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The Ames Chamber of Commerce has unveiled a new strategic plan effective through the year 2022. The new strategic plan, named “A Bold Vision” describes the organization’s core focus and vision for future success while also identifying areas where the Ames Chamber of Commerce will direct its energy and resources over the next several years.
The previous strategic plan, Vision 2022, was released in 2017 and resulted in several highly successful new initiatives, including promoting Ames and Story County to a national audience through Livability Magazine, the development of Prairie View Industrial Center, and the expansion of the Workforce Solutions Programming. “Many goals from the original 5-year plan have been surpassed and a number of things needed to be added to our strategic priorities so we decided to embark upon a new, 3-year plan, entitled A Bold Vision,” says Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. “The new plan is bold in that we are focused on growing the market to support the job growth we have witnessed with the firm belief that will continue. As our employment sector increases, so does the need for housing and amenities to support the people that would like to live in proximity to where they work in Ames and Story County. That is where we need to be bullish and creative on the amenities that will attract people to not simply take jobs in our communities, but live here too. “This is a tremendous time to live and work in Ames and Story County. Yet, we need bold vision and leadership moving forward to maximize the opportunities that are ahead of us.” A Bold Vision outlines six organizational goals in the area of (1) Workforce Development, (2) Advocacy, (3) Placemaking, (4) Business Development, (5) Small Business Programming, and (6) Organizational Sustainability. These goals were determined through a consultation with the Institute for Decision Making at the University of Northern Iowa during focus groups with board members, key stakeholders, and staff. They also completed an online survey with Ames Chamber of Commerce members. Some key deliverables outlined in the plan include:
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The Ames Chamber of Commerce has created a platform to share information with businesses, educators, parents and students about a wide range of employment opportunities. The website is called Future Ready Story County, to coincide with the State of Iowa’s Future Ready Iowa initiative.
Created with user experience in mind, Future Ready Story County is focused on middle and high school students, their parents, businesses, and educators in Story County. The information found on this site is designed to assist with career exploration and education. Features include:
“We are excited to launch this new workforce solutions program designed to benefit both students and our business community,” said Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Future Ready Story County offers an excellent opportunity to enhance networks between businesses, schools, and students. Our goal is to further educate our students on the incredible career opportunities available in Story County and showcase our world class companies.” Future Ready Story County launched on January 27 and can be accessed on the Ames Chamber of Commerce website at AmesChamber.com/FutureReady. The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) are pleased to announce several changes in staff responsibilities to further support the overall mission of these organizations.
Brenda Dryer still leads all workforce solutions programming, but has also added executing new programming and strategies within the organizations to her line of work. Her new role is Senior Vice President. John Hall has taken the new title, Senior Director of Business Development, and serves as the leader of Economic Development projects and team. Andrea Hammes Dodge still oversees the marketing and communications strategies of the organizations; however, she has taken on the responsibilities of sponsorships, board engagement, and non-dues revenue for the organizations. Her title remains as Vice President. Drew Kamp serves a duel role as the Executive Director of Ames Main Street, and leader of all public policy programming. His new title is Vice President. KK O’Neill has expanded her membership engagement and retention initiatives and now serves as the Director of Membership. Calli Sandahl has expanded her duties beyond digital marketing to oversee all marketing efforts of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and AEDC. Her new title is Director of Marketing. The Ames Chamber of Commerce and AEDC have also welcomed Kim Linduska as a consultant to facilitate Leadership Ames XXXIII development days and Business Retention & Expansion visits through 2020. The remainder of the Chamber and AEDC team will retain their existing roles and titles as they work to help make Ames and Story County the best place to live, work, and do business. A full listing of staff members and responsibilities is located at: https://www.ameschamber.com/about-us/chamber-team/ |
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August 2023
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304 Main St.
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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