November 23, 2021 (Ames, IA) - The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Affiliates are pleased to announce their 2021 Annual Award Winners:

• Business Person of the Year: Chuck Winkleblack, Hunziker
• Community Contributor of the Year: Steve Goodhue, Knapp Tedesco Insurance
• Trailblazer of the Year: Daniel Oh, AgCertain / OEI Inc.
• Diversity & Inclusion: nicci port, Iowa State University
• Culture Creator of the Year: CJ Warner, Renewable Energy Group
• Ames Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit Union
• Economic Impact: Dose Steelworks; Hawkeye Molding; ALMACO; Chris Gardner; Technical Services Inc; Pivot Bio; Power Pollen; City of Story City; Solar FX
• The Ames Foundation Contributor of the Year: Nick Johnson, Ames Ford
• Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Contributor of the Year: Deery of Ames
• Ames Main Street Volunteer of the Year: Lowe's
• FUEL Story County 4 Under 40: Alex Cakerice, Bankers Trust; AJ Pollard, Renewable Energy Group; Michelle Hertzke, Iowa State University; Pablo Raul Stinga, Iowa State University

Award winners will be honored at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:00 pm at Prairie Moon Winery (3801 W 190th St). This year’s Awards Ceremony will include dinner and a ceremony with the presentation of awards.

Award winners will also be recognized at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Event on Wednesday, December 15 at 6:30pm at the Sukup Endzone Club at Jack Trice Stadium. This year’s Annual Event will include dinner and entertainment by comedian and magician, Derek Hughes.

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 $75 for non-members.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launching of the Story County COVID-19 Workforce Retraining Initiative. This plan was previously approved by the Story County Board of Supervisors in order to support the employment needs in Story County. Over 400 passionate workers in numerous industries now have the opportunity to retrain and develop their careers at no cost.

This program will take place between the Ames, Boone, and Ankeny DMACC campuses, where education and training will allow for high skill development. Upcoming in December of 2021 is a Manufacturing Production Technician Certification. In early 2022, Certified Nursing Assistant (Basic & Advanced), and Welding, Construction, and Manufacturing opportunities will be available. In each of these focus areas, numerous employers are eager to hire passionate and qualified workers as the current unemployment issues press on.

“The vision to retrain Story County residents and support employment is inspiring yet a natural course of action. This Story County COVID-19 Workforce Retraining Initiative acts as a reinvestment to our community, local economy, and residents. We are excited to bring our community into the future alongside many Story County organizations and the Des Moines Area Community College,” says Nikki Fischer, Director of Workforce & Diversity.

To encourage and aid participants, there are resources available such as transportation assistance, childcare support, WTA funding, scholarship opportunities, and stipends. Among these supporting resources, there will also be chances for participants to meet employers and prepare themselves for their career with guidance and support.

Those interested in the December Manufacturing session should plan to attend an informational session on Thursday, November 18 at the Ames Chamber of Commerce office at 304 Main. Sessions will be held at 3:00pm and 6:00pm. Registration is not required.

If you are interested in the program, contact Nikki Fischer, Director of Workforce & Diversity at the Ames Chamber of Commerce at nikki@ameschamber.com or by calling 515.232.2310.