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, and concluded with a Big Bash at Bandshell Park.
In 2023, First National Bank sponsored or donated to 111 community organizations, with the most significant annual contribution to the United Way of Story County. “Contributions to these organizations play a crucial role in our communities by addressing immediate needs and finding long-term solutions to challenging issues,” said branch president Scott Bauer.
The support for the community, and Downtown Ames specially, goes much deeper than event sponsorship. Senior Vice President Nicole Rasmussen is the current Board Chair of the Ames Main Street organization and finds engagement, volunteerism, and corporate sponsorship as essential to the success of a community.
Rasmussen has worked at First National Bank’s office in Downtown Ames for over 27 years. “We have always been a community-focused bank, located Downtown in the heart of Ames for over 120 years,” said Rasmussen. “It’s not something we talk about, it’s something we live, and I am proud to work for an organization that lives its core values.”
Immediately out of college, Rasmussen recalls being encouraged to get involved. “I witnessed leaders at every level living volunteerism.” She helped organize Young Professionals of Ames (now FUEL) and was active in community programming. Those experiences established lifelong friendships and business connections that continue today. “Now, as a leader at First National Bank, it’s important to me that I share that same encouragement with our team,” said Rasmussen. “It’s not just about volunteering; it’s about contributing in ways that are personally meaningful and impactful to you.”
As a presenting sponsor, First National Bank not only partnered with the Downtown Ames organization but formed their own internal 515 Days committee to reinforce their commitment to the bank’s core values. Rasmussen noted that these committees contribute positively to company culture and create a sense of purpose and fulfillment beyond their banking role.
Rasmussen began her role as Ames Main Street board chair in January and is excited about the year ahead. “It couldn’t be a more exciting time to serve as we kick off the Downtown Ames Master Planning process and collaboration will be essential! There is an excitement in the air. You can feel it when you talk to business owners and observe the energy and atmosphere during events as well as during a regular Saturday afternoon Downtown.”
