 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.
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Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission Marks Economic Development Week 20235/5/2023  (May 5, 2023) - The Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC), and partner organizations will be celebrating National Economic Development Week from May 8 - 12, 2023 to showcase the contributions of positive economic development and ongoing economic development projects in our communities.
“Economic Development Week is a hallmark for our organization as we pride ourselves on being a driving force of economic development for our region." said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. "While this week is intended to shine light on the work we do, we believe it is paramount to focus on all of our great partners, that collectively, make this possible." Over the past month leading into the week-long celebration, our organization worked with local city governments to pass proclamations recognizing National Economic Development Week. Those communities included Ames, Boone, Cambridge, Collins, Colo, Gilbert, Huxley, Kelley, Madrid, Maxwell, McCallsburg Nevada, Ogden, Roland, Slater, Story City and Zearing. The week-long celebration will be featured on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and include content on the following topics: Business Attraction, Workforce, Entrepreneurship, Business Retention & Expansion, and Community Development. Now in its eighth year, National Economic Development Week was created by the International Economic Development Council, the largest professional membership organization for economic developers, in 2016 to recognize the unique role that economic development has in creating vibrant communities with strong economies. To learn more about economic development in the Ames MSA, please visit AmesEDC.com  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.
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/ Students from Boone and Ogden High School were able to attend the first "Innovate U" event at the Iowa State University Research Park on Thursday, March 30. Students had the opportunity to practice and expand their entrepreneurial skills, collaborate with mentors from the business community, and present their own business plan.
The day began with a panel of local entrepreneurs who shared their journey to operating a successful small business. The panel included Shelby Smith with Gym-n-eat Crickets, Richard “Willie” Beeler with Beeler Lawn & Landscape, and Jenny Pollard with Life Distilled. Students were able to take notes, ask questions, and better understand what it takes to grow a business. Students spent most of the day in groups working on their business plan that was chosen in a previous class. The business plan had to be something focused on improving their community or positively impact those who live locally. Each group was paired with a "mentor" from a local business who helped guide students as they were developing their business plan. A "working" lunch was provided from Pizza Ranch. After finalizing their business plan, each group of students gave a presentation of their product in front of judges and their fellow classmates. Judges for the event included Peter Hong (ISU Pappajohn Center, Startup Factory Director), Abby Miller (AgCertain), and Susan Frantz (Fenceline Beer Lab). Groups were judged based on meeting their project criteria, presentation skills, and how they responded during the Q&A sessions. There were three winning teams, all who received prize bags provided by the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Winners: 1. Cleat Clip 2. Ifish 3. Future Connect Other Presentations: Boone County Rec Center & Solar Charge Case A big thank you also goes out to the program facilitators, Lisa Irlbeck (Availa Bank), Nikki Fischer (Ames Chamber), Amy Bossard (Boone EDGE), Reed Smith (Ogden High School), Leah Locke (SBDC). We are looking forward to next year's event! The Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations is excited to announce the 2022 Annual Award winners. The award recipients will be honored at an event on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Prairie Moon Winery in Ames.
Since 1987, the Ames Chamber of Commerce has recognized individuals and businesses who have shown exemplary service and commitment in their profession or in the community. The Annual Awards represents the combined efforts of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate organizations that include the Ames Economic Development Commission, Ames Main Street, FUEL, Ames Seed Capital and The Ames Foundation. Join us in congratulating the 2022 Annual Award recipients:
The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the participants who have been selected for Leadership Ames Class XXXVI:
Leadership Ames is a program of the Ames Chamber of Commerce that offers the opportunity for participants to gain experience in civic leadership responsibilities and cultivate relationships with other local leaders and community members. Tri-Chairs for Leadership Ames Class XXXVI are Tom Mortice, South Story Bank & Trust, Abbie Schaffer, US Bank, and Jessica Krupicka, Chevron Renewable Energy Group. Participants in this year’s class will participate in twelve day-long sessions designed to develop informed, involved and concerned leaders. "We are very excited to once again connect businesses and people together, to convene leaders for a common cause,” says Jan Williams, Vice President at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “This energetic class will learn from one another but also hear from business leaders throughout the community, gaining an understanding of various businesses and industries and how they impact where we live, work and do business. This program dives into professional development growth, but shares numerous educational opportunities that will generate leaders for tomorrow.” Classmates will hear presentations on important topics, debate issues, participate in class activities, visit with area leaders, tour facilities and get to know other individuals representing a broad cross-section of the community. Session begins January 12, 2023. For more information on the Leadership Ames program, visit AmesChamber.com. Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission Announce New 2023-2027 Strategic Plan1/3/2023  The Ames Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Commission is excited to announce our new 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Created by Ames Chamber of Commerce leadership, in collaboration with the executive members of each board of directors, the plan is designed to guide the organization, and affiliate organizations, for the next four years to positively impact all the communities within the Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
Guided by this plan, our efforts will focus on the three key pillars the drive our work: Leadership, Engagement, and Advocacy. Leadership:
Engagement:
Advocacy:
Our targets by 2027 include:
“I want to thank the board of directors for the Ames Chamber of Commerce and the Ames Economic Development Commission for helping shape this vision,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Commission. “This strategic plan is a snapshot of the work that we must pursue to drive business and community vitality across the Ames MSA.” To view a PDF version of the 2023-2027 strategic plan, click here Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission Announce 2023 Board Chairs1/3/2023  The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission are excited to introduce the 2023 Board Chairs for their respective Board of Directors. Reynolds Cramer will serve as the Board Chair for the Ames Economic Development Commission and Michelle Vogel will serve as the Board Chair for the Ames Chamber of Commerce.
