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…
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…
For more than 50 years, Mary Ann’s Specialty Foods has blended tradition, innovation, and family leadership into a nationally recognized meat business rooted in Webster City. Founded by William “Bill” Korleski in the early 1970s, the company began as a small-town operation built on expertly seasoned and smoked meats. Today,…
At Northwest Bank, community engagement is not a side initiative; it is central to how the bank operates. In Ames, that commitment is reflected through consistent leadership, meaningful volunteerism, and an intentional investment in people and places. Honored as the 2025 Business of the Year, Northwest Bank continues to stand…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to announce Ronnie Olson as the new Executive Director of Ames Main Street (AMS). Olson previously served as Investor Relations Coordinator for the Alliance and has been with the organization since 2024. “Ronnie has a passion for Downtown Ames that is perfect for…
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,…
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…
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…
At an event held December 3, the City of Nevada and the Nevada Economic Development Council celebrated the official start of construction on the Sierra Heights neighborhood with a “snow (ground) breaking event”. In comments made at the event, Mayor Condon extended his gratitude for the investment to be made…
At an event held on December 3, the City of Boone, Boone County Chamber of Commerce and Boone County Economic Growth Corporation joined Kading Properties in celebrating the official opening of the Kate’s Landing neighborhood with a ribbon cutting event. In comments made at the event, Mayor Eli Stines stated,…
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…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to announce Ronnie Olson as the new Executive Director of Ames Main Street (AMS). Olson previously served as Investor Relations Coordinator for the Alliance and has been with the organization since 2024. “Ronnie has a passion for Downtown Ames that is perfect 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…
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…
On any given weekend, people will arrive at The Slater Station in Slater, Iowa, by car, bicycle, or the preferred method of a golf cart, to enjoy the outdoor atmosphere, conversation amongst friends, and a cold one. This summer, the bar celebrated its one-year anniversary of selling drinks in a…
Iowa State University (ISU) was recently named the #1 Entrepreneurial University of the Year for the Americas by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities. This latest recognition of Iowa State’s entrepreneurship program is the third national or international award in as many years and is the result of…
In 1996, Anne Taylor and Roger Ossian launched A & R Marketing, a custom screen printing and embroidery company, located in Campustown. For the past 27 years, they have served the business and Iowa State community with apparel marketing needs. Thinking back to those early days, Ossian said “the company…
In 2022, YSS, focused on creating hope and opportunity by putting kids first, launched its Ambassador Program with Gabe Kalscheur as their first-ever YSS Ambassador. Kalscheur, a member of the Iowa State men’s basketball team at the time, engaged in volunteer activities such as helping at the local YSS youth…
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…
