Next month, May 8-12, we will celebrate Economic Development Week. It is a hallmark week for our organization as we pride ourselves on being a driving force of economic development for our region. In many ways, we have already started the celebration. If you follow our social media accounts, you…
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 City of Roland is to purchase the Availa Bank building at 120 N. Main Street to serve as the new Roland City Hall. Availa Bank announced it would be closing the Roland branch as of April 28, 2023. “After the 2020 derecho it was discovered that the current City…
Students from Boone and Ogden High School were able to attend the first “Innovate U” event at the Iowa State University Research Park on Thursday, March 30. Students had the opportunity to practice and expand their entrepreneurial skills, collaborate with mentors from the business community, and present their own business…
One of the three pillars that leads our work here at the Ames Chamber of Commerce is advocacy, or our ability to publicly support or privately recommend a course of action related to a particular cause. We want local businesses to succeed, and it is our responsibility, and honor, to…
I recently came to the realization that my job has changed. I still hold the title of President & CEO of our organization, but how I spend my time on any given week has shifted. I am not entirely sure when that happened, or necessarily how it happened, but I…
The City of Boone announces the availability of grant funding to support major home improvements and repairs to those that qualify. This grant program is designed to assist Boone homeowners in fixing up their homes. Funding partners include the City of Boone and the Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund (CIHTF). …
Who will be the next leader of the Ames Chamber of Commerce? It’s an odd question, but one that was proposed to me a few weeks ago by one of our board members. First and foremost, I have no plans to retire or move on from the work that we…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations is excited to announce the 2022 Annual Award winners. The award recipients will be honored at an event on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Prairie Moon Winery in Ames. Since 1987, the Ames Chamber of Commerce has recognized individuals and businesses who…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the participants who have been selected for Leadership Ames Class XXXVI: Leadership Ames is a program of the Ames Chamber of Commerce that offers the opportunity for participants to gain experience in civic leadership responsibilities and cultivate relationships with other local…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission are excited to introduce the 2023 Board Chairs for their respective Board of Directors. Reynolds Cramer will serve as the Board Chair for the Ames Economic Development Commission and Michelle Vogel will serve as the Board Chair for the Ames…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Commission is excited to announce our new 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Created by Ames Chamber of Commerce leadership, in collaboration with the executive members of each board of directors, the plan is designed to guide the organization, and affiliate organizations, for the next…
Every month, the Board of Directors for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance gathers for a Friday morning meeting that begins promptly at 7:00 a.m. Despite the early hour, the room is consistently full. These meetings bring together leaders from across our four-county region to hear updates, discuss emerging opportunities, and…
Leadership transitions are defining moments for institutions and communities alike. They are opportunities to reflect on the past while setting a renewed course for the future. Here in the Ames region, we are experiencing just such a moment with the appointment of Dr. David Cook as the next president of…
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,…
This April, I will celebrate 20 years as CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. Candidly, when I started in April of 2006, I envisioned staying five to seven years. But life happens. Kids grow up, schedules fill, and you learn quickly what you do not want to disrupt. Before…
As we wrap up the month, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most meaningful gatherings of the year to date for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance: our 2025 Annual Awards celebration. Since 1987, this event has served as more than a ceremony, but as…
As we close out another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of December’s highlights for our organization. If you attended our Annual Event earlier this month, I hope you enjoyed our keynote speaker, Valerie Grubb, an internationally recognized keynote speaker and author on leadership. I…
As we close out November, I’m reminded that this season naturally brings a sense of gratitude and we have much to be thankful for across the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. We’re in the season of many of our affiliate organizations hosting their annual events, giving us the opportunity to recognize…
As we near the end of another busy month, I’m reminded of a saying I used recently: “Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.” I’ve been told I have a lot of these sayings. I credit President Kennedy with this one, but it certainly applies to our organization and the momentum…
