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The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Crystal Davis to the team as Executive Director of Ames Main Street (AMS). “Crystal understands what it takes to lead our main street organization because she understands Ames,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “For…
Earlier this week, the board of directors for the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission met together for a joint meeting. We annually have this joint meeting as a way to bring together the two parts of our organization for not only the business meeting, but a…
Pioneer Property Management and the City of Boone celebrated the groundbreaking of The Villas at Fox Pointe, located at the northwest corner of 22nd Street and P Avenue in Boone, Iowa, on Thursday, October 6, 2022. This groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of a two-phase, $19 million investment in Boone….
Greetings from the Ames Chamber of Commerce! For those in attendance, I hope you enjoyed listening to Brian Dieter, President & CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center, speak at our State of Healthcare event that took place on Friday, September 23. I know I did! He discussed a wide range…
The Iowa Finance Authority recently approved a senior housing tax credit project for the community of Boone. The $7.6 million new construction project will include 30 total units, all two-bedroom, for community members 55+ years of age. Twenty-seven of those units will be identified as affordable housing units while three…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2022 Inter-City Visit from August 17-19, where city and community leaders from Ames, Boone, and Nevada toured Marion, Cedar Falls, and Dubuque and met with their community leaders. “The purpose of the trip is to bring business, civic, and community leaders together to…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is excited to welcome Eric Smidt to the team as Vice President of Marketing & Communications.“I am excited that Eric decided to join our team here at the Ames Chamber of Commerce,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames…
Governor Kim Reynolds has recently announced eight recipients of the Iowa Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program. The Boone Community School District has been awarded over $410,000 to further expand their existing apprenticeship program. The Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Program is a new grant opportunity built on an innovative learning…
The Ames Economic Development Commission is pleased to announce that both the City of Boone and City of Collins have received funding for Downtown renovation projects. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded both cities with $100,000, respectively, for projects that will transform an underutilized building into new commercial and…
In March, the City of Ogden and Ogden Legacy announced that they were again partnering to provide homeowners the opportunity to apply for matching funds to make exterior improvements to their Ogden residences. In addition to funding for exterior work, the City and Ogden Legacy were successful in their efforts…
Recognizing the desire of Ogden to accelerate its housing interests, the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has come to an agreement with the City of Ogden for an enhanced level of support beyond those that would generally be expected. The agreement comes as a result of the City of Ogden’s…
The Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has entered into a contract of services with the Boone County Economic Growth Corporation (BCEGC). With the addition of this new contract, the Ames Economic Development Commission will now play a role in strengthening the BCEGC organization while building stronger partnerships across Boone County…
This fall, the hosts of the Discovery Channel’s show, “RV There Yet?” visited our region to record an episode for season four of their popular show. It’s a project that we had been working on for months, and it was an exciting week for our team when they were in…
I recently returned from northern Minnesota where I presented for two days at the Upper Midwest Economic Development Course. I’ve had the honor of presenting there several times over the years and it is always an event that I look forward to. Speaking to emerging economic development leaders from around…
Earlier this month, we announced that the hosts of the Discovery Channel’s popular show, “RV There Yet?” will visit the Ames area in early October to record an episode on our region. The show will feature local amenities in Boone and Story County, including the Rail Explorers in Boone, Reiman…
Earlier this month, I attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) annual convention, this year held in Dallas, Texas. It was wonderful to connect with colleagues from across the country and to take time to think about the work we do. As our new Ames Regional Economic Alliance…
Earlier this week marked a significant moment for our organization as we officially launched our new brand: Ames Regional Economic Alliance. The new brand is not just about a name and a logo, it is about a collective commitment to growth, collaboration, and prosperity across our three-county area. For over…
As we move into June, the summer season is officially here. For many of us, that includes entering the season of being busy. Gatherings with family and friends, weddings, and vacations, often get condensed into a three-month window of time. If you’re anything like us, when we get to the…
Earlier this month, it was announced that Daisy Brand, a Dallas, Texas-based company, is planning to build a new state-of-the-art, 750,000 square foot facility in Boone in 2024. The makers of cottage cheese and sour cream, Daisy is a national brand that had the choice to land anywhere across the…
In April, I will celebrate 18 years at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. This is not a date or time of year that I have marked on my calendar to celebrate, but as I was reminded of it recently, it provided an opportunity of reflection. My economic development career began…
Last year, we helped develop Build a Better Boone, a collaboration that brought together key organizations across the Boone community on a regular basis. The key entities include the City of Boone, Boone County, Visit Boone County, Boone Community School District, Boone Chamber of Commerce, and the Boone County Economic Growth…
Earlier this month, we recognized individuals and businesses who have shown exemplary service and commitment in their profession or in the community at our Annual Awards ceremony. This is a tradition that has continued since 1987, and it’s an event that I look forward to each year. This year’s awards…
Author Tommy Spalding was the keynote speaker at our Annual Luncheon event on December 5, 2023, held at Cornerstone Church. His message of servant leadership is one that resonates with me, and I was excited to hear him speak. Leadership is something that I think about often, always aspiring to…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to re-introduce our Community Cash program with a new logo and sponsor. Thank you, TS Bank! What is Community Cash? Community Cash is a local gift certificate that you can use at any participating business. There are currently 30 businesses across the Ames…
