Annual Report Cover Image The DMACC Hunziker Center– Helping Students Achieve Their Educational Goals
Since opening its doors in August of 2006, the DMACC Career Academy, Last year, a 9,000 sq. ft. expansion Hunziker Center has provided educational project added a computer lab, opportunities to more than 6,000 students. chemistry lab and six additional The Academy offers programs to 1,500 students from 13 high schools and more than classrooms to the Academy. 65 college transfer liberal arts classes. It’s a valuable educational resource for Ames and Story County.
Call 515-663-6700 or 800-362-2127 ext. 6700 1420 South Bell Ave. Hwy. 30 & I-35, Ames
Check us out on 5389-1-15
2 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report LETTER FROM THE CHAIRS 2014 2014 proved to be yet another terrific year for the Ames community! Money Magazine ranked Ames the 8th Best Place in the United States in IN REVIEW which to live; and Livability named Ames the Best College Town in America! Thanks to a growing and diverse business community, a world-class institution like Iowa State University, and an engaged citizenry – Ames continues to enjoy very high marks.
As the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames Economic Development Commission, Ames Seed Capital, Main Street Cultural District, and the Young Professionals of Ames organizations settle in to 304 Main Street for the second year in the central business district of our community it is exciting to see all of the significant investments being made all over this wonderful place our members call home and do business.
Consider the landscape-altering construction underway in Campustown, Steve Goodhue, 2015 Chair Ames Economic new housing starts, expansions of local industries, investments being made Development Commission on the ISU campus, DMACC’s pending expansion, Mary Greeley Medical Center’s beautiful new patient tower, and the growing enrollment at ISU-it is hard to imagine things being much better in our great community. Every corner of Ames is enjoying construction! Yet, there is always more to do which is why we are so excited for 2015 and the plans of work for the Chamber, AEDC, and the other affiliate entities.
As we embark upon 2015 we pay special gratitude to 2014 Board Chairs Kim Linduska (Ames Chamber) and Lisa Lorenzen (AEDC) for their leadership to bring us to where we are today. On behalf of the Boards of Directors and staff for the Ames Chamber of Commerce and the Ames
Pam Elliot Cain, 2015 Chair Economic Development Commission, we thank you for your continued Ames Chamber of Commerce investment and partnership.
We are grateful for the unwavering support of our members and investors and look forward to more rankings, more job creation, more capital investment, and an even brighter and more vibrant Ames as we look to the future.
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 3 “...the best answer is...” chamber board and aedc staff
DAN CULHANE, CEcD, CCE LAUREN FRANDSEN President & Chief Executive Officer Director, Communications & Marketing
SARAH BUSS RON HALLENBECK Director, Sponsorship and Member Events Executive Vice President, Existing Business & Industry
TIFFANY COLEMAN, CEcD KIM HANNA Director, Business Development & Marketing CAA Executive Director
LAUREN COOK AMY HOWARD, IOM Director, Workforce Development Vice President, Finance & Operations
KATIE CRAWFORD DREW KAMP Client Services Coordinator Director, Story County Community Outreach
CRYSTAL DAVIS, IOM LOJEAN PETERSEN Executive Vice President Farmers’ Market Manager
SARAH DUBOIS Director, Membership and Events
THANK YOU TO OUR 2014 INNER CIRCLE SPONSORS
