The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Ames Economic Development Commission are pleased to recognize Allee Wengert as she begins a new position and welcome KK O’Neill to the Ames Chamber team.
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“I am thrilled to see Allee transition into the new Marketing Coordinator position, and to welcome KK as Director of Membership Development,” says Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. “With their prior experiences they are both great fits for their new roles and I am so pleased to have them on our team.”

As Marketing Coordinator, Wengert will oversee projects including video and graphic design, support digital marketing, content development and coordinate advertising.

Wengert originates from Ames and received her Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State University. Wengert began her position on October 21 and can be contacted at allee@ameschamber.com.

In her position as Director of Membership Development, O’Neill will coordinate Chamber membership sales and retention, member event coordination, ambassador program, and Ames Main Street investor sales and retention.

O’Neill received her Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University and has over 20 years of experience in the sales industry. O’Neill began her position on October 21 and can be contacted at KK@ameschamber.com.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce has announced today that it will be visiting the vibrant coastal region of the French Riviera, departing on September 19, 2020, and is inviting Chamber members, and family and friends of Chamber members, to join them on this once in a lifetime experience.
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Full of rich culture, the French Riviera has much to offer to any tourist. Travelers will enjoy an eight-day journey to this stunning area of France, recognized internationally as a mecca for luxury and sophistication.

Trip highlights include visits to the spa resort town of Cannes, home to the International Film Festival; learning about the perfume industry in Grasse; walking in Grace Kelly’s footsteps through Monaco; exploring the picturesque Romanesque Cathedral in Monte Carlo; visiting medieval Villefrance, a historical and major sea port town; and relaxing in St. Tropez, the wine region of the French Riviera featuring beautiful beaches.

“The Ames Chamber Travel program is a unique opportunity to experience the French Riviera,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “Travelers can take in the country’s culture, learn about its business climate, try new things and make lifelong memories and friends. I hope many of our members will take advantage of this travel experience and join us next September in the French Riviera!”

Space is limited for this trip and interested parties are encouraged to take action soon. Don’t miss out on the chance to visit the French Riviera, exchange ideas with local business representatives, make new friends, and build new memories.

For more information or to reserve a spot on this trip, call 515-232-2310 or visit www.AmesChamber.com.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates are pleased to announce their 2019 Annual Award Winners:

• Business Person of the Year: Natalie Merrill, Renewable Energy Group, Inc.
• Community Involvement: Gary Botine, Mary Greeley Medical Center
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Mindy Bergstrom, Cooks’ Emporium and Nook & Nest
• Diversity & Inclusion: Joel Hochstein, Iowa State University
• Ames Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Dave Tucker, Great Western Bank
• Economic Impact: Accurate Development, Alliant Energy, City of Collins, Deere & Company, Gross-Wen Technology, Landus Cooperative, Performance Livestock Analytics, Verbio, Vertex
• The Ames Foundation Contributor of the Year: Ben Hershey, Country Landscapes  
• Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Contributor of the Year: VisionBank
• Ames Main Street Volunteer of the Year: Eric Abrams, Duck Worth Wearing
• Campustown Action Association Volunteer of the Year: Letitia Kenemer, Iowa State University Memorial Union
• FUEL Story County 4 Under 40: Brianne Anderson, Ames Public Library; Christian Hempen, GVL; Taylor Hopper, FOX Engineering; Lawrence Cunningham, Iowa State Daily

Award winners will be honored at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00 p.m. at Ames Golf & Country Club (5752 George Washington Carver Ave). This year’s Awards Ceremony will include a reception and ceremony.

Award winners will also be recognized at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Event on December 12 at 11:30 am, at the Sukup Endzone Club at Jack Trice Stadium. This year’s Annual Event will include a lunch celebrating the accomplishments of 2019 while looking forward to 2020 and beyond. This year’s event theme is about innovation and creating A Bold Vision for the future of Ames and Story County, featuring keynote remarks from ISU Athletics’ Director, Jamie Pollard.
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For more information or to register for the Annual Award Ceremony (public is welcome to attend) please visit www.ameschamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 515-232-2310. Tickets for the Annual Award Ceremony are $60 for Chamber Members and $70 for non-members.