The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2020 Annual Event, The Ames Chamber of Commerce Show, Presented by Kingland Systems Corporation to be premiered virtually on Friday, December 11 at 3:30 pm.
​
To ensure the safety of all, this year’s event will be held virtually, in live video format, where attendees can watch from the safety of their offices or homes. This year’s theme mimics Late Night entertainment shows, with satirical segments commenting on 2020, and interviews featuring the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission board chairs.

“I am very excited for this year’s annual event!” Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations says. “While it’s unfortunate that we cannot host the event in person, our team has worked hard to put together a fun Late Night theme-based video montage for everyone to enjoy. This year’s event video is our final nod to 2020 and expresses deep gratitude to the community for remaining #StoryCountyStrong through it all. I can’t wait to watch the final product at the premiere!”

The Ames Chamber Annual Event will also honor award winners and celebrate highlights of the past year for the Ames Chamber and its affiliates, while also commenting on the community remaining #StoryCountyStrong throughout the year and looking ahead at what’s to come.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce Show will premiere Friday, December 11 from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Access to the premiere is free, however voluntary contributions are encouraged. Contributions of $100 will include a VIP package filled with Story County goodies to enjoy while watching the event. All attendees must register in advance to receive the premiere link.

For more information on the Annual Event or to register (public is welcome to attend) please visit www.ameschamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 515-232-2310.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is pleased to welcome Jan Williams to the team as the Vice President of Communication and Investor Relations.

Williams specializes in member and investment relations for the Ames Chamber of Commerce. In her new role she will support the events and marketing department, while also maintaining our sponsorship and member engagement.

“I’m very pleased to return to the Ames Chamber of Commerce and continue to build relationships and advocate for businesses within Ames and Story County,” says Williams. “It really is an honor for me to cultivate and engage those relationships with our nearly 600 members and shareholders. It’s very obvious the people within Ames and Story County believe in our community and want to see it thrive and grow. I want to help foster those relationships.”

Williams started her career in Ames as a student at Iowa State University. Williams is also active in the community, serving on The Ames Foundation board, an affiliate organization of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, and supporting various other nonprofit organizations throughout Story County.

“We’re extremely excited to have Jan back with us here,” says Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “With all of her previous experience at the Ames Chamber and in the community, I am confident she will breathe new life into our membership programming and be a great asset to the team.”
​
Jan began her position on November 2 and can be contacted at jan@ameschamber.com.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and its affiliates are pleased to announce their 2020 Annual Award Winners:

• Business Person of the Year: Michelle Cassabaum, 21st Century Rehab
• Community Contributor of the Year: Reynolds Cramer, Fareway
• Trailblazer of the Year: Raspberry Hill Bed & Breakfast
• Diversity & Inclusion: Wayne and Edna Clinton
• Culture Creator: Better at Burke Campaign
• Ames Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Jason Jennings, Friedrich Iowa Realty
• Economic Impact: Amcor, Mid-State Material Handling and Fabrication, Bricktown Ames, South Glenn Subdivision, Story City Housing Projects, AgCertain, Larson Well Drilling, TMC, American Packaging Corporation
• The Ames Foundation Contributor of the Year: Jennifer Garst
• Ames Main Street Volunteer of the Year: Eliz Erbes, Avec Design + Build
• FUEL Story County 4 Under 40: Jill Crosser, Bankers Trust; Nate Rasmussen, Merck; Tiffany Tope, Stevens Memorial Chapel; Cherie Torresi, Sigler

Award winners will be recognized at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Event on December 11 at 3:30 pm. This year’s Annual Event will be held virtually through a simulcast on YouTube. This year’s event theme is #StoryCountyStrong and features a late-night show twist as we take a look back on the ups and downs of the ever-unpredictable 2020.

For more information or to register for the Annual Event virtual event (public is welcome to attend) please visit www.ameschamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 515-232-2310. Access is free, however donations are welcome. Donations of $100 or more will include a VIP package to enjoy while watching the event.