DES MOINES –The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced Boone, Grinnell, Le Mars and Maquoketa as the 2027–2028 Iowa Thriving Communities, recognizing their innovation and commitment to advancing housing opportunities. “Boone, Grinnell, Le Mars and Maquoketa have gone above and beyond to unite local…
Hamilton County has been selected to join Keep Iowa Beautiful’s Hometown Pride program, a volunteer‑driven community development program that turns local ideas into lasting impact. The program will launch this fall in nine participating communities: Blairsburg, Ellsworth, Jewell, Kamrar, Randall, Stanhope, Stratford, Webster City, and Williams. Each community will work…
For nearly five decades, Technical Services, Inc. has quietly helped manufacturers solve some of their most complex production challenges. From custom automation equipment to precision machining and robotics integration, the Ames-based company has built its reputation on designing systems tailored to the exact needs of its customers. Founded in 1977…
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…
Enrollment is now open for Everbrook Academy, a new childcare and early learning education center located at 2310 E. 13th St. on the Danfoss Power Solutions Ames campus. Everbrook Academy is a 16,000-square-foot facility designed to provide convenient access to exceptional childcare for working families. This new school will offer…
On the west side of Ames, The Dot has quickly become a go-to spot for fresh, thoughtfully prepared breakfast & lunch, and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Dot keeps things simple in the best way, serving breakfast all day and…
June 19, 2026 (Ogden, Iowa) – The City of Ogden has received a $274,000 Community Attraction & Tourism award to support the construction of Phase I of the Ogden Recreation Complex. Funding will support the first phase of a new park development featuring two Little League baseball fields complete with…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Jenavieve Christensen as its new Economic Development & Workforce Coordinator. “We are excited to welcome Jenavieve back to the Alliance team,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “During her time as an intern, she demonstrated…
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…
Professional Environmental Services for Brownfield Community-wide Assessment Grant The Ames Regional Economic Alliance, hereafter known as “Alliance” is soliciting qualifications and proposals for professional environmental services from qualified vendors (Respondents) to provide grant writing and environmental services to the “Alliance” with the needs outlined in the RFQP. The “Alliance” plans…
Community leaders, residents, and project partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of Southside Estates, a new residential subdivision by Keystone Equity Group LLC, in partnership with the City of Roland. Phase 1 of the development will include 18 residential lots as part of the project’s planned 54…
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,…
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 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…
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…
The AREA YP Mentorship Program connects young professionals with business leaders in our community, fostering growth, guidance, and career development. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants gain valuable insights, expand their networks, and build the skills needed to succeed in their industries. 2026 Mentorship Pairings: (Mentee – Mentor) “Expanding from 15 to…
The City of Slater has approved an application for $100,0000 in support from their economic development revolving loan fund. These funds will support the renovation and establishment of a new business in an historic building in the community’s downtown. Home Kneads, LLC is a locally owned sourdough bakery dedicated to…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Jennifer Luengas-Otto as a new Director of Economic Development. In this role, Jennifer will lead Story County outreach and also serve as the Executive Director of the Nevada Economic Development Council (NEDC), supporting business growth, retention, and community development efforts throughout…
The City of Ellsworth has been awarded a $6,000 Ripple Effect grant from Ellsworth Cooperative Telephone Association (ECTA) and Aureon to support the development of a new Comprehensive Plan that will guide the community’s growth and development over the next decade. The Comprehensive Plan is being developed by students from…
Boone, Iowa — The grand opening of Prairie Place took place on December 9, marking the arrival of a new mixed-use residential and commercial development bringing 23 new homes to the Boone community, including 7 townhomes and 16 modern apartments designed to support workforce retention, neighborhood growth, and long-term community…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance and affiliate organizations are excited to announce the 2025 Annual Award winners. The award recipients will be honored at an event on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Iowa State Memorial Union, presented by Northwest Bank. Since 1987, the Ames Regional Economic Alliance has recognized…
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 welcome Kalyn Klonglan as the new Community and Member Services Coordinator for the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome Kalyn aboard and tap into her knowledge and experience as we continue to build a stronger, more connected…
Forty leaders from across Iowa have been selected to participate in the 2026-27 Leadership Iowa program, Iowa’s premier statewide leadership experience offered by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation. Among this year’s class is Eric Smidt, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Ames Regional Economic…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Taylor Nokes as the new Executive Director of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce. “Taylor brings a strong combination of business experience, relationship-building skills and a problem-solving mindset that will serve the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce well,” said…
Jennifer Luengas-Otto, Director of Economic Development for the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and Executive Director of the Nevada Economic Development Council, recently completed a 2½-year fellowship with the national Economic Recovery Corps (ERC). The experience provided Jennifer with a unique opportunity to work on rural economic development in Iowa while…
By Dan Culhane, President & CEO, Ames Regional Economic Alliance Few topics have generated as much discussion in our community recently as the possibility of a data center locating in Ames. That conversation can be healthy. Large projects should invite questions, careful analysis, and public input. They should also withstand…
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is excited to welcome Jenavieve Christensen as its new Economic Development & Workforce Coordinator. “We are excited to welcome Jenavieve back to the Alliance team,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “During her time as an intern, she demonstrated…
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…
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…
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…
