The Ames Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2023 Inter-City Visit from October 18-20, where city and community leaders from Ames, Boone, and Nevada toured Lafayette and West Lafayette, Indiana, and met with their community leaders.

“The goal of the 2023 Inter-City Visit is straightforward,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “To learn from leaders in Lafayette / West Lafayette about what has been successful in their community and determine new opportunities in our market.” The Greater Lafayette region was chosen, in part, because of its similar size to our region. It is also home to Purdue University and includes a robust research park.

On the opening day of the trip, the delegation experienced two panels. The first was moderated by Scott Walker, President & CEO of Greater Lafayette Commerce, and focused on their highly effective regional partnerships. The second session centered on downtown business development. Panelists included city representation and private developers. The delegation also had a chance to tour MatchBOX Cowering Studio, an amenity in Lafayette that was developed from a restored downtown building. The operation has 300+ members that include tech startups, professional services, and those in creative fields.

The next day, the delegation visited Purdue Research Park for discussions at the Railyard atrium. They heard from the CEO or Wabash Heartland Innovation Network, a panel on Town and Gown relationships, and a presentation on “all things Research Park.” That evening, former Iowa State University and Purdue University President Dr. Martin Jischke, addressed the group with unique perspective from both communities. Jischke was the 13th president of Iowa State, serving from June 1, 1991, to August 14, 2000, then went onto become the 10th president at Purdue.

Before leaving, a group walked the campus of Purdue University and took in the beauty of another large, land grant university. As is often the case, it is the time between sessions that spark ideas on how to learn from and improve our own community.

​This was the sixth Inter-City visit that the Ames Chamber of Commerce has hosted. Previously visited communities include Manhattan, Kansas; Columbia, Missouri; Bloomington, Indiana; and Fort Collins, Colorado. Last year, the communities of Marion, Cedar Falls, and Dubuque in Iowa were visited.

It was an amazing 3 days for our entire delegation. Thank you to the many individuals who helped plan the trip and agenda. Greater Lafayette Commerce, City of Lafayette, and the City of West Lafayette are just a few.

​A special thank you to our sponsors who helped make this trip a reality: Availa Bank, Keen Project Solutions, Nyemaster Good, RES Group, Hunziker Companies, Discover Ames, Sigler Companies, and Nelson Electric Company.

Danfoss Power Solutions campus in Ames is undergoing an expansion project that will double the space for engineers to do work on innovative solutions with a focus on sustainability.

Known internally as Americas Application Development Center (ADC), the area will focus on research and development and will be available to current and potential customers to experience Danfoss solutions on demonstration vehicles.

Danfoss Power Solutions is the largest private sector employer in Story County and is celebrating 52-years in Ames. The ADC hosts many visitors each year – more than 60 customer visits alone since the start of 2022. These visits can be powerful for driving sales. The team attributes $100 million in sales wins to ADC visits since the test facility’s opening 10 years ago.

“Our demonstration vehicles allow us the opportunity to show a customer and have them experience what it is our Danfoss technology can do for them,” said Jeff Herrin, senior vice president of Research & Development. “We dig. We show performance on different slopes. It’s significantly more powerful than sitting in a conference room listening to a presentation.”

After a $5 million investment to develop the ADC test track in the years leading up to its opening, this project is focused on increasing the work area. The 8,700-square-foot addition will more than double the ADC’s existing shop space with three additional work bays, a vehicle wash bay, and more. The bays will have high clearance to accommodate combines and large machines.

​“We outgrew our existing space about five years ago,” said Jay Moline, senior director of Application Engineering – Americas. He’s thrilled about how this expansion will help his team better do their jobs and put their best foot forward with customers.

“We have many customers, and customer confidentiality in a single space has become very difficult,” said Jay. “Our new space will now have four separate spaces, which we desperately need. We’ve also designed the space with the customer in mind by including a dedicated customer welcome area.”

Danfoss’ commitment to sustainability is evident in this project to align with our goals of being carbon neutral by 2030. The HVAC system, insulation, natural lights, and skylights were all chosen with energy efficiency as the primary goal. The facility will be electric-powered and have electric vehicle charging capabilities.

​Overall construction is expected to be finished in January 2024.

YSS celebrated their ninth Kids Club location with a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, August 1 at the Colo-NESCO Middle/High School.

“It’s been a year’s worth of planning and pulling things together and we’re really excited to kick this thing off,” said Marc Snavely, Colo-NESCO Superintendent and Elementary Principal. 

