Menu
In many ways, the origin story of Saltech Systems, a full-service technology agency located in Ames, began in Pakistan when Salman Maqsood was 13 years old. “Hailing from a family of physicians while growing up in Pakistan, it was understood that I will follow the family tradition,” said Maqsood. “But…
Colorbiotics, a Sika Company, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, has been innovating products that enhance the beauty of homes, businesses, parks, and athletic facilities for more than 30 years. In short, they are the industry leader in the science behind landscape and concrete colorant and equipment. Kent Rotert serves as Vice…
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…
Mark Speck, owner of Speck Plumbing, Inc., has been an active part of the development of Ames for over 50 years. “I grew up in Ames north of 24th Street and Highway 69,” said Speck. “Our family farmed the area that is now occupied by North Grand Mall and Northwood…
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…
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…
FUEL Story County, the young professional’s organization and an affiliate organization of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, has officially rebranded as AREA Young Professionals. “Our young professional organization has seen a lot of growth in recent years, and this rebrand is another exciting step in our efforts to build young,…
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 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…
The City of Boone, Boone County, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Fareway Stores, Inc., celebrated the opening of the Iowa 17 overpass with a ceremony on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. The Iowa DOT constructed the overpass to improve driver safety and traffic flow in the area by allowing traffic to…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce promotions for two team members: Steven Lawrence and Sarah Dvorsky. As Director of Marketing, Steven Lawrence will support the marketing efforts for the Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations. Lawrence has been with the Ames Chamber of Commerce for over…
A new hardware store in Madrid, True Value, is expected to open this spring. Stacey and Jesse Bannor have been business owners for over a decade, launching Bannor Toys in Des Moines back in 2011. After moving their growing business to Madrid in 2016, the Bannor Family has not only…
The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is excited to welcome Shannon Thiele to the team as Director of Member Retention & Affiliate Programming. “Shannon is a wonderful addition, and the right fit, for our Ames Chamber of Commerce team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the…
Kruck Plumbing & Heating, a company that has been serving the needs of the local community in Central Iowa since 1941, has opened a new facility along Highway 30 in Boone. “As an organization we are excited about the opportunities that will come with this new facility,” said Chad Houston, President…
SmartAsset ranked the Ames MSA as the #1 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing. The 2022 ranking analyzed nearly 400 metro areas across topics such as manufacturing employment, income, and cost of living. Local manufacturing can provide high wage jobs, be essential for innovation, help reduce the national trade deficit…
All Iowa Homes, Inc. headquartered in Boone has initiated construction on two homes in the community of Ogden. These homes will feature three bedrooms, two bathrooms, attached garages, and either finished or unfinished basements. The square footage on the homes range from 1,360 –2000 square feet. All Iowa Homes builds…
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…
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….
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…
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…
The President & CEO role of many organizations must look at the “big picture,” or serve as the visionary leader. Part of that is focusing on the culture of the organization, establishing and maintaining relationship with stakeholders, putting into place a strong team, and moving forward the big rocks that…
Every other month, we have an all-staff meeting where we get together for lunch, laugh on a personal level, and cover a variety of business along the way. Even though we see each other on a weekly basis, these meetings are great ways for us to connect, provide updates, and…
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…
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…
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…
An end of year message can be challenging because it always aspires to condense the year that was, which is impossible. Therefore, I will not attempt to summarize the past twelve months, but rather talk about how our organization connects with our community as we move into 2023. I have…
In leadership, the axiom goes that “you’re only as good as your team.” In my career, I have grown to appreciate and understand how true this is. This week, we welcomed two new members to our Ames Chamber of Commerce team. I am incredibly excited to see what they will…
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…
In many ways, the origin story of Saltech Systems, a full-service technology agency located in Ames, began in Pakistan when Salman Maqsood was 13 years old. “Hailing from a family of physicians while growing up in Pakistan, it was understood that I will follow the family tradition,” said Maqsood. “But…
Colorbiotics, a Sika Company, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, has been innovating products that enhance the beauty of homes, businesses, parks, and athletic facilities for more than 30 years. In short, they are the industry leader in the science behind landscape and concrete colorant and equipment. Kent Rotert serves as Vice…
Mark Speck, owner of Speck Plumbing, Inc., has been an active part of the development of Ames for over 50 years. “I grew up in Ames north of 24th Street and Highway 69,” said Speck. “Our family farmed the area that is now occupied by North Grand Mall and Northwood…
“The future of Agriculture is not about blindly throwing increasingly expensive inputs and precious resources at our food, fiber, and now fuel production,” said Roger Underwood during this keynote presentation at the 2024 Agriculture Breakfast event. “The future of agriculture is borderless and global,” as he provided a worldly perspective…
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…
This spring, the City of Ames prepared an Urban Revitalization Area (URA) designation to include a plan for incentivizing construction of new housing. The Council action form stated that “expanding housing options with the community is both desirable and necessary for the economic health of the city,” and that qualified…
Engagement and giving back to the community are part of the fabric of First National Bank, located in Downtown Ames. They were the presenting sponsor of this year’s 515 Days, a three-day event that included a nighttime farmers’ market with food trucks, vendors, and live music, kid and family activities,…
The Boone Community School District and Mary Greeley Medical Center (MGMC) established a partnership to provide students with opportunities to explore healthcare careers during the 2020-2021 school year. Gracie Boon, a 2024 graduate of Boone High School, is one of the beneficiaries of that partnership. Thanks to her experience through…
Every day at Overflow Thrift Stores, savvy shoppers find great deals and vintage treasures. But for the past ten years, Overflow’s mission has been more than simply providing an economical and unique shopping option in Story County. “The heartbeat of the Overflow team is a desire to transform the abundance…
“We got to know each other back in the late 1980’s when we both worked as Iowa State students in the Sports Department at WOI-TV. After graduation, we both worked full-time at the station as sportscasters. In 1996, we decided to leave that profession and use our video skills and…
“My entrepreneurial journey started outside at a public park training dogs. With business picking up, I then decided to invest our personal money into our garage to remodel it. This allowed me to obtain my state license certification as a commercial kennel. I have enjoyed continuing to build and expand…
“I came to Iowa State with no expectation to leave as an entrepreneur. However, due to the resources, support, and innovative culture at Iowa State University, I was able to graduate and go into my company full time. The path to entrepreneurship is challenging. Embracing failure is crucial—it’s the best…
© Copyright Ames Regional Economic Alliance 2023. All Rights Reserved.
