Working Together to Create a More Inclusive Community

Diversity and Inclusion is essential for our community's growth. Over the past several years this topic has been brought to the forefront of the workforce dialogue. We are pleased that so many businesses and organizations see and understand the need to empower leaders to be as well-equipped as possible to properly embrace diversity, work toward universal equity and continually develop Ames into the Smart Choice to live, work and play. 

Three years ago, we first answered the call for a greater focus on diversity, inclusion and equity by partnering with the City of Ames Human Relations Commission and Iowa State University Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to host the first-ever Symposium on Building Inclusive Organizations. We analyzed feedback from our members and community to provide a wider range of topics and break-out sessions at the second annual Symposium in 2019. Earlier this year we heeded another call for more support for our minority-owned businesses by creating a Minority Owned Business Directory and hosting a round-table discussion with minority owned business owners. We recognize that diversity, equity and inclusion are not merely buzzwords. They create a call to action for everyone.

I am excited to invite you all to heed this call by attending the third annual Symposium on Building Inclusive Organizations with me. Like so many events this year, the Symposium will be held virtually so all can participate from the safety of our offices and homes. In an effort to keep everyone from getting Zoom-fatigue, we are hosting the sessions over two half-days on November 12-13. Our presenters have all worked on their presentations to optimize them for a virtual audience, promising an engaging and informative time. You’ll walk away with new strategies and tools in creating a culture of dignity, understanding implicit bias at work and so much more. 

We are mindful of how important this conversation is to our community moving forward, and hosting this symposium is just one thing we are doing. We will continue to be advocates of the NAACP, Ames Pride, the Ames Miracle Park and other initiatives that help build community, foster mutual respect and ensure equality of rights for all. 

Join us on November 12 from noon - 5:00, and November 13 from 8:00 - noon to build more diverse and inclusive organizations and help Ames and Story County be the most welcoming place to live, work and do business.