Op-Ed - Page 2

Each May the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) celebrates Economic Development Week, commemorating the power of partnerships and highlighting the importance of a coordinated economic development effort in our communities.

As I talk with business owners and community leaders about how they are weathering the effects of this major public health crisis, I grow more and more confident in our ability to surpass this and thrive beyond it.

“What keeps you up at night?” This is the question I ask when conversing with business owners and Chamber members. The number one answer across the entire county is workforce. Our business owners are collectively facing barriers recruiting and retaining employees throughout Story County.

As we round out the first month of the new decade, many of us are finally back in the swing of things and diving deep into projects. It is truly a spectacular time to be in Ames and Story County.

On December 12 the Ames Chamber of Commerce held its annual event. This year’s event focused on our Bold Vision for 2020 and beyond, and it was great to see so many business leaders in Story County get on board with our vision. We will be launching our new strategic plan wrapped around the idea of this bold vision in the first part of the new year, and I’m excited for you to see it.

Last night the Ames Chamber of Commerce and affiliate organizations celebrated their 2019 annual award winners during a special ceremony at Ames Golf & Country Club. I am always impressed to see the number of award winners we have each year, because they represent a part of the incredible momentum and growth of our community.

Diversity and inclusion have been brought to the forefront of workforce dialogue, and it’s a conversation that is long overdue. As I meet with Chamber members, it’s clear that the business community is thirsty for more information on this important topic.

It’s back to school time! Every August our community seems to come to life again, with an influx of students moving to campus.

We’ve heard a lot about the proposed Healthy Life Center (HLC) in recent months. This project is a progressive partnership that will create opportunities for intergenerational interaction, and the Ames Chamber of Commerce proudly supports this initiative as it goes to community vote next month.

A startling number of ISU’s graduates, however, won’t be joining the American workforce. It’s not because they can’t find jobs. It’s because they were born in another country. Under our current immigration system, it’s incredibly hard for American businesses to hire and retain skilled foreign graduates.