The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is excited to announce that Gerry Alt has transitioned into a full-time position as a Business Development Coordinator.

Alt recently graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Management Information Systems from the Ivy College of Business. After Alt spent one summer as a marketing and support intern, he was offered a part-time position and is now transitioning to full-time.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to continue working for such an outstanding organization,” says Alt. “There is something truly special going on here in Ames and I look forward to assisting the team in promoting our community.”

As the Business Development Coordinator, Alt supports the research activities of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission related to marketing. This position also manages the economic development programming by tracking and maintaining data on sites, buildings, and other information that supports the marketing and existing industry programs of the AEDC.

“We are very excited to keep Gerry on our team,” says Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Gerry was an outstanding intern for us and has so far done incredibly well as the Business Development Coordinator.”

Alt can be contacted at gerry@ameschamber.com.

The Ames Economic Development Commission is pleased to announce Perfect Flight, a Brazilian founded company, will be opening its global headquarters in the Iowa State University Research Park in Ames, Iowa.

Perfect Flight was created in 2015 to become the first aerial application solution to help farmers and duster/aerial applicators plan, monitor and have clear reports on how and where applications of liquid fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides are applied. By having this understanding, they are able to cover larger areas with less input becoming more cost efficient, effective and sustainable. Thus far, the company has served and digitized over 27 million acres with plans to continue its fast-paced growth.

"This is a very important step forward as we bring Perfect Flight to the global market. It is very exciting to bring this great technology and agricultural knowledge to growers and their partners in the U.S. Perfect Flight is a proven winner in Latin America, delivering cost reduction and application efficiency to growers”, said Dan Burdett, Perfect Flight’s U.S. Advisor. 

“Guaranteeing the best conditions and full environmental compliance in every aerial application (for herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, liquid fertilizer and other inputs applied with aircrafts and drones), resulting in sustainable food for our kids and all of us, and safety to our rural communities, is what moves and inspires us to make this expansion. We extend a huge thank you to the State of Iowa, to the City of Ames, to Iowa State University, and the Ames Economic Development Commission for all the great support to create a US based headquarters. Together, we will help make food production more sustainable.” said Rodrigo Iafelice dos Santos, Perfect Flight’s Board Member.
This project will create 60 new high-paying employment opportunities in the region.

“This is a tremendous economic development opportunity and we are thrilled that this international company, Perfect Flight, has selected Ames for their U.S. operations," said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Economic Development Commission. "I credit our partners, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the City of Ames, Des Moines Area Community College, and the Iowa State University Research Park for collaborating with us to bring this great company to our market. I am truly grateful that Perfect Flight has elected to locate in Ames and their promise of 60 highly-skilled and very meaningful employment opportunities is a great shot in the arm for our region.” 
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For more information, please contact Brenda Dryer, Senior Vice President, Ames Chamber of Commerce at 515.232.2310 or at brenda@ameschamber.com.

After an undoubtedly challenging year for all, the See Yourself In Ames Internship Series will prove to be a great resource for upcoming young professionals. Providing the opportunity for interns to network and learn from experienced speakers will propel students in the right direction for their future career paths.
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The first event is on Tuesday, May 25 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM and features Iowa State University’s Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, as a speaker. Participants will hear about ‘Bringing a Vision to Life.’ Although this event will take place on Zoom, the second event will take advantage of the outdoors and allow participants to connect in-person.

Reiman Gardens will host the second event on Tuesday, June 8 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During this event, interns will hear from multiple businesses and organizations on topics surrounding ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.’ Among the chance to hear from a wide range of speakers, interns will also be provided the opportunity to develop their networking skills and connect with their peers.

Continuing with the series is the third event, which is called ‘Personal Branding.’ This event will take place on Tuesday, June 22 over Zoom from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM and will be hosted by Lauren Gifford. As a local muralist, Lauren Gifford is also offering a calligraphy workshop during this event.

To conclude this year’s See Yourself In Ames Internship Series, Adam Carroll will speak at the CPMI Event Center on Tuesday, July 13 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Interns will be enlightened on ‘Successful Career Launch,’ among other supporting topics such as preparing for and visualizing their professional careers.

More information about the See Yourself In Ames Internship Series may be found at www.ameschamber.com or by calling 515-232-2310.

The Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) and partner organizations will be celebrating National Economic Development Week from May 9 - 15, 2021 to showcase the contributions of positive economic development and ongoing economic development projects in our communities.

“As the lead economic development organization in Story County, the AEDC works in unison with our communities to help increase access and opportunities for all citizens." said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Economic Development Commission. "This year, it feels like we have more than ever to celebrate. Not only are we coming out of a pandemic, but we are coming out of a pandemic stronger and more focused on growth and quality of life in our communities."

The 2021 theme is #ThisIsEconDev and will spotlight economic development throughout Story County and Boone communities. "Oftentimes, when people hear the term, ‘economic development,’ they think of new companies coming to town or large local companies beginning expansion projects, both of which are significant aspects of growth," said Culhane. "What they might not think of is reinvesting in existing districts through beautification projects, revitalizing and repurposing historic buildings and as a result, providing new ways for residents and visitors to spend money locally."

As part of these celebrations, the AEDC received proclamations from Ames, Boone, Cambridge, Collins, Colo, Gilbert, Huxley, Kelly, Maxwell, McCallsburg, Nevada, Roland, Slater, Story City and Zearing.

Now in its sixth 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 the AEDC, please visit AmesEDC.com.