4 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 AnnualAnnual ReportReport “...the best answer is...” chamber board of directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2015 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PAM ELLIOTT CAIN BRET BARTHOLOMEW, Bartholomew Chiropractic Iowa State University KIM BEHRENDT, Wells Fargo Board Chair; Liaison for Government Affairs LORI BOSLEY, North Grand Mall JOHN CRAWFORD, Alpha Copies Print Center DAVE TUCKER BRIAN DIETER, Mary Greeley Medical Center Workiva STACY DREYER, First National Bank Vice Chair; Liaison for Community Development PAM ELLIOTT CAIN, Iowa State University JOHN HAILA, Haila Architecture JOHN CRAWFORD DAN HUNZIKER, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Alpha Copies Print Center KIM IIAMS, Bankers Trust 2nd Vice Chair; Liaison for Membership LUKE JENSEN, Real Estate Service Group, Inc. CASEY JOHNSON, Ames Ford Lincoln KIM BEHRENDT CAROL KISLING, 1430 KASI/105.1 KCCQ Wells Fargo KIM LINDUSKA, DMACC Treasurer TERRY STARK, Chocolaterie Stam JENNI TALBOTT, McFarland Clinic, PC KIM LINDUSKA ANNE TAYLOR, Dogtown U/A & R Marketing Des Moines Area Community College DAVID TUCKER, Workiva Immediate Past Chair
DAN CULHANE WE RECOGNIZE THE FOLLOWING President / CEO CHAMBER BOARD MEMEBERS WHOSE TERMS ENDED IN 2014:
RYAN JEFFREY, Arcadia Cafe RANDY KRUSE, Hy Vee - Lincoln Center NATALIE MERRILL, Renewable Energy Group JENNY POLLARD , ISU Alumni Association FRANK NOGEL, ISU Athletic Department BILL MALONE, Cafe Diem
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 5 “...the best answer is...” 2015 aedc board of directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STANDING BOARD MEMBERS STEVE GOODHUE SCOTT BAUER, First National Bank Knapp-Tedesco Insurance Agency DAVE BENSON, Nyemaster & Goode Law Offices Chair GLORIA BETCHER, Ames City Council Representative CHRIS BRINKMEYER, VisionBank DAVE BENSON STEVE CARTER, ISU Research Park Nyemaster & Goode Law Firm TOM CARUTH, Caruth Construction Vice Chair MATT CONVERSE, Converse Conditioned Air, LLC LARRY COVINGTON, Barilla America BRIAN DIETER MIKE CRUM, Iowa State University Mary Greeley Medical Center DAN CULHANE, President and CEO 2nd Vice Chair ROB DENSON, Des Moines Area Community College BRIAN DIETER, Mary Greeley Medical Center DAN OH MAUREEN DOCKSTADER, LWBJ, LLP Renewable Energy Group MIKE ESPESET, Story Construction Treasurer KEITH FOLKMANN, Danfoss JIM GIBBONS, First American Bank RICK SANDERS STEVE GOODHUE, Knapp-Tedesco Insurance Agency Story County Board of Supervisors COZETTE HADLEY ROSBURG, BASF Representative JOHN HALDEMAN, City of Huxley MARK HANSON , Hanson Homes WARREN MADDEN DUANE HASSEBROCK, Manatts, Inc Iowa State University Representative TONY HOGAN , Kreg Tool Company / Story City ED DEAN HUNZIKER, Hunziker & Assoc., Realtors LISA LORENZEN JOHN JENNETT, Great Western Bank Iowa State University Research Foundation KEVIN KINZLER, Kinzler Companies Immediate Past Chair JILL KLINDT, Workiva LISA LORENZEN, Iowa State University STEVE SCHAINKER WARREN MADDEN, Iowa State University City of Ames BILL MCKIM, Midland Power Cooperative RON MCMILLEN, Sigler Companies DAN CULHANE BRIAN MOMSEN, 3M Chamber and AEDC, President & CEO
6 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” 2015 aedc board of directors
EX-OFFICIO AEDC BOARD MEMBERS CHRIS NELSON, Ames City Council (PAST CHAIRS) DAN OH, Renewable Energy Group ANDREW PERRY, McFarland Clinic JIM BLOEDEL HAROLD PIKE, H.P.C., L.L.C. REINY FRIEDRICH, Friedrich Iowa Realty DOUG RAGALLER, US Bank DON HEUSS, Heuss Printing KENT ROTERT, Becker Underwood / Colorbiotics DICK JOHNSON, Hunziker & Assoc., Realtors JOHN RUSSELL, Bankers Trust DAN KRIEGER, First National Bank RICK SANDERS, Story Co. Board of Supervisors JAMI LARSON, Larson Development STEVE SCHAINKER, City of Ames BARRY NADLER TODD SOMMERFELD, Kreg Tool Company MIKE ROOF, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica TIM TAYLOR, Ames Community Schools TOM POHLMAN, Ames National Corporation BRIAN TORRESI, Davis Brown Law Firm CHUCK WINKLEBLACK, Hunziker & Assoc., Realtors WE RECOGNIZE THE FOLLOWING SCOTT ZAHNLE, Greater Iowa Credit Union AEDC BOARD MEMEBERS WHOSE TERMS ENDED IN 2014:
CHARLES AVERY, 3M STEVE KOGER, McFarland Clinic PETER ORAZEM, Ames City Council
“...the best answer is...” national recognition in 2014
What awards did Ames Win in 2014?
