The Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC), in partnership with the International Economic Development Council, is celebrating economic development week in Ames May 6-11. The weeklong 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 a proclamation on Tuesday, May 7 at the Story County Board of Supervisors meeting. A proclamation was previously read at the Nevada City Council meeting on April 22, the Ames City Council meeting on April 23 and the Huxley City Council on April 23.

Throughout 2019 the AEDC will continue its 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."
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To learn more about the AEDC please visit www.AmesEDC.com. To learn more about Economic Development Week visit www.iedconline.org/edw.

Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission, has been awarded re-certification by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Culhane first achieved the Certified Economic Developer designation in 2000. CEcD recertification, required every three years, was awarded to Culhane who met demanding requirements for continuing education and service to the profession. In his current role he has led a number of initiatives including the modernization of the Ames Municipal Airport, the annexation of over 1,300 acres for industrial purposes, and the recruitment and expansion of nearly 70 companies to the Iowa State University Research Park and Ames/Story County communities.

The designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) is a highly recognized national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to professional growth. Culhane first earned certification by passing a rigorous three-part, two-day examination, testing his knowledge, proficiency and judgment in the key areas of economic development.

As highly skilled economic development practitioners, Culhane and over 1,000 other Certified Economic Developers work with public officials, business leaders and community members to create and retain high-quality jobs, establish economic vibrancy, and improve quality of life for the people they serve.

About IEDC:

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan 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. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.
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Learn more about IEDC: www.iedconline.org