YSS Kids Club program offers a safe, enriching place for over 600 children (grades K-6) with nine locations in eight districts for Ballard, Boone, Colo-Nesco, Gilbert, Madrid, Ogden, Roland-Story, and United.

Licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS), YSS Kids Club provides children with a safe and stimulating environment before/after school and during no-school days. The Story County Board of Supervisors allocated $50,000 to the Colo-NESCO project for start-up costs for the first two years.

Snavely is passionate about the project, knowing how important childcare can be for both the kids and parents, and is excited to bring YSS Kids Club to the district. “My wife and I don’t know what we would’ve done without before and after school care. It was a lifesaver for us," said Snavely. 

After the ribbon cutting, kids and parents were able to see the YSS Kids Club room, play games, try out some of the toys, and have pizza.

Learn more about the YSS Kids Club by clicking here.
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To sign up for YSS Kids Club, click here.
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Love working with kids? Search YSS Kids Club jobs by clicking here.

In a Statewide announcement made Friday, August 11th the following Ames MSA housing projects were awarded Workforce Housing Tax Credits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Awarded $1.0 M in state funding assistance, Nevada Flats, LLC will add sixty market rate apartments in the Nevada community when complete. The proposed phased project will support the rehabilitation of the Story County Medical Center North Campus as the Senior Care aspect of their business is relocated to new facilities being constructed south of the Story County Medical Center. The first phase of the project could begin later this year in the vacated clinic facility.

Empire Reality, LLC will be constructing eight market rate rental units on four infill lots in West Boone. The Ringold Estates project will consist of four twin homes. Josh and Heidi Walters, owners of Empire Realty, LLC said, “This State of Iowa funding is critical to move our Ringold Estates project forward. We wish to extend our gratitude to the City of Boone, Boone County Economic Growth Corporation, and the team at the Ames Economic Development Commission for providing us the support we needed at all phases of project planning to submit a successful application.” Empire Reality, LLC was awarded $303,330 in state funding.

Gateway Cottages is an 18-unit expansion of the existing Kading Development in Madrid. Awarded $584,641 in funding, this rental project will assist in meeting the growing residential needs in this Boone County community.

“Our team has been pleased to work with the communities and housing developers involved with these workforce housing tax credit projects,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Economic Development Commission. “These successful applications will bring $1.8 M in State funding to our region, which is truly fantastic news for the communities involved. The 86 units of rental housing to be created, as a result of these projects, will further assist our efforts to attract and retain people to the Ames MSA.”

The Workforce Housing Tax Credit program has a focus on projects that redevelop abandoned, empty, or dilapidated properties. For more program information, please contact Brenda Dryer, Ames Economic Development Commission Sr. Vice President at brenda@ameschamber.com

The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Ottie Maxey to the team as Director of Business Retention & Expansion.

“A large part of job growth in any region is the result of businesses and companies growing and expanding,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Business retention and expansion is a key indicator of economic success, and I am excited to welcome Ottie into this role that is dedicated to fostering relationships with established companies in the region. He is a proven leader in our community and an incredible asset, not only to our organization, but our entire business community.”

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Maxey has spent the past 28 years of his career in public education, most recently as Superintendent of the Ballard School District that serves the communities of Huxley, Cambridge, Kelley, and Slater. In that capacity, he has engaged with businesses and leaders across the Ames MSA and is familiar with the role of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

"In my eleven years of service to the Ballard community, I had multiple opportunities to collaborate with the Ames Chamber of Commerce,” said Maxey. “The Chamber's commitment to supporting a strong regional and statewide economy, efforts in building relationships and partnerships, and desire to put the customer first has always resonated with me.”

In his new role at Director of Business Retention & Expansion, Maxey will be responsible for the development and implementation of a plan to provide timely assistance to the existing business and industry of the Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area (Ames MSA - Boone and Story County). This will include frequent communication with major employers across the region, data input, and providing timely assistance to the local business community about programs and incentives that will enhance their operations.

​As part of the Business Development team, Maxey will also serve as the primary point of contact in support of the economic and community development needs of a yet to be identified community.

“It is an honor to accept an opportunity to continue my service to a region I have called home for more than a decade,” said Maxey. “I am excited to begin a new chapter in my career and support our collective efforts to make the Ames MSA a leader in the state of Iowa."

​Maxey began his position on July 10 and can be reached at ottie@ameschamber.com

Earlier this month, the State of Iowa identified and ranked 96 new “Broadband Intervention Zones” for its Empower Rural Iowa Broadband Grant Program. The status makes areas eligible for “enhanced incentives” and “higher prioritization” for state dollars, according to a news release from the state.

