1944 - Initial Founding

On June 22, 1944, the Ames Chamber of Commerce was formed as a non-profit organization. The original mission statement was to “promote cooperation in all matters of interest to the business and professional men of the Ames community; to develop an increased civic interest; to create and maintain higher standards in business dealings; to correct trade abuses; to compile and distribute information to its members for their benefit; to aid and protect its members and to do all things as are properly within the scope of such an association for the welfare of its members and its community."

1949 – First Location in Downtown Ames

 ​Upon its initial opening, The Ames Chamber of Commerce operated out of this brick building, pictured in 1949 on Kellogg in Downtown Ames. Between 1949 and today, the Ames Chamber of Commerce has moved multiple times in and out of the Downtown district.

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