Stepping Stones Child Development Center is excited to announce the groundbreaking ceremony for its new $1.2 million childcare facility, which took place today in Slater. The new center aims to expand access to high-quality early childcare in the community and across the region offering a nurturing and stimulating environment where…
Last week, the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission took action to approve Revitalize Iowa Sound Economy (RISE) funding to support improvements to an existing roadway and for the construction of a new road to support the Daisy Brand and other growth in the community of Boone. The City of Boone…
Ringold Estates reached a key milestone this week as city leaders and Boone County Economic Growth Commission (BCEGC) representatives visited the project location to review the progress and discuss future plans. Josh and Heidi Walters are owners of Empire Realty, LLC. The ongoing development is set to transform the area…
As we approach the upcoming November vote on the Story County Water and Land Legacy Bond, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance wishes to express our strong support for this vital initiative. This bond will significantly enhance our community’s livability and environmental health by focusing on crucial projects that benefit both…
Boone, IA – [October 2, 2024] – Radicáto, a locally-owned meal prep business specializing in fresh, tasty, and healthy meal options, is excited to announce that it has received a combined $35,000 in funding to support the renovation of its new location at 812 6th Street. The funding comes from…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Katlyn Mock to the team as the new Client Services Coordinator. “Katlyn will be a great addition to our team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Katlyn’s background in hospitality, communications, and customer service will…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance hosted the 2024 Inter-City Visit from September 11-13, where city and community leaders from Boone, Hamilton, and Story County toured Fargo, North Dakota, and met with their community leaders. “The goal of the 2024 Inter-City Visit is straightforward,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of…
The City of Gilbert is proud to announce the grand opening of Steel Street that is not only providing another access point for community drivers but also to the brand-new light commercial park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Monday evening. This long-targeted business park, which spans almost ten acres,…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Brian Horn to the team as Director of Economic Development and Executive Director of the Boone County Economic Growth Corporation. “I am thrilled to have Brian join our team,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance….
August 20, 2024 (DES MOINES, IA) – Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced more than $37 million in workforce housing tax credits to develop housing across the state. The awards will support 62 housing projects that are expected to create more than 2,000 residential units….
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is pleased to announce that the City of Boone has received funding for 1003 Marshall Street located in north Downtown Boone. The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded Boone with $100,000, for a project that will transform an underutilized building into new commercial and residential space. The…
Greetings from the Ames Chamber of Commerce! For those in attendance, I hope you enjoyed listening to Brian Dieter, President & CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center, speak at our State of Healthcare event that took place on Friday, September 23. I know I did! He discussed a wide range…
This year, Burke Corporation in Nevada, Iowa, is celebrating 50 years as one of the leading manufacturers of customized crumbles and meatballs in the pizza industry. In 1973, Bill Burke, Sr., had a vision that has evolved into one of the premier economic development success stories of the region. The…
Imaging USA is the premier photography conference, trade show, and exhibit in the United States, attracting 10,000 professional photographers each year. Those in attendance attend classes to improve business and technical skills and learn from some of the nation’s leading photography professionals. This year’s event took place January 28-30 in…
The Collegian Theater was one place where Ames residents could find relief from hot summer temperatures in the late 1930s. Built in 1937 by Joe Gerbach’s Ames Theatre Company for $142,000, the Collegian is remembered for its art deco front, neon signs, glorious sounds and state-of-the-art lighting. The place was known…
Over the past nine years, Alluvial Brewing, located in north Ames, has developed over 100 unique blends of beer, and has evolved and positioned themselves as a social outlet for ale and lager enthusiasts, and music lovers. Elliot Thompson opened the brewery in March 2015, along with co-developers Jason Peterson…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Program focuses on educating and engaging members on key legislative issues and initiatives impacting the Ames MSA. Maintaining strong relationships with federal, state, and locally elected officials is a key tenet of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, and a service we are proud…
The Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center will break ground later this spring, bringing to Ames a facility that will meet the indoor swimming needs of the community. The new 38,900 square foot facility will be located on Lincoln Way, west of Grand Avenue, across from the Iowa Department of Transportation…
If your new year’s resolution is to hit the pavement more often to get in shape for that upcoming 5K, or simply with a renewed interest in getting back in shape, then you should get to know Seth Kilborn at Fitness Sports. “Our goal with Fitness Sports – Ames is…
The USDA National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) facility, located on Dayton Avenue and visible from Interstate 35, is at the center of livestock research, foreign disease diagnostics and vaccine/biologic regulation for the nation. The 523-acre campus includes 93 buildings and three separate yet intertwined governmental centers: USDA’s National Animal…
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County is in the final stages of a capital improvement campaign that will expand and modernize their current location. The $7 million project will add 7,500 square feet to the south of their existing building, as well as provide needed updates throughout the…
Todd & Sargent has specialized in design, engineering, and construction since 1933, and their name is synonymous as one of the early pioneers in the grain elevator construction business in Iowa. Since its founding, the company has become a recognized design, engineering, and construction leader in the food and ag…
The concept of an escape room is simple: challengers are locked in a room and need to discover clues, solve puzzles, and accomplish tasks in a set amount of time in order to escape from the room. No Escape Iowa offers three levels for challengers: easy, moderate, and hard. Jon…
Woodworking techniques combined with the latest trends and custom graphics is what created the DIY Board & Brush Creative Studio concept. Now with a location in Ames, Board & Brush wants to turn you into a DIY master by educating you to understand and appreciate the beauty of raw materials—the…
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