These zones identified by local partners was a new and unique effort by the state to target low speed and serviced areas missed in previous efforts but identified by local government agencies and economic development experts. Last week, Governor Reynolds announced almost $150 million directed to those areas using state COVID relief dollars from the Biden Administration.

The Ames MSA had two such successful applications for this special status. One by Story County for an area in the central portion of that county, another is a partnership between Boone County and Story County with the Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance for an area that covers portions of both along their joint border north of Highway 30. The qualification process was a regional team effort, the Ames Chamber of Commerce supported both applications with help in staffing, letters of support and research identifying overlooked areas.

Broadband is an essential service for both urban and rural communities across the region, it is crucial for economic development, healthcare, public safety, education, job creation and quality of life initiatives.

​Broadband funding remains a top priority of both Governor Reynolds and the Biden Administration over the next several years. This week, Iowa was awarded over $415 million in new Federal funding to keep filling in such broadband needs across the state in underserved areas. It will remain a top priority for all partners in these efforts to keep attracting these funds to cover all corners of the Ames MSA.

Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, has been selected as this year’s Leadership for Iowa Award winner. The award is presented annually to a past participant of the Leadership Iowa program who exemplifies quality leadership both on a community and statewide level and demonstrates a commitment to serve Iowa. He will be honored at the Taking Care of Business Conference in Cedar Rapids, June 13-15.

As a member of the 2002-2003 Class of Leadership Iowa, Dan has led numerous initiatives in his role supporting business and industry throughout the Ames area, leading to a significant number of new companies brought to the state and thousands of jobs. He has also served on several boards including the YSS Foundation, United Way of Story County, Reggie's Sleep Out, and more, and has chaired multiple organizations such as the ISU Athletics Letterwinner's Club, the Iowa Chamber Alliance, Professional Developers of Iowa, and the Mid America Economic Development Council.

Leadership Iowa is Iowa's premier statewide issues-awareness program for current and emerging Iowa leaders. The program brings together 40 diverse adult professionals for eight monthly sessions across the state, and provides an in-depth look at a variety of important topics including economic development, education, government, agriculture and more. Leadership Iowa exists to educate, inspire, and grow a network of informed leaders and to encourage their ongoing local and statewide involvement to create a better future for Iowans.

​To learn more about Leadership Iowa, visit their website at https://www.iowaabi.org/leadership-iowa/

​The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Emory Widlowski has been promoted to Director of Events.

​As Director of Events, Emory Widlowski will continue to manage the planning and organization of events on behalf of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations. Widlowski has been with the Ames Chamber of Commerce since the fall of 2021 and has done an amazing job coordinating a wide variety of events.

“Emory has developed a keen understanding of what the Ames Chamber of Commerce needs when it comes to leadership for our event programming”, said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Her work reflects directly upon the Ames Chamber of Commerce and our members, and her solid efforts are being properly rewarded with this promotion based upon her performance. She is a great representative of our overall team and I look forward to her continuing to grow with the organization.”

Widlowski directs scheduling, planning and implementation for the entire Ames Chamber of Commerce events calendar, oversees the research of vendors and venues, and efficiently operates within the events budget. She previously served as Events Coordinator.

Congratulations to Emory Widlowski on her promotion.

The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (AMSFM) kicks off its 13th season on Saturday, May 6. The 2023 market season will run every Saturday through October 14 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in historic Downtown Ames. In October, the market hours will change to 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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The Market will be held in the 300 and 400 blocks of Main Street and offer fresh local produce, baked goods, wine, cheese, meats, eggs, jams, cut flowers, handcrafted artwork, delicious, prepared food and so much more. The Market will also feature live music, local entertainment, free children’s activities, and other special events during the season.
 
Special events for May:
May 6 – Hovick Family Petting Zoo
May 13 – Joyful Colorz Face Painting
May 20 – Meyer’s Pony Rides
 
“We are excited for our 13th season on Main Street,” said Market Manager Lojean Petersen. “The market is expanding again with 23 new fulltime and occasional vendors joining us this year. With special events planned each week, a variety of live music and children’s activities, there will be something new and exciting every Saturday.”
 
Thank you to all of the sponsors of the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market who help make this event possible: Iowa State University, Waddle Exteriors, Deery of Ames, First National Bank, Wheatsfield Cooperative, and the City of Ames.
 
The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is led by the Ames Chamber of Commerce and is supported by the Discover Ames Community Grant Program.
 
For more information and up-to-date announcements throughout the market season, make sure to follow the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market on Facebook, and Downtown Ames on all social media platforms (@downtownames).
Website: http://www.amesmainstreetfarmersmarket.com/