The Ames Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Ames Human Relations Commission and Iowa State University Division of Diversity and Inclusion, are pleased to announce the 2019 Symposium on Building Inclusive Organizations will be held October 29 in Ames. This year’s keynote speaker is Ritu Bhasin.

Ritu Bhasin, LL.B. MBA, is an internationally recognized expert in diversity and leadership development, the President of leading diversity and inclusion-focused consulting firm bhasin consulting inc., and the author of The Authenticity Principle: Resist Conformity, Embrace Differences, and Transform How You Live, Work, and Lead. Inspired by her own journey to overcome racist childhood bullying, Bhasin now teaches globally on how to live, work, and lead in an empowered and inclusive way.

"We are thrilled to bring a speaker of this caliber to Ames for this year’s symposium,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Ritu is a fantastic speaker with a very important message that will resonate with our attendees. I am certain she will leave a lasting impression that has a positive impact as we strive to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all."

The Symposium on Building Inclusive Organizations was designed for leaders and influencers in central Iowa, particularly those who impact hiring and decision-making in the workplace and who impact organizational culture and environment. Attendees will learn practical strategies towards building more inclusive workplaces. Breakout speakers and topics will be announced in September.

The inaugural symposium was held in 2018 with tremendous results. The momentum going into this year’s event is evident by the strong showing of support from local sponsors. Gold Sponsors are Mary Greeley Medical Center, Renewable Energy Group and Workiva; Silver Sponsors include the NAACP Ames Branch, Ames Community School District, the Cyclone Chapter of SHRM, and Barilla America; Bronze Sponsors include Burke Corporation, First National Bank, and the ISU Foundation, with creative support from Rippke Design.
​
Registration for this half-day symposium is $100 per person ($80 non-profit rate) and includes breakfast, lunch, keynote speaker, and breakout sessions. This event will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from 7:30am-1:00pm at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center (2100 Green Hills Drive, Ames). To register or learn more, visit www.AmesChamber.com or call 515-232-2310.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Ames area.  This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Ames’ workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Ames area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high-quality workforce.

For the success of this study, Iowa Workforce Development will be sending letters to employers in Ames asking that they aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow the department to determine what the scope and scale of Ames’ Laborshed area is and better understand where Ames’ workforce resides.

A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area.  Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level, and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth.

Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at www.iowalmi.gov/laborshed. 

​If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, please contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Brenda Dryer, with the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission at 515-232-2310.

The Ames Seed Capital, LLC has invested $100,000 into local Ames business, VetMeasure, Inc.

“VetMeasure is honored that Ames Seed Capital joined as an investment partner representing the Ames community. This timely investment helps support VetMeasure’s preparation for the commercialization phase,” said Kevin Maher, CEO of VetMeasure.

VetMeasure created an animal heart monitoring device whose design allows the monitoring of a pet’s health remotely and in real-time. VetMeasure wants to ensure owners and veterinarians understand the animals they care for and work with.

“As our team continues to identify and meet with additional investor prospects to fulfill our Series A investment round, we appreciate interest expressed by accredited investors in our exciting new business, to advance VetMeasure forward with our first product to be launched into the veterinary profession,” said Maher.
VetMeasure’s MeasureON! Harness measures key health metrics and sends the data to a mobile and web application for veterinarians to view. When the dog’s metrics reaches critical levels automated alerts are sent to veterinarians and clinics.

“VetMeasure is working to obtain $1 million in seed capital and have currently raised about half of their targeted amount. The company has continued to address engineering issues and begun the manufacture and assembly of approximately 250 units. Pilot program testing continues with good success,” said Mike Roof with Ames Seed Capital, LLC Board of Directors. “The company is in the critical phase of moving toward more sales and marketing focused efforts. Supporting Kevin/VetMeasure in achieving the funding goals will allow them to focus on business model implementation and best chances for commercial success.”

VetMeasure plans to spread their technology to dairy and beef. Their technology will alert animal caretakers to issues before they would usually be detected.

“By investing in VetMeasure, Ames Seed Capital continues to build on our 30-year tradition of supporting local entrepreneurs with sound business opportunities who intend to create jobs in the Ames and Story County market. We are proud to support Kevin, a serial entrepreneur in the Ames area, and VetMeasure, a company with a promising future,” said John Hall, Director of Business Development at Ames Economic Development Commission.

Ames Seed Capital, LLC is a for-profit investment group that is affiliated with the Ames Economic Development Commission.