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The Ames Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch the new Community Cash Program. Community Cash are digital and printable gift cards that can be used at any participating Chamber Member. The program is designed to reinvest dollars into our local businesses.
“One year ago we had an extraordinary reaction to the Buy-In Story County Gift Card Program" said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. "Over $137,775 was infused into our local businesses at an incredibility critical time. It was evident to our team that keeping money within our community is a priority for many residents. We explored a number of ways to implement a long-term version of Buy-In Story County and ultimately settled on the Community Cash Program." Community Cash offers gift cards in increments of $5, $10, $20 and $25. Upon purchase, customers will receive a unique QR code that may be stored on their smartphone or printed. All codes are one-time use and are redeemable at any participating business. "Our area's employers spend 2-3% of their annual payroll on holiday gifts, sales incentives and employee recognition," said Jan Williams, Vice President of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. "By utilizing Community Cash, employers have the opportunity to encourage employers to shop, dine and play locally. When we reinvest money into our community, we are supporting our friends and neighbors as well as laying the groundwork for a future of ongoing growth and opportunity." FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit AmesChamber.com to purchase Community Cash or view the list of participating members. If you have questions or are interested in becoming a participating member, contact Jan Williams, Vice President, Ames Chamber of Commerce, at 515-232-2310 or by email at jan@ameschamber.com.
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The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) has awarded a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Award to the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) for the John Deere Technology Innovation Center in the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames.
“The John Deere project in the Iowa State University Research Park (ISURP) represents the strength of local partnerships and the commitment to continued economic growth for our community," said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. "On behalf of the AEDC, ISURP, Iowa State University (ISU) and the City of Ames, I am extremely proud to accept this award. The fact that a Fortune 500 company chose to expand its footprint here demonstrates the powerful influence of Iowa State University as well as the strength of our existing industry, workforce and economic outlook." The John Deere project included a $10 million investment through the construction of a 33,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art sprayer test facility, 16 new jobs and additional opportunities for ISU students. The facility eliminated company travel away from Iowa in winter months to test and monitor crop results and added vale to the long-term relationship between John Deere and ISU. Furthermore, the project required infrastructure extension that opened new land for development and enhanced traffic movement on a new roadway. The BRE Award recognizes a single project in which a community successfully mobilized to retain or expand an existing business. Consideration was given to the process of identifying the opportunity, collaboration with local, regional and/or state partners and the ability to respond quickly. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For questions or more information, contact Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President, Ames Chamber of Commerce, at 515-232-2310 or by email at brenda@ameschamber.com. Verbio Nevada, a biorefinery owned by Verbio North America, plans to expand operations through an $80 million capital investment. The State of Iowa awarded Verbio Nevada project tax incentives through HQJ.
The company plans to invest in a fully integrated renewable natural gas and ethanol production facility. This will reduce the carbon footprint of the facility and enhance the company's position within the low carbon fuel standard markets. The project is expected to create 48 jobs, of which 33 are incented at a qualifying wage of $27.07 per hour. "We are tremendously excited that Verbio continues to invest in Nevada and Story County," said John Hall, Executive Director of the Nevada Economic Development Council. "When Verbio first purchased the defunct Dupont facility in 2018 we knew the company had aggressive growth plans and we appreciate their ongoing commitment to growth and our community." In addition to receiving assistance from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Story County has submitted a RISE application to the Iowa Department of Transportation to assist with paving a one-mile stretch of 220th Street from 580th to 590th in Story County. The additional road extension will serve the new truck traffic expected at the new Verbio site. Furthermore, the City of Nevada approved a resolution of intent in support of its request for tax abatement. "We are extremely pleased with the continuing support we have received from State and local officials," said Greg Faith, President of Verbio Nevada, LLC. “It’s a very exciting time for our company, made possible in part through our partnerships with the Nevada Economic Development Council, headed by John Hall and the Iowa Economic Development Authority team, led by Debi Durham. It is great place and for us the right place to grow our business." Verbio North America is a subsidiary of Verbio Vereinigte BioEnergie AG, a major German producer of ethanol, biodiesel and renewable natural gas. Verbio North America purchased the Dupont facility in 2018 and have been under construction since. The company plans to activate Phase I, their cellulosic natural gas production, in September. John Hall, Vice President, Ames Chamber of Commerce, earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) administered the CEcD Exam on March 6, 2021, and candidates received their results on March 12, 2021. With several years of economic development experience, Hall has driven economic and job growth, fostered relationships between communities, directed the Nevada Economic Development Council and the Ames Main Street organization and helped secure major economic development projects with significant impact in the Story County community. “The CEcD designation is an achievement that is earned," said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. "I am extremely proud of John and very happy for him as this is a true honor. It also underscores the importance our board of directors places on professional development for our team. This is great for John, the CEcD will serve him, and our organization, well. I am very pleased. “ The CEcD designation recognizes qualified and dedicated practitioners in the economic development field and sets the standard of excellence within the profession. Candidates must pass a rigorous and comprehensive examination, which has three parts and spans two days. The exam tests a practitioner’s knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the following key areas of economic development:
As highly competent economic development professionals, Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create leadership to build upon and maximize the economic development sector. Excellence in the economic development profession improves the wellbeing, quality of life and opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. There are currently over 1,100 active CEcDs in the United States. About the International Economic Development Council The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 5,000 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experience. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. www.iedcONLINE.org. The Ames Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Des Moines Area Community College and the United Way of Story County, have received $15,000 for accelerated certificate programs for high-demand industries in the region. The funding was provided through the Employer Innovation Fund Awards through the Future Ready Iowa Program.
“This is outstanding news for Ames, Boone and Story County," said Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. "The Workforce Training Academy partnership enhances our local workforce by offering accelerated certificate programs to individuals at little or no cost to them. Upon graduation from the program, individuals are fully equipped to begin a new career in high-demand field at a local employer.” The additional funding broadens the financial support the program is able to offer participants. Assistance is not only available for tuition expenses, but also for transportation and childcare costs. The upcoming Workforce Training Academy programs will offer training in manufacturing, welding and healthcare. Classes will begin in April and will have the capacity to serve up to 60 individuals. Those who are interested in the program should contact Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President, Ames Chamber of Commerce, at 515-232-2310 or by email at brenda@ameschamber.com. The Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation fund is a grant opportunity for our partners to carry out creative solutions that address local workforce issues. It encourages employers, community leaders, and others to lead efforts for developing regional workforce talent pools. Employers can promote credit and non-credit education and training opportunities in high-demand jobs. The fund can be used in innovative ways to help Iowans achieve their training and education goals. The State of Iowa has awarded over $630,000 in funding to area childcare providers creating 265 new childcare options through the Child Care Challenge grant program and the DHS Investing in Iowa's Child Care funding program.
“This is very exciting news for the Ames and Boone area," said Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President for the Ames Chamber of Commerce. "We were pleased to have worked to support a number of these applications. This funding is key as we work to expand on the child care options in our area. We were short on day care spaces prior to the pandemic; as we work to get people back to work and further expand on employment opportunities in the region these spots will be needed!” Area awardees include:
Child Care Challenge grants support community projects to establish local childcare facilities and was created to bolster and support innovative partnerships between leaders in the community and key stakeholders in both the private and public sectors. The DHS Investing in Iowa's Child Care program provides funding for equipment, personnel, training and supplies for new or established child care facilities. |
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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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