This past month has been another strong reminder of the incredible role Iowa State University plays in the life of our community and our regional economy. Few things highlight this better than the national attention Ames received when FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff show came to town for the Cy-Hawk football game. The…
Years ago, when I was only months on the job here in Ames, I held one of my first board meetings and timidly outlined a new direction for the organization. I was timid because I wanted to honor the amazing work that had already taken place while instilling new ideas…
I recently attended the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) annual conference in Philadelphia. It’s a conference that I attend often, as do others within our organization. The programming is always excellent, and it gives our team an opportunity not only to learn from others but also to reflect…
As a leader, I try to spend most of my time shining a light on the many positive things happening across our region. And truthfully, that’s easy to do—we live in a community filled with innovation, collaboration, and momentum. But the reality is, not everything we do succeeds. Failure is…
June 19, 2026 (Ogden, Iowa) – The City of Ogden has received a $274,000 Community Attraction & Tourism award to support the construction of Phase I of the Ogden Recreation Complex. Funding will support the first phase of a new park development featuring two Little League baseball fields complete with…
Professional Environmental Services for Brownfield Community-wide Assessment Grant The Ames Regional Economic Alliance, hereafter known as “Alliance” is soliciting qualifications and proposals for professional environmental services from qualified vendors (Respondents) to provide grant writing and environmental services to the “Alliance” with the needs outlined in the RFQP. The “Alliance” plans…
Community leaders, residents, and project partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of Southside Estates, a new residential subdivision by Keystone Equity Group LLC, in partnership with the City of Roland. Phase 1 of the development will include 18 residential lots as part of the project’s planned 54…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is proud to announce that the AREA Podcast has been honored with an Award of Excellence in the 32nd Annual Communicator Awards, the program’s highest distinction. The Communicator Awards recognize excellence, effectiveness, and innovation across all areas of communication. This year’s competition received more than 3,000 entries from agencies,…
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has awarded Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment grants to 39 manufacturers across the state, including three companies in Story County. Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Grant Recipients: The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program aims to enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in Iowa’s largest industry. The grants…
The Iowa Economic Development Authority today announced its support for a major business expansion project by Edible Garden AG Incorporated, approving a $2,660,000 incentive package through its Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program. The award, approved on April 17, includes $2,000,000 in Investment Tax Credits and $660,000 in Sales and…
The Webster City Gateway Industrial Park has officially been designated an Iowa Certified Site, marking a significant milestone for economic development in Hamilton County and the broader Central Iowa region. The achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the City of Webster City, Ames Regional Economic Alliance, Hamilton…
The City of Ames has been awarded a $500,000 planning grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, supporting the next phase of downtown transportation and infrastructure planning. The grant will fund planning and preliminary design work for the project titled “Multi-Modal Downtown Transit Hub in the City of…
The Boone County Economic Growth Corporation Board of Directors has announced the identification and optioning of 210 acres of land for future industrial development in the Boone community. This effort follows the 2024 announcement by Daisy Brand to construct a new manufacturing facility in Boone, an investment that will utilize…
The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market will expand its footprint for the 2026 season, growing into the 200 block of Main Street in Downtown Ames. The expansion reflects the continued momentum and popularity of the market, which has become a weekly destination for local food, artisan goods, and community connection. Last season, attendance…
The AREA YP Mentorship Program connects young professionals with business leaders in our community, fostering growth, guidance, and career development. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants gain valuable insights, expand their networks, and build the skills needed to succeed in their industries. 2026 Mentorship Pairings: (Mentee – Mentor) “Expanding from 15 to…
The City of Slater has approved an application for $100,0000 in support from their economic development revolving loan fund. These funds will support the renovation and establishment of a new business in an historic building in the community’s downtown. Home Kneads, LLC is a locally owned sourdough bakery dedicated to…
