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…
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…
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,…
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…
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 —…
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…
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…
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…
Earlier this month, we proudly broke ground—ceremonially, at least—on the highly anticipated Daisy Brand project in Boone. Though the rain kept us from putting actual shovels in the dirt, it didn’t dampen our excitement or the significance of the moment. We celebrated a $1.2 billion investment coming into our region…
On Episode #004 of the AREA Podcast, Jill Klindt, Chief Financial Officer of Workiva said, “If you’re not building something new, then you’re not growing. So, it’s really important to find the next thing.” I think about this often because it gets at the heart of what drives the Ames…
One of the greatest responsibilities of leadership is building a strong team. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to do that is to hire people who are better than you in key areas—and then give them the authority to lead. Too often, leaders hire for comfort rather…
One of the things I love most about our team is that we never stop searching for the next opportunity. Whether it’s connecting businesses through networking, driving new housing developments, or expanding the ways we tell our region’s story, our passion for making a positive impact never fades. Economic development…
If you’re anything like me, you’re eager to fully embrace 2025. Now that we’re already a month into the year, 2024 feels like a distant memory. While I tend to focus on the future, I encourage you to take a moment to review our 2024 Annual Report if you haven’t…
The end of another year is now here, and I can tell you that 2024 has been nothing short of transformative. As we look back on the past twelve months, it’s clear that this year has been filled with opportunities and milestones that have shaped our organization and the communities…
As we approach the end of the year slow down, I can say that it feels nothing like a slow down around the Alliance office. Each week feels more hectic than the last. From end of year events to working with prospective companies who are interested in locating to the…
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…
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…
Ames, Iowa – The Ames Regional Economic Alliance invites the community to kick off summer in Campustown with live music, a food truck showdown, and neighborly fun. The Ames Summer Series in Campustown will take place on Wednesday, June 18, from 4:00-7:00pm in Campustown Parking Lot Z, located just south…
Friday, May 16, 2025 – United Equipment Accessories, Inc. (UEA), a family-owned business and one of the largest global manufacturers of slip rings, rotary unions, and hose/cable reels, is expanding their Iowa footprint to Ames, IA. In addition to maintaining their current Waverly, Iowa operation, the company has identified an…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to announce the launch of the “Live – Work – Play in Ames” website and social media channels that are designed as a digital platform to showcase the myriad opportunities that make Ames and its surrounding communities vibrant places to reside, pursue careers,…
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…
Greetings from the Ames Chamber of Commerce! For those in attendance, I hope you enjoyed listening to Brian Dieter, President & CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center, speak at our State of Healthcare event that took place on Friday, September 23. I know I did! He discussed a wide range…
Golf simulators, axe throwing, baseball simulators, duckpin bowling, darts, pool tables, shuffle board, cornhole, foosball, Golden tee arcade, and ping-pong, not to mention a full-service bar and kitchen… the newly rebranded Inside Golf & Games has all the ingredients for a great time! “We view ourselves as being a staple…
If you’re looking for a unique night out in Ames, Time Out may be the place for you. A family-owned bar and arcade, Time Out is full of pop culture nostalgia from the 1980’s and 1990’s. Owned and operated by Chris Harding and her sons, Lance Harding and Logan Ristau,…
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…
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