#8 “Best Places to Live in America” #30 in “Top 100 Most Livable Cities in (Money Magazine, 2014) America” for 2015 (Livability, 2014)
#7 on the list of “The 10 Happiest Small #1 of the 10 Best College Towns 2014 Places In America” (Movoto, 2014) (Livability, 2014)
#14 “Best Small Places for Business and Ranked 51 out of 398 metro areas for “2014 Careers” (Forbes, 2014) Best Cities for Job Growth” (NewGeography, 2014)
33rd among 379 MSAs for Economic & Job One of “The 7 Top Tech Hubs Among America’s Growth in 2014 (Area Development, 2014) Small College Towns” (The SpareFoot Blog)
U.S. City with the 3rd lowest unemployment 10 rate (Forbes, 2014)
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 7 “...the best answer is...” Membership
Membership
ANNUAL EVENT The 2014 Chamber and Affiliates Annual Event was held in late January with an Ames 150 theme, celebrating Ames’ Sesquicentennial. Over 500 Chamber and community members enjoyed a historical themed reception and dinner, complete with birthday cake. Presentation of the Annual Awards and entertainment by the “Ames born” musical group, The Nadas, followed.
2013 ANNUAL AWARDS Community Involvement Award: Jolene Randall, Knapp-Tedesco Insurance Agency. Entrepreneur of the Year: Bill Malone, Café Diem. Business Person of the Year: George Belitsos, Youth and Shelter Services
GOLF DAY Held at the Ames Golf and Country Club, our 2014 Golf Day provided an afternoon of fun competition for 144 golfers, loads of volunteers and all sponsorship opportunities for that day were full.
RIBBON CUTTINGS: The Ames Chamber was honored to be invited into over 50 businesses to celebrate a grand opening, renovation, new location or anniversary.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Business After Hours happens once a month at a Chamber member business. The event is free for Chamber Members and guests to attend and network. The event is held from 5pm to 7pm and free drinks and refreshments are provided.
BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST Business at Breakfast is designed for a small group of 6-10 members. Chamber members attend and get a 2-3 min shameless plug about their business while enjoying breakfast and coffee.
PAST CHAIRS ANNUAL STEAK FRY 250 members attended this year’s annual steak fry to enjoy beautiful weather, meeting new and old friends and, of course, a great grill-your-own meal held both outside and inside at presenting sponsor, Ames Ford Lincoln. Live music and great food provided by our sponsor, Hy-Vee made it a great event!
8 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Community and Professional Development
Community and Professional Development
SALUTE TO EDUCATORS: Over 900 area teachers were honored with luncheons at Ames High (including Ames private schools), Ballard, Gilbert and United School Districts. More than 20 organizations and individuals sponsored the lunch and donated gift items to thank our teachers.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK LUNCHEON: The Ames Chamber and Economic Development Commission partnered to host the third annual Economic Outlook Luncheon, in early December. Keynote speaker, Ernie Goss, Ph.D., was excited to join us once again and share his insights into the economic trends to look for in 2015. Over 150 members enjoyed lunch, networking and the economic outlook.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AMES: YLA is a program modeled after the successful Leadership Ames progam. 16-20 high school juniors are chosen from applicants from Chamber member school districts. Students then meet monthly and go through leadership and community training. YLA is facilitated by the Young Professionals of Ames.
