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December 13, 2021 (Ames, IA) - The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 2022 Economic Outlook Breakfast will be held at the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, presented by Keen Project Solutions.
The Economic Outlook Breakfast will focus on forecasting the local, state and regional opportunities, challenges, and economic trends, and how they affect the Ames and Story County business community. The Ames Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Anna Paulson, Director of Economic Research from the Chicago Federal Reserve as the keynote speaker. Paulson is an expert on financial markets and institutions, with particular expertise on the insurance industry. Her research investigates how households and firms adapt to incomplete financial markets and how household financial decision-making is influenced by exposure to institutions and economic events, including financial crises. Paulson’s research has been published in leading scholarly journals, including the Journal of Political Economy, Review of Economics and Statistics, and Review of Financial Studies. She is a past member of the American Economic Association’s Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession and a past board member of the Western Economic Association International. This event will be held Tuesday, January 11 from 7:30am - 9:00am. To register for the event, visit ameschamber.com/events or by clicking here. For any additional questions or information, you can reach the Ames Chamber of Commerce at 515-232-2310.
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The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the participants who have been selected to participate in Leadership Ames Class XXXV:
Leadership Ames is a program of the Ames Chamber of Commerce that offers the opportunity for participants to gain experience in civic leadership responsibilities and cultivate relationships with other local leaders and community members. Co-Chairs for Leadership Ames Class XXXV are Kate Reynolds, ChildServe (XXXIII) and Tom Mortice, South Story Bank & Trust (XXXIV). Participants in this year’s class will participate in twelve day-long sessions designed to develop informed, involved and concerned leaders. "We are thrilled to announce the 35th Leadership Ames Class,” says Dan Culhane, President & CEO of Ames Chamber of Commerce. “This longstanding program has a history of empowering local leaders and being a catalyst for connections and contributions to the Ames community. I am excited for Class XXXV to take their skills to the next level.” Classmates will hear presentations on important topics, debate issues, participate in class activities, visit with area leaders, tour facilities and get to know other individuals representing a broad cross-section of the community. Session begin in January 2022. For more information on the Leadership Ames program, visit AmesChamber.com. (December 8, 2021) - The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is pleased to welcome Greg Piklapp to the team as the Director of Community & Economic Development Outreach.
“We are thrilled to have Greg joining our team," said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. “His knowledge and appreciation for both economic and community development will be highly useful as he tackles the important work of engaging with the various communities in Story County. His considerable tenure as a local elected official also lends itself to understanding the wide array of needs within a community and that every community is different. I am confident he will thrive in this important role.” As the Director of Community & Economic Development Outreach, Piklapp will serve as the liaison between the Ames Economic Development Commission and the rural communities outside of Ames. In this role he will focus on the development of “small” or new business start-ups in the retail, commercial, and industrial sectors. "I am thrilled to be joining the Ames Chamber and Economic Development team," said Piklapp. "I was born and raised in rural Iowa and am eager to help local leaders tap this unprecedented time of investment opportunities for their communities. Doesn't matter if it is building new or renovating the historic, all are pieces of the puzzle to building their hometowns stronger and better." Piklapp previously worked at Simplified Benefit Solutions as the Vice President of Sales before accepting his new role with the Ames Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as an elected city councilmember for the City of Boone, a position he has held for 12 years. As a Boone City Councilmember, Piklapp has served as Chair on the City Economic Development Committee the past 6 years, while also serving on the Policy & Administration Committee. Piklapp began his position on December 6 and be contacted at greg@ameschamber.com. (December 1, 2021) - The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission is excited to welcome Dylan Kline to the team as the new Director of Business Development.
“Dylan's strong passion for community makes him a great fit for what we do," said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. “Couple this with his past project management experience and I think that he will hit the ground running as he engages companies looking at the Ames MSA for investment opportunities.” As the Director of Business Development, Kline will support the ongoing implementation of our economic development strategies, to provide timely customer service and follow up to prospective clients that have expressed interest in the Ames/Story County area. He will also serve as a representative on the City of Ames Development Review Committee and as a liaison to Story City. "I love being apart of the Ames community and the amazing things that are happening here and in central Iowa," said Kline. "Having an opportunity to be a part of the continued improvement of this community is something that I am excited about in this role." Kline has spent the past nine years working as a Project Manager for Integrity Construction overseeing their new home projects. Kline began his position on November 29 and be contacted at dylan@ameschamber.com. November 23, 2021 (Ames, IA) - The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Affiliates are pleased to announce their 2021 Annual Award Winners:
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. October 26, 2021 (Boone, IA) – The Boone Scenic Valley Railroad has received a funding award from the Iowa Department of Transportation that totals $551,112.