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…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is excited to welcome Elizabeth Ross to the team as Economic Development Coordinator. “Elizabeth will be a great addition to our team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Elizabeth’s skillset fits our team perfectly, and…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is excited to welcome Ronnie Olson to the team as the new Client Services Coordinator. “We are very excited to have Ronnie join our team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “It is easy to…
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…
This year’s Inter-City Visit to Lafayette / West Lafayette, Indiana, October 18-20, was an overwhelming success. This was the sixth Inter-City Visit that we have hosted, and each one has delivered on the purpose of learning from comparable communities. When selecting communities to visit, we always try to find those…
This past weekend, I walked my daughter Katie down the aisle and gave her hand to her husband (and my new son-in-law) Hugh. The ceremony and reception were perfect, and I could not be more proud of them as a couple. For some reason, I scheduled my annual physical examination…
I recently finished the book Fans First: Change the Game, Break the Rules, & Create an Unforgettable Experience by Jesse Cole. It was a book that was recommended to me by a colleague, and I must say it is an exceptional (and quick) read. Jesse Cole is the owner of the Savannah…
In July, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, known to all of us as RAGBRAI, once again visited Ames as an overnight stop. This was the 50th anniversary of the Iowa summer tradition and Ames has been part of it from the beginning. Ames was an overnight stop…
Building a Coffee Culture Windmill Coffee Roasters is quietly shaping a coffee culture across Central Iowa. Founded by Andrew Burgason, Windmill emerged from a family legacy of coffee excellence. Andrew’s father opened Burgies Coffee & Tea in 1997, but as Andrew recalls, the need for a dedicated roasting operation quickly…
Scott Johnson didn’t take a traditional route to leadership. He started at Manatt’s in 2009 as a general laborer on a concrete crew. Today, as General Manager of the Ames Asphalt Division, Johnson oversees a versatile team delivering complex construction projects across central Iowa. “I wasn’t someone who thrived in…
Lincolnway Energy, located just outside of Nevada, Iowa, has surpassed a major milestone, reaching 100 million gallons in annual ethanol production—double the output the plant was originally designed for. This achievement comes through ongoing capital investment, technological improvements, and a relentless focus on efficiency. Founded in 2004 as a 50-million-gallon-per-year facility,…
In the heart of Downtown Ames, nestled among the charm and bustle of Main Street, there’s a boutique that’s more than just racks of clothing and curated styles — it’s a reflection of one woman’s journey, her passion for fashion, and her devotion to community. Meet b.e.good, a boutique as…
On the south side of Ames, across 17 acres of innovation, stands a company quietly making waves in the world of water. Hach, a name recognized by scientists and engineers across the globe, started from humble beginnings—born in 1947 in a garage thanks to the vision of Clifford and Kitty…
For nearly a decade, Express Employment Professionals in Ames has helped local businesses find talent, and helped job seekers find opportunities. Specializing in both temporary and full-time staffing solutions, Express Employment Professionals and its Specialized Recruiting Group work to match job seekers with opportunities that align with their skills and…
Walk into Bluestem Boulders, and you’ll immediately feel the energy—chalk dust in the air, climbers eyeing their next move, and the hum of encouragement from all corners of the gym. This isn’t just a place to work out; it’s a place to belong. Since opening in 2024, Bluestem Boulders has…
As On Track Construction moves into its eighth year, CEO Matt Runge envisions not only continued business expansion but also a deeper commitment to supporting the community. “We like to give,” he says, “but more importantly, we want our contributions to make an impact.” On Track, which specializes in underground…
In the heart of Ames, Iowa, a group of entrepreneurs are reshaping the way communities engage with high school sports. Meet the founders of Bound, a company that’s become the go-to resource for tracking high school athletics in the state of Iowa and beyond. Through their innovative approach, Bound has…
Art Ciccotti’s journey into the world of glassblowing began with a passion ignited during his time at Iowa State University. Originally from Southern California, Ciccotti relocated to Ames, Iowa, where he pursued a degree in Art and Design with an emphasis in Art Education. It was at Iowa State that…
In the heart of Story City, Iowa, a quiet yet powerful force is driving the future of renewable energy. Generation Repair and Service (GRS), a NextEra Energy Resources facility, which is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, has been a cornerstone of the clean energy sector since its establishment in 2009….
This spring, Ames Main Street unveiled their transformative plan that aims to enhance its vibrancy and appeal. The “Downtown Ames: A Guiding Vision for the Future” outlines strategic improvements to position the area as a premier destination in central Iowa. “The guiding document is not a fixed plan, predetermined roadmap,…
