Every year the Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate organizations recognize individuals and businesses who have shown exemplary service and commitment in their profession or in the community. The combined Annual Event of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames Economic Development Commission, Ames Main Street, FUEL Story County, Ames Seed Capital and The Ames Foundation celebrates the accomplishments of the annual award recipients for each organization.
2021 Award Winners
Award Categories
- Business of the Year
- Recognizes a business for their long standing commitment to a positive business climate and exceptional quality of life in our community.
- Community Development Project of the Year
- Recognizes a group or organization that identified a need, executed a project to a civic or service organization, which improved the quality of life in that community.
- Trailblazer of the Year (Formerly Entrepreneur of the Year)
- Recognizes an individual or business for his/her creativity, imagination and personal initiative in operating a successful business venture.
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Recognizes an individual for his/her leadership in developing inclusive organizations and being a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Culture Creator
- Recognizes an outstanding individual for their leadership and creating a company culture by investing in the development and wellbeing of its employees.
- Economic Development Volunteer of the Year
- Recognizes a volunteer who goes above and beyond to support economic development in the Ames MSA.
- Housing Project of the Year
- Recognizes a housing project that has strong impact on a local community and the Ames MSA.
- Business & Student Engagement
- Recognizes a partnership between a business and school district that is creating unique opportunities for students in the Ames MSA.
- Entrepreneur of the Year
- Recognizes an individual for his/her entrepreneurial vision and impact in the Ames MSA.
- Chamber Ambassador of the Year
- Recognizes an individual for his/her outstanding dedication to the Chamber and its members as an Ames Chamber Ambassador.
- Economic Impact
- The Ames Economic Development Commission presents Economic Impact Awards to area companies that have made significant contributions to the greater Ames and Story County area through business growth and job creation.
- Ames Main Street: Volunteer of the Year
- Recognizes an individual who has performed above and beyond for Downtown Ames by volunteering their time and efforts to support Ames Main Street and their work.
- Ames Main Street Farmers' Market: Contributor of the Year
- Recognizes an individual or business who has supported the market and helped it continue to prosper and grow.
- The Ames Foundation: Contributor of the Year
- Recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in their volunteerism and support of the Ames Foundation.
- FUEL Story County: 4 Under 40
- The '4 Under 40' Awards capture the spirit of extraordinary young professionals in our community by recognizing those individuals who take the mission of FUEL Story County to heart, which is to be leaders committed to improving the quality of life in Ames, and to establish a community of young professionals dedicated to building and fostering relationships through leadership development, professional development, philanthropic involvement, and cultural and social opportunities. These young professionals have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and community involvement in Ames, Iowa.
