CHICAGO, IL – The Ames Economic Development Commission was recently recognized for its innovative workforce development programs by the Mid-America Economic Development Council (Mid-America EDC).

The Ames Economic Development Commission was recognized at the 2018 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference & Site Selector Forum, held December 2-4 at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown, as a finalist in the large division (community population over 50,000) of the Workforce Development category, recognizing activities and/or innovative programs to attract new workforce to an area, strengthen the skills of your existing workforce or encourage retention of youth in an area.

“It’s always nice to be recognized for your efforts and even more significant when that acknowledgement comes from your peers,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. “Our Workforce Solutions program is paramount to the work that we do and this highlights the efforts of our team and the importance of our valuable private and public partners in this endeavor.”

Mid-America EDC members are dedicated economic development professionals who share best practices to add value in their organizations and communities. Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the leading resource for making contact with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs, and accessing thought leadership.

For many years, The Mid-America Economic Development Council has sponsored the annual Economic Development Awards competition to recognize and stimulate the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the twelve-state Mid-America region in promoting their respective communities. 
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For more information about The Mid-America Economic Development Council and to view more information about this year’s winning award entries, please visit www.midamericaedc.org.

Ames, IA – The Ames Chamber of Commerce has announced that nationally-acclaimed entertainer Joe Everson will perform at its annual event.
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On Monday, December 17, the entire community is invited to a one-of-a-kind and a unique celebration of the Ames community, Ames in Full Color: Create. Be bold. Connect. The event, held at Sigler Companies, will include interactive stations, live musicians, free gifts and more.

Headlining this year’s event is Joe Everson, who is best known as “The Anthem Artist.” Everson travels the country singing, creating and inspiring others with his art and storytelling. Everson has performed in most major sporting venues in the country, and his performances have received more than 200 million views online. While in Ames, Everson will encourage attendees to “create” the community they want by “being bold” and “connecting” to those around them.

“This year’s event, Ames in Full Color, will be a celebration of the great people and businesses that make Ames such a vibrant place to live, work and do business,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “I can’t wait for our guests to see Joe Everson and to be inspired to create, be bold and connect within our community.”

The Ames Chamber Annual Event will also honor award winners and celebrate highlights of the past year for the Ames Chamber and its affiliates: Ames Economic Development Commission, Ames Main Street, Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market, Ames Seed Capital, Campustown Action Association, Startup Ames, The Ames Foundation and Young Professionals of Ames.

Ames in Full Color will be held Monday, December 17 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Sigler Companies (3100 S Riverside Dr, Ames). Tickets are $80 for Chamber Members or $700 for a table of 10. Tickets are $90 for non-members or $800 for a table of 10. Businesses are encouraged to buy seats of 10 to guarantee seating together and discounted pricing. Early registration is suggested; prices increase on December 10.

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.