Ames, IA – The Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC), in partnership with the International Economic Development Council, is celebrating economic development week in Ames May 7-12. The week-long celebration emphasizes the importance of economic development and showcases the efforts and initiatives improving business retention, job growth and quality of life for Ames-area residents.

As part of these celebrations, the AEDC will receive proclamations on Tuesday, May 8 from Mayor John Haila at the Ames City Council meeting and Story County Supervisor Rick Sanders at the Story County Board of Supervisors meeting. Proclamations were previously read at the Huxley City Council meeting on April 24 and the Nevada City Council meeting on April 26.

To celebrate, the AEDC will also launch a new social media campaign featuring #StoryGrows to highlight the economic development activities happening in Story County. Follow the AEDC on Facebook and Twitter (@AmesEDC) to learn more.

The AEDC has made the commitment to celebrate Economic Development Week in order to emphasize the importance of economic development for Ames, Story County and the state of Iowa. The week is designed to increase an understanding of economic development’s contribution to the State’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base and the overall quality of life in our community.

“We are proud of the work we’ve done here in the Ames community and equally proud to work throughout Story County, including in the Huxley, Story City and Nevada communities,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Economic Development Commission. “This week especially we want to show off all the activity in Story County. There will be a lot of dirt moving this summer and that’s something we’re excited about.”

To learn more about the AEDC please visit www.AmesEDC.com. To learn more about Economic Development Week visit www.iedconline.org/edw.

Des Moines, IA – May 3, 2018: The Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI) honored economic development organizations from Ames, Ottumwa, Iowa Lakes Corridor, and West Central Iowa during the SMART Economic Development Conference held in Des Moines on May 2.

The PDI Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Awards Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of local and regional economic development initiatives in supporting growth and expansion of existing Iowa companies. Receiving an award for Overall BRE Program – Community/County is Ames Economic Development Commission.

The Ames Economic Development Commission recognized a growing need for assistance with workforce development by business and industry. These concerns are valid; for the last two years Ames/Story County has had the lowest unemployment rate in the United States.

To address these needs, the Ames Economic Development Commission created a multi-faceted workforce solutions program beginning in 2013 through today. Included in this effort was development of an interactive website and job board WorkInAmes.com and the Story County Job Board; summer internship programming “See yourself in Ames” averaging 134 interns at each event; sponsoring MyIowaFuture.com where leads are shared with their workforce solutions investors; becoming a Home Base Iowa county with over 120 Story County Businesses participating; working with Iowa Works to bring back career fairs to Story County and attending many other career fairs; co-marketing with Iowa State University Alumni Association in reaching out to alumni; K-12 engagement and engaging students through interaction with 6 schools systems in Story County to facilitate real-life project-based learning; and reaching out to new residents of Story County with business community concierge services.

Most importantly results are tracked and they report progress toward the above goals monthly at the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Board meeting. The results are reported quarterly to the Story County Board of Supervisors. Year end results are included as part of our AEDC Annual Report.

“Supporting Iowa’s existing industry is a key priority for PDI’s membership,” stated Carla Eysink, PDI President. “The BRE Awards are intended to increase the focus on fostering Iowa business growth by economic development organizations and spotlight BRE programs and projects that have made a significant impact on Iowa communities.”

Founded in 1973, with current membership of over 320, PDI is an organization dedicated to advancing the professionalism of its members through a wide range of programs and services. As an association, PDI provides professional training that helps its members do a better job for their community. PDI creates an atmosphere of support and offers an instant network of seasoned experts for local professionals to seek advice and support.

AMES, IA – The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) announces several changes in staff responsibilities to further support the overall health and vibrancy of these organizations.

Sarah Buss provides leadership for events and sponsorship for the Chamber and AEDC, as well as staff liaison to the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market. Sarah’s new title is Director, Events and Sponsorship.

John Hall has recently become the point person providing economic development services to Nevada and serves as Executive Director, Nevada Economic Development Council as well as maintaining his role as Director of Marketing with the AEDC.

Andrea Hammes Dodge leads the Chamber of Commerce team by providing strategy development and oversight of programming, while continuing to oversee marketing and communications, and serving as staff liaison to The Ames Foundation. Her new title is Vice President.

Drew Kamp serves an important dual role with the organizations, including business retention and expansion programming as well as public policy. His title has been revised to Director, Business Retention/Expansion & Public Policy.

Brandon Mumm manages the Chamber’s membership and supports the development of this critically important aspect for the organization. His title has changed to Director, Membership Development.

Calli Sandahl manages social media, digital communication and supports the overall marketing efforts of both organizations. Her new title is Director, Digital Marketing.

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/.