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION Through the Education Connections Committee, partnerships continued with Gilbert Middle School Youth Marketplace and Ames High DECA, and Ames High Business & Marketing class programming, placing over 30 Chamber members in area classrooms
CHAMBER TRAVEL To provide services to our members to enhance their quality of life via a culturally diverse travel opportunity, Chamber Travel was offered for the first time this past year. In October, 16 members travelled to China for a 10 day trip. In February of 2015, 6 members will experience the island world of Cuba.
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 9 “...the best answer is...” Community and Professional Development
Community and Professional Development
LEADERSHIP AMES: On May 19, 16 Chamber members graduated from Leadership Ames. Class XXVII worked on one large project to benefit the Ames community, CyclONE City.
CyclONE City was a “tour” of life-sized Cy statues throughout the Ames community to raise funds for local charities and create an Iowa State University scholarship for a Story County resident. The statues were sponsored by local businesses and organizations and decorated by artists with local connections. Cy was on tour from August 31 through December 5, 2014.
Five of the 30 statues were up for auction on December 4, 2014 and brought in $23,450, which put the total fundraising amount at $66,000! Half of the money raised will go toward the ISU scholarship, and the other half will be split evenly among local charities.
CyclONE City’s mission was to bring a culturally enriching event to Ames that would strengthen ties throughout the community and have a substantial economic impact for local nonprofit organizations.
Leadership Ames 2013-2014 Class XXVII Graduates: Teresa Albertson, Iowa State University Sarah Battani, Bankers Trust Nathan Buss, VisionBank Amber Deardorff, Mary Greeley Medical Center Lucas Deardorff, First National Bank Makenzie Heddens, Iowa State University Stacey Holzwarth, Iowa State University Foundation Lisa Maubach, Iowa State Center Michael Mullen, Converse Conditioned Air Bret Pugh, US Bank Jonathan Sargent, Todd & Sargent, Inc. Thomas Shelton, City of Ames Police Department Sarah Swanson, Great Western Bank John Tillo, Pasley & Singer Law Firm, LLP David Tucker, Workiva Jennifer Van Cannon, Renewable Energy Group 10 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report
“...the best answer is...” Government Relations
Government Relations
TAKING LEADERSHIP SPONSORS: In 2014, the Ames Chamber of Commerce was fortunate to receive strong support from three Taking Leadership Sponsors: Converse Conditioned Air, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Renewable Energy Group. Through the generosity and backing of these three great corporate citizens, the Chamber was able to continue to expand its government affairs and advocacy offerings and provide the best possible service and opportunities to our members. We sincerely thank Converse Conditioned Air, Mary Greeley Medical Center, and Renewable Energy Group for their continued support and look forward to building upon our strong partnership with each in 2015.
2014 ELECTION SEASON: The 2014 Election was eventful and historic, as Iowa elected its first female member of Congress, Senator Joni Ernst, and also elected Governor Terry Branstad to a record sixth term. At the federal level, Joni Ernst, Rod Blum, Dave Loebsack, David Young, and Steve King were all victorious. With the Louisiana United States Senate Runoff Election complete and Democratic New York Congressman Michael Grimm’s resignation on January 5, 2015, Republicans now hold 54 seats to the Democrats 46 in the United States Senate, and 246 seats to the Democrats 188 (one vacancy due to Congressman Grimm’s resignation) in the United States House of Representatives.
In the State of Iowa Executive Branch, Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds, as well as Auditor of State (and former Story County Auditor) Mary Mosiman, Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, and Attorney General Tom Miller all won reelection. Secretary of State and Treasurer of State were both open seats and were won by Paul Pate and Michael Fitzgerald, respectively.
