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 ceremony spanned 15 different categories. In all, we handed out 34 awards to individuals and businesses. From community partnerships, generous giving, job creation, and highlighting volunteerism, this year’s honorees continue to impress upon me the amazing work that takes place across the Ames MSA. I encourage you to follow our social media channels over the next month to learn more about each award winner. We will also be featuring these individuals and businesses in our next Traction magazine that will be out this March.
It’s that time of year where we simultaneously look forward to the next twelve months while also looking back at the year that just concluded. If you have not yet seen our 2023 Annual Report, I encourage you to do so. There is no way to fully capture a year like the one we had in 2023, but we’ve effectively highlighted key areas in that document. From membership growth and highly attended events to economic development projects, expanded regional partnerships, and how each affiliate organization flourished this year, it truly was a banner year for our organization. I anticipate that 2024 will be just as good.
One of my goals this year is to lead with positivity. It’s easy to get caught up in the political divide that our nation is experiencing. You won’t see that from me. Instead, I am choosing to focus on the positive this year. It is a theme that I may continue to talk about. I am proud of our team, of each of our members, and what our region in Boone and Story County is accomplishing. That isn’t to say that we do not have challenges, but those can be overcome through fostering relationships and working together. Here’s to a banner year to you and your organization. As you move throughout the year, let us help celebrate with you!
