The Ames Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Ottie Maxey as New Director of Business Retention & Expansion

The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Ottie Maxey to the team as Director of Business Retention & Expansion.

“A large part of job growth in any region is the result of businesses and companies growing and expanding,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Business retention and expansion is a key indicator of economic success, and I am excited to welcome Ottie into this role that is dedicated to fostering relationships with established companies in the region. He is a proven leader in our community and an incredible asset, not only to our organization, but our entire business community.”

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Maxey has spent the past 28 years of his career in public education, most recently as Superintendent of the Ballard School District that serves the communities of Huxley, Cambridge, Kelley, and Slater. In that capacity, he has engaged with businesses and leaders across the Ames MSA and is familiar with the role of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

"In my eleven years of service to the Ballard community, I had multiple opportunities to collaborate with the Ames Chamber of Commerce,” said Maxey. “The Chamber's commitment to supporting a strong regional and statewide economy, efforts in building relationships and partnerships, and desire to put the customer first has always resonated with me.”

In his new role at Director of Business Retention & Expansion, Maxey will be responsible for the development and implementation of a plan to provide timely assistance to the existing business and industry of the Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area (Ames MSA - Boone and Story County). This will include frequent communication with major employers across the region, data input, and providing timely assistance to the local business community about programs and incentives that will enhance their operations.

​As part of the Business Development team, Maxey will also serve as the primary point of contact in support of the economic and community development needs of a yet to be identified community.

“It is an honor to accept an opportunity to continue my service to a region I have called home for more than a decade,” said Maxey. “I am excited to begin a new chapter in my career and support our collective efforts to make the Ames MSA a leader in the state of Iowa."

​Maxey began his position on July 10 and can be reached at ottie@ameschamber.com

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