffee Mingle is an opportunity to connect with other business owners, the Alliance, and community members in an informal setting over a hot cup of coffee. Learn about various topics, businesses, and the Aliance to get the day started off right!

This is a free, come-and-go as you please event with no registration required. 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 a cup of coffee!

Can’t make it this month? No worries! The Alliance hosts a variety of different events before and after work. Check out our calendar here! If you’d like to host one of our Mingles, contact Jan Williams at  jan@amesalliance.com or 515-232-2310, today.

Register today to take advantage of early bird pricing options! Prices increase after November 20.

Join us for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance Annual Luncheon, presented by Kruck Plumbing and Heating, to celebrate the end of 2024, featuring renowned keynote speaker John O’Leary! Known for his inspiring messages and powerful storytelling, John will share his journey of resilience and the importance of embracing life’s challenges with optimism.

Event is 11:00am-1:00pm and includes lunch. If you cannot stay for the entire event or cannot stay for lunch, a grab and go lunch will be available.

Seating is available as individual seats or in a group of 10. Purchase a group of 10 tickets and you will receive guaranteed group seating in the auditorium as well as a reserved table at lunch.

Please email Sarah or call 515-232-2310 with any questions. We look forward to having you join us!

About the Speaker:

In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in his parents’ book, Overwhelming Odds, in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world.

Today, John inspires tens of thousands of people at more than 100 live and virtual events each year. He partners with companies and organizations across industries, such as: sales, healthcare, safety, marketing, finance, faith, education and insurance.

Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had,” John’s tireless schedule is a testament to the power of his message. His emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each presentation unforgettable.

John is a two-time #1 National Bestselling author. His first book ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life has sold 250,000+ copies and been translated into 12 languages. IN AWE: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy was published in May 2020 and was a crucial message during an unprecedented time.

His comprehensive Live Inspired Coaching program provides long-term engagement and a genuine, collaborative approach that takes his message from inspirational to transformational inside organizations. John’s award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than 5 million downloads and enjoys world-class guests like Brené Brown, Mitch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Shawn Achor.

Regardless the professional accomplishments, John considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family.

2024 Annual Luncheon 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, December 11

Time: 7:30-9:00am

Speaker: Emily Dies with Clover & Hound

Facebook Live: www.facebook.com/1MCAmes

Thank You Sponsors!

Join us for our Building Inclusion Breakfast, formerly known as A Symposium for Building Inclusive Organizations, a partnership between the City of Ames, Iowa State University and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.

As we work to make Ames and Story County a more inviting place to live, work and do business, it is critical that we assemble programs like this to empower our members and the greater community. Local leaders who impact hiring, decision-making, organizational culture and environment are encouraged to attend this breakfast.

Our featured keynote speaker is nicci port. As a bonus to attending this event, nicci is offering a tailored post-event opportunity that could include individual consultation with institution’s main DEI leader, presentation/guided discussion with organization’s DEI committee/employee resource groups, or presentation for the organization and will be tailored to the needs of the requestor. This opportunity will be coordinated between nicci and each participating organization after the event.

Schedule of Events:
7:30am – doors open, breakfast served
7:50am – opening remarks, keynote speaker to follow
9:00am – event to conclude

Speaker bio: coming soon!

Sponsored by: