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 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…
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 is excited to welcome Emory Widlowski and Caroline Stewart as new additions to their staff. “I am thrilled to have two brand new graduates of Iowa State University joining our team,” says Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Emory’s event…
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 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…
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 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…
For nearly 23 years, Heather Johnson has been a driving force behind the Octagon Center for the Arts, shaping its growth and impact on Ames. Since joining the Octagon, she has played a pivotal role in organizing the Octagon Art Festival since 2002 and has led as Executive Director since…
LIFT WC, which stands for Local Initiative for Transformation in Webster City, is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing the community. The organization is in the final stages of a $3 million renovation of the historic Elks Building in downtown Webster City, a project that serves as a catalyst for…
When driving along Interstate 35 between Ames and Ankeny, you may have wondered, “What is that big brown building next to Ditch Witch in Huxley?” For the 170 employees working there, that building represents more than just a structure: it’s the home base for Continental Manufacturing Chemist (CMC), a leading…
Dr. Jason Niegsch (pronounced “Nicks”) and his wife, Marcie, have called Dentistry At Somerset their dental clinic location since 2002. Last year, after practicing at this location for over 22 years, they made a significant investment in the community to more than double their patient capacity. In July 2024, the…
“Who would have thought that the art of nails could save lives?” This is the question that Bi Ayers, owner of Pro Nails in Ames, asks in Polished, his 2023 book that is part memoir and part business book. “The idea of writing a book was not to tell the…
In October, the Ames History Museum (AHM) held a grand reopening event celebrating their new expansion project and permanent installation. The weekend event saw nearly 1,000 guests visit the Museum, officially launching a new era for the organization. Founded in 1980, the Ames History Museum provides unique opportunities to learn…
Mid-States Companies, located and headquartered in Nevada, Iowa, is in the final stages of their most recent expansion effort: a 9,000 square foot administrative office building intended to bring together their range of businesses and services under one roof. The expansion is the latest in a long line of reinvestment…
A solo brand and website design agency in Ames, Studio A Designs focuses on connecting Iowa small business owners with their dream buyers. Founder and rural Iowa native Amanda Thompson helps businesses uncover their standout qualities, unique personality traits, visual differentiators, and more to develop brands that locals love! “My…
Ryan Newstrom, owner of Cornbred Barbecue, was the personal tailgate chef when the RV There Yet? Discovery Channel show recorded a segment of their episode in the RV Village at Jack Trice Stadium. “Cooking and serving delicious food is my favorite thing in the world,” said Newstrom. “I appreciate the…
Building an alliance is a strategic move that can significantly amplify an organization’s reach, resources, and impact. When the Ames Regional Economic Alliance formally rebranded from the Ames Chamber of Commerce in June 2024, it was the culmination of years of work under the leadership of President and CEO, Dan…
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…