These funds are intended to improve rail operations for the industrial areas in Boone, which will make a positive impact for both their current and future customers. This project will also include a second track installation and rehabbing track to meet the growing industrial needs in Boone. "The City of Boone is pleased with the funding award to the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad by the Iowa Department of Transportation," said Bill Skare, Boone City Administrator. "The Boone Scenic Valley Railroad is a tremendous asset to the city and its citizens. Undoubtedly this funding will help bring additional economic development to the area." The Boone Scenic Valley Railroad employs 9-10 people and works with more than 200 volunteers that support the tourism aspect of their business model. “It is great to see the leadership of the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad continuing to invest in its infrastructure as it is a critically important asset for economic development in the Boone community,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the AEDC. “We are excited they received this financial assistance and look forward to their continued growth and expansion as they serve two very important sectors in the Boone community, industry and tourism.” October 25, 2021 (Nevada, IA) - The Nevada Economic Development Council is pleased to announce that M&R Properties has broken ground for another building in the Nevada West Industrial Park.
“We know that many small businesses are excited to come to Nevada, and we are proud to provide this opportunity for them to grow in this community,” said Matt Riesselman, Owner and Developer at M&R Properties. Now the company’s second location in the Nevada West Industrial Park, this new building features 7,600 available square feet and offers five additional units for small businesses to utilize. “We are excited to see M & R Properties move ahead with another phase of their project in West Nevada,” said Brenda Dryer, Executive Director of the Nevada Economic Development Council. “We look forward to the new and existing businesses that may utilize this space.” For more information, please contact Brenda Dryer, Executive Director of the Nevada Economic Development Council at 515.232.2310 or by email at brenda@ameschamber.com. Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission Celebrates Manufacturing Day 202110/1/2021 (October 1, 2021) – The Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission are pleased to celebrate Manufacturing Day 2021 in partnership with The Manufacturing Institute. Manufacturing Day is nationally recognized the first Friday of October every year.
"It is imperative to recognize the importance of manufacturing to the rapidly developing economy, society, and future innovation," says Dan Culhane, President and CEO, Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. "Manufacturing continues to be a dominating industry in our state and Metropolitan Statistical Area with an estimated 1,200 new jobs to be added in Central Iowa by 2026." New advanced technologies create new jobs, requiring a skilled workforce interested in pursuing them. Statistics from The Manufacturing Institute gives a deeper look into the impact manufacturing has had on the economy. Precisely, 1.3 million manufacturing jobs have been added to the US economy over the past ten years with an additional four million jobs are expected to be added to the US job market in the next decade. Not only is the manufacturing industry having a grand global and national impact, but manufacturing has a great weight on the local economy as well. A variety of manufacturing positions are open across Boone and Story County. There are over 500 available positions in this industry right now, offering a wide variety of opportunities for our local workforce and ongoing investment in our local economy. For more information on local job opportunities within the manufacturing industry in the Ames Metropolitan Statistical Area, visit WorkInAmesMSA.com. The Ames Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the recently renovated Laughlin Level space.
Located in the lower level of the Ames Chamber office at 304 Main Street, the space officially opened on Wednesday, September 22 during a Business After Hours Event. Chamber members were invited to join in the celebration with tours, refreshments and networking with others in the community. The Ames Chamber of Commerce chooses to celebrate Julia Laughlin, Ames Train Depot Station Master from 1917 to 1924. She was the only woman station master in the nation. When the Chicago-Northwestern Transportation Company attempted to cancel her contract, the Ames Chamber of Commerce stepped in and renegotiated on her behalf. We are proud to recognize Laughlin's tenacity and her connection with the Chamber as the namesake for the new space. “We are thrilled to open the Laughlin Level on behalf of our members,” says Dan Culhane, CEO and President of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. “With this new space, we are furthering our mission to enhance our community, promote networking and collaboration as well as help meet the need for conference space in the area.” A piece of Ames’s history is brought to life within the Laughlin Level as the space celebrates the historic nature of the building and marries it with a modern design and color scheme. The space offers three different sized rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and a kitchen to meet the needs of each group who utilizes it. Furthermore, the level is completely accessible thanks to the newly installed elevator. With amply parking and prime communal resources, the Laughlin Level positions the Ames Chamber and Downtown Ames as a forward-thinking community asset. For more information on booking your event in the Laughlin Level, contact us at laughlin@ameschamber.com or call 515-232-2310. |
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304 Main St.
Ames, Iowa 50010 Phone: (515) 232-2310 |
About the Ames Chamber
Centrally and conveniently located in the heart of the Midwest and Iowa, Ames is known for its healthy, stable economy, flourishing cultural environment, and the world-renowned Iowa State University. With over 650 members, the Ames Chamber of Commerce strives to make Ames a better place to live, work, and do business by strengthening the economic vitality and the quality of life in the Ames community. |
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