In Story County, State Senate and House seats were retained by all incumbent candidates, as Senators Bill Dix and Herman Quirmbach won reelection, as well as Representatives Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Lisa Heddens, Robert Bacon, and Dave Deyoe. Following the Election, Democrats maintain control of the Iowa Senate by a 26-24 margin, while Republicans maintain control of the Iowa House by a 57-43 margin (a Special Election will occur on February 10th to determine who will fill the seat vacated by Representative Mark Costello, who filled the Senate seat vacated by Senator Joni Ernst). At the County level of government, incumbents Paul Toot and Rick Sanders won reelection to the Story County Board of Supervisors...... (Continue on the Next Page)
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 11 “...the best answer is...” Government Relations
while Renee Twedt was reelected Story County Treasurer Stephen Holmes reelected Story County Attorney, and Stacie Herridge elected as Story County Recorder, a position previously held by Sue VandeKamp for 36 years, who retired after nearly four decades of public service.
The Chamber was proud to host three Candidate Forums throughout the month of October leading up to the General Election, as we welcomed both candidates for State Senate District 23 to the Ames Chamber of Commerce for our first ever Coffee with the Candidate events, and also hosted a Candidate Forum in partnership with KASI for candidates for the Story County Board of Supervisors. These events provided members a unique opportunity to directly engage and question candidates as they sought to determine who would earn their vote on Election Day. Continuing the tradition, the Chamber delivered treats to and visited with poll workers at all twenty Ames polling locations.
LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEONS AND BREAKFASTS: Throughout the 2014 calendar year, eight Legislative Luncheons were held to provide Chamber members an opportunity to directly interact with, and learn from, our state, county, and local elected officials. During the 2014 State Legislative Session, four Legislative Luncheons were held with our State Legislators, with John Stineman, Executive Director of the Iowa Chamber Alliance, joining our esteemed Senators and Representatives at the June Sine Die Legislative Luncheon to provide his insights on the 2014 Session as well. The July Legislative Luncheon critical component of the Ames Chamber of Commerce allowed members to hear from the Story County Board Government Affairs Program: direct access to, and an of Supervisors, as well as Stu Anderson, Director of opportunity to inform and learn from, our dedicated the Planning, Programming, and Model Division at the public officials. Iowa Department of Transportation, regarding critical transportation infrastructure issues. Special thanks must also be given to our 2014 Legislative Lunch Season Sponsors: Harold Pike Construction, The August Legislative Luncheon provided Chamber Hastings, Gartin, & Boettger, Mainstream Living, Nelson members an opportunity to engage all six Ames City Electric, and Roseland, Mackey, Harris Architects. The Council members, while the September Luncheon Chamber also thanks our 2014 and 2015 Legislative featured the Ames Community School District Board Priorities Sponsor: Harold Pike Construction. of Directors. As a preview of the 2015 Legislative Session, the December Legislative Kick Off Breakfast On the morning of September 4th, the Ames Chamber featured our local State Legislators and provided welcomed a special guest: United States Senator Chuck excellent insight on what to expect during the 86th Grassley, the fourth longest serving United States General Assembly of the Iowa Legislature. All eight Senator in the Chamber. Over coffee and pastries, a wide events were well attended and the Chamber is very array of issues were discussed, and the occasion provided grateful to elected officials throughout Ames and a rare opportunity to welcome Iowa’s Senior United Story County, as their participation provides a States Senator to the Ames Chamber of Commerce.