Reynolds W. Cramer is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Fareway Stores, Inc. He began working at the company at the Boone store in 1985 when he was 16 years old. During college, he moved and worked in the Decorah Fareway store in the meat department for three years. After working in two stores as assistant manager, he was promoted in 1997 to store manager, opening a new Fareway store in Des Moines. In 2000, he was promoted to district supervisor at the corporate office in Boone, Iowa. In 2008, Cramer was elected to the Real Estate Committee, and has been instrumental in choosing the strategic placement of new Fareway locations ever since. In 2009, Cramer was elected to the Board of Directors for Fareway, in 2010 he was named as a regional vice president, and in 2012 as an executive vice president in charge of all retail operations. Cramer’s promotion to CEO for Fareway occurred in February 2014. In addition to his responsibilities with Fareway, Cramer is active in many charitable organizations, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, ChildServe, UnityPoint Health Foundation, and he has served as President for Variety-the Children’s Charity. Cramer is also a board member of the Iowa Business Council. He is an advocate for animal rescue, having adopted several animals from various rescue organizations. A native Iowan and graduate of Boone High School in 1987 and Luther College in 1991, Cramer has a daughter Ashley, 23, and a daughter Zoe, 18. Reynolds and his wife, Sheila, live in Norwalk with their son Benny, 5. Michelle Vogel is the President of Sigler Companies, an Ames business that has been family-owned since inception in 1958. Michelle began working part-time at Sigler in Customer Service while attending Iowa State University (ISU). Michelle earned her degree in Production Operations Management and upon graduation from ISU in December 2001, she continued working at Sigler in a full-time capacity. Vogel was invited to join the leadership team in 2008 and held various positions within the company prior to being named President in the fall of 2018. Michelle has seen a great deal of growth and change during her time at Sigler, with the most recent business expansion coming in the form of acquisition when the company welcomed Alpha Copies and Express Signs to its family of brands in November 2022. A Carroll, Iowa native, Michelle resides in Ames with husband, Jake, and their three children. In addition to the busy schedules of two professional parents and the many activities of their kids, Michelle is an active member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO), has a personal interest in the Iowans for Adoption non-profit organization, and is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Michelle has served on the Ames Chamber of Commerce Board since 2019.  The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce promotions for two team members: Steven Lawrence and Sarah Dvorsky.
As Director of Marketing, Steven Lawrence will support the marketing efforts for the Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations. Lawrence has been with the Ames Chamber of Commerce for over a year and was essential in maintaining the marketing efforts of the organization during times of transition. In this new position, Lawrence will curate content and monitor analytics for the many social media platforms that the Ames Chamber of Commerce operates, manage website updates, and coordinate the content and distribution of weekly e-newsletters. He previously served as Marketing Coordinator. As Director of Research & Economic Development Events, Sarah Dvorsky will support the ever-expanding economic development projects and events. In this new position, Dvorsky will monitor and track economic development prospect activity, perform Location One Information System (LOIS) updates, and support the business retention & expansion (BRE) program. Additionally, Dvorsky will assist with the delivery of responses to “requests for information” that come from various sources such as the Iowa Economic Development Authority, utility partners, and others. She will also collect and assemble data for quarterly reports for members, affiliate board members, and investors, and continually monitor and track economic development prospect activity. Dvorsky previously served as the Executive Director of Ames Main Street and has been with the Ames Chamber of Commerce for three years. Congratulations to both Steven Lawrence and Sarah Dvorsky on their promotion. The Ames Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Crystal Davis as New Executive Director of Ames Main Street11/30/2022  The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Crystal Davis to the team as Executive Director of Ames Main Street (AMS).
“Crystal understands what it takes to lead our main street organization because she understands Ames,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. "For much of her career, she has been embedded in our community in a variety of ways, including here at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. I am excited to welcome Crystal back.” As the Executive Director of Ames Main Street, Davis will serve as the primary public relations person for Ames Main Street and will oversee the daily operations and programming. She will actively work with the Ames Main Street Board of Directors, the City of Ames, and private investors, to help make Downtown Ames better. This includes property development, business recruitment, and long-range planning. This position also serves as the main point of contact for the Campustown program. Prior to joining the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Davis most recently worked with the Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation as their Donor & Corporate Engagement Officer. She was responsible for donor and corporate relations programming while leading the marketing and communication efforts of the Foundation. Prior to that, Davis worked for the Story County Medical Center Endowment Foundation, as well as the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau. In that capacity, Davis worked both in Member & Visitor Services and communications. "Downtown Ames is the heartbeat of the Ames community, full of arts and culture, history, vibrant shopping, unique dining experiences, and is a large part of what makes Ames the place to live, work and play,” said Davis. “I am excited to work with Ames Main Street businesses to create an even more vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike!" Davis began her position on November 30 and can be reached at crystal@ameschamber.com |
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Ames, Iowa 50010 Phone: (515) 232-2310 |
About the Ames Chamber
Centrally and conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest and Iowa, Ames is known for its healthy, stable economy, flourishing cultural environment, and the world-renowned Iowa State University. With over 700 members, the Ames Chamber of Commerce strives to make Ames a better place to live, work, and do business by strengthening the economic vitality and the quality of life in the Ames community. |
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