The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Morganne Dennis as its new Investor Relations Coordinator. “Morganne will be a great fit for our team at the Alliance,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Her professional experience and strong connections throughout the Ames…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance and partner organizations will be celebrating National Economic Development Week from May 4-8, 2026 to showcase the contributions of positive economic development and ongoing economic development projects in our communities. “Economic development is about creating opportunities that strengthen our businesses, communities, and quality of life,”…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance has been recognized with two awards from the Mid-America Chamber Executives (MACE), honoring excellence in chamber leadership, programming, and communications across the Midwest. Leading the recognition, President and CEO Dan Culhane was named Executive of the Year, one of MACE’s highest honors. The award recognizes a…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Baylie Janssen to the team as the new Client Services Coordinator. “We are pleased to welcome Baylie to the Alliance team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Her experience working directly with students, families, 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…
Piece & Freedom Bakery has quickly established itself as a distinctive addition to Downtown Ames. The Ukrainian-owned bakery recently marked its one-year anniversary and was honored as the Trailblazer of the Year by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. Together, those milestones reflect both the business’ early success and its growing…
In April 2026, Dan Culhane marked a milestone that few in economic development reach: 20 years leading one organization, one region, and one evolving vision for growth. When Culhane stepped into the role in 2006, the organization was known as the Ames Chamber of Commerce, with a focused footprint in Story County….
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance Business Advocacy Program focuses on educating and engaging members on key legislative issues and initiatives impacting the Ames region. Maintaining strong relationships with federal, state, and locally elected officials is a key tenet of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, and a service we are proud…
In communities like Story City, advanced manufacturing doesn’t always announce itself with fanfare. Oftentimes, it is found in the everyday moments of life like in the crinkle of a snack bag, the tear of a salad kit, or the resealable pouch of pet treats pulled from a pantry shelf. At…
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…
Magic Matt’s Cleaning didn’t begin with a flashy business plan or rapid-growth ambition. Instead, it started with a simple belief: people deserve a home and workplace they feel proud of and a service company they can truly trust. That belief, paired with a commitment to showing up and doing the…
There is something valuable about getting a group of community and business leaders out of their normal surroundings. We recently returned from our eighth Inter-City Visit, this time traveling to Athens, Georgia, with more than 30 leaders from across our four-county region. Every year, I’m reminded that these trips are…
One of the things I am most proud of about the Ames Regional Economic Alliance is the way our team continues to show up. Our staff is engaged in conversations, organizations, initiatives and projects across our region, and they continue to find new ways to lead and contribute. That commitment…
As July comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the conversations happening across our community. Last week, we shared an op-ed, We Owe It to Ourselves to Consider the Opportunity, regarding the possibility of a data center locating in Ames. I knew it might not be a universally popular position,…
As we close another productive month at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, I’ve been reflecting on the important role our organization plays in shaping the future of our region. Earlier this month, members of the Alliance team and regional partners joined Governor Kim Reynolds at the Iowa State Capitol as…
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…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is pleased to announce the participants who have been selected for Leadership Ames Class 39: Leadership Ames is a program of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance that offers the opportunity for participants to gain experience in civic leadership responsibilities and cultivate relationships with other local…
WEBSTER CITY, Iowa – The Hamilton County Growth Partnership is pleased to announce a major infrastructure investment that will support safety, mobility, and long-term economic vitality in Hamilton County. The 93-year-old Williams Overpass Bridge, located on R75 along the west edge of the City of Williams, will be replaced thanks to…
Discover Ames leads group providing initial notice to Ames City Council (AMES, Iowa – October 14, 2025) Discover Ames, in collaboration with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and local developers “The Away Team,” presented to the Ames City Council with initial plans for a state-of-the-art event and conference facility to…
Thirty31 Partners, a Huxley, Iowa based private equity firm with a focus on private business investments and real estate, has acquired Jerry Carney & Sons, Inc., a family-owned auto parts and recycling business in Ames, Iowa. Founded in 1956, Jerry Carney & Sons is a second generation operation known for…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is pleased to announce Sidney Hansen as its new Digital Marketing Specialist. In this role, Sidney will support the Alliance’s communications and outreach efforts by creating digital content and amplifying the organization’s mission across multiple platforms. “Sidney joins our organization at an exciting time, as we continue…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Harrison Swift as a new Director of Economic Development. In this role, Harrison will also serve as the Executive Director of the Boone County Economic Growth Corporation (BCEGC), where he will focus on advancing business retention and expansion, workforce development, and community growth for…
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,…
CrawDaddy Outdoors, a family-owned outdoor retail and adventure company with more than 20 years of experience serving northeast Iowa, is expanding to Central Iowa with a new location on Main Street in Ames. Known for Iowa’s largest selection of kayaks as well as outdoor gear, apparel, rentals, guided experiences, and…
The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) recently announced $35.9 million in workforce housing tax credits to support development in 36 counties across the state. The awards will fund 63 projects expected to create nearly 2,000 new residential units. “When families can find quality, affordable homes, they put down roots —…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance (Alliance) is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with the Greene County Development Corporation (GCDC). With this new strategic partnership, the Alliance will play a key role in strengthening the GCDC organization while taking another step towards expanding their regional economic development efforts across…
Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Shannon Thiele, Director of Workforce Development of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, was selected to participate in the twelfth cohort of its premiere business…
Research Funding Creates Jobs Bolsters Local Economies, & Protects our Nation’s Competitiveness Edge The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Business for Federal Research Funding (BFRF) Coalition, which currently includes over 70 chambers of commerce and business organizations in over 30 states across the…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Harrison Swift as a new Director of Economic Development. In this role, Harrison will also serve as the Executive Director of the Boone County Economic Growth Corporation (BCEGC), where he will focus on advancing business retention and expansion, workforce development, and community growth for…
Fellowship Provides State and Local Business Leaders with Opportunities to Engage Nationally on Critical Education and Workforce Issues The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced Shannon Thiele, Director of Workforce Development of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, was selected to participate in the twelfth cohort of its premiere business…
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…
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…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Travis Toliver to the team as Vice President and Executive Director of Ames Main Street (AMS). “We are excited to have Travis join our team and apply his knowledge and experiences to our downtown and the organization,” said Dan Culhane, President…
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…
Name, image and likeness — more commonly known as NIL — has rapidly become an integral part of collegiate athletics over the past couple of years. The adoption of NIL stems from a 2021 court case, and subsequent NCAA rules change, that allows student-athletes to monetize their personal brand and…
Lincolnway Energy, located between Ames and Nevada, celebrated the milestone of 1 billion gallons of ethanol produced in January 2023. Originally formed in May 2004, the plant started as a 50 million gallon per year dry mill ethanol plant. Today, it produces close to 95 million gallons of ethanol a…
Evie Peterson is a roll-up-her-sleeves type of entrepreneur who requires little sleep, a lot of coffee, and is not afraid to tackle the next big thing. Over the past 17 years, she has grown a successful catering business into a quintet of companies that has transformed Main Street Nevada. She is relentless…
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…