12 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Government Relations
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES: Glauber, Research, Education, and Economics Deputy For the sixth year in a row, the Chamber provided Under Secretary Ann Bartuska, and Rural Development Weekly Legislative Updates highlighting the weekly Acting Under Secretary Doug O’Brien to discuss Iowa activity of the Iowa Legislature’s 85th General State University and other delegates agricultural, Assembly. The updates ensured Chamber members research and development, and educational issues. remained informed of key legislative issues throughout Prior to departing on Friday, the delegation also 2014 Legislative Session. attended legislative briefings at the United States Chamber of Commerce, and a meeting at BIPAC to AMES DAY AT THE CAPITOL: discuss the 2014 Election and ways for businesses to The Ames community was able to showcase its facilitate political participation and engagement within numerous successes at the 2014 Ames Day at the their organization. Capitol on Tuesday, March 11, 2014. With the always popular draw of Hickory Park, Chamber members and partner organizations are provided an excellent opportunity to engage Legislators and officials from across the state. In 2014, participants included three Gold Sponsors: the City of Ames, Greater Iowa Credit Union, and Renewable Energy Group, and four Booth Sponsors: the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Ames Laboratory, Data Thresh, Iowa State University Research Foundation, and Lohr Consulting & Publishing LLC. The Chamber thanks each of these sponsors and looks forward to bringing another strong LOCAL,STATE, AND FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS contingent to the Capitol in 2015. The Ames Chamber of Commerce is extremely fortunate have very strong partners throughout FEDERAL PRIORITIES TRIP: the state, nation, and around the globe to assist in The Ames Chamber’s visited our nation’s capital from delivering the best possible service and resources Wednesday, June 18th-Friday, June 20th for our 2014 to our members and community. Strong and ongoing Federal Priorities Trip. We had a strong delegation, partnerships with the Cultivation Corridor, the Iowa composed of Chamber and AEDC Board leadership, and Association of Business and Industry, the Iowa representatives from the City of Ames, Story County, Chamber Alliance, Professional Developers of Iowa, Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Iowa and College. In addition to private meetings with Ames League of Women Voters, the Carrie Chapman Congressmen Steve King, Congressman Tom Latham, Catt Center for Women and Politics, the University United States Senator Chuck Grassley, and United of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, the States Senator Tom Harkin, the delegation also met Mid-America Economic Development Council, the with staff from Senator Grassley and Harkin’s Offices, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, BIPAC, the International as well as staff from Congressman King and Braley’s Economic Development Council, and numerous other Offices, to discuss key policy issues and present each organizations assist the Chamber as we work to member of Congress and their staff a copy of the represent our members and the Ames and Story County Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Federal Legislative community in the most admirable and exemplary Priorities. The group also met with United States manner possible. Department of Agriculture Chief Economist Joseph
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 13 “...the best answer is...” Main Street Cultural District
Main Street Cultural District
The Main Street Cultural District wrapped up 2014 with many successes for the organization and Downtown Ames. As the greater Ames community becomes an increasingly vibrant place to work, the MSCD is working to assure that the continued revitalization efforts position Downtown Ames as a valuable positive influence on the quality of life. A stroll through this central business district continues to boast improved storefronts, a healthy mix of fresh and seasoned businesses, and quality events that showcase the heart of the community.
The popular DOWNTOWN BUSINESS WORKSHOP once again offered a full day of expert speakers on topics relevant to typical downtown businesses. Breakout sessions offered more focused industry-specific topics while the keynote and lunch topics are applicable to everyone. We were incredibly excited to have ROGER BROOKS present on branding and the ingredients to making an outstanding downtown. The day ended with a fun social hour that allowed everyone to mix and mingle and share inspirations from the day.
FOODIES & BREW was a hugely successful new event for this year. How can you really go wrong with a sampling of local, craft and microbrews? Local restaurateurs cooked up their specialties to pair with the different brews. Despite the rain, it was a great recipe for a fun summer evening in Downtown Ames.
4TH OF JULY was a huge collaboration this year with the Ames 150 celebration. For the entire weekend, downtown Ames became full of music and family fun with a festival-like atmosphere. The parade featured themes from throughout the different decades to showcase the history of the past 150 years in Ames.
In July, the FIREFLY COUNTRY NIGHT concert filled Main Street for a world-class performance by country artists Frankie Ballard, Leah Turner and Danny Grause.
MUSICWALK, the annual Main Street Cultural District business showcase, features many musicians in the businesses and on the sidewalks in Downtown Ames. This year we added sidewalk cafes outside many of the local restaurants to create a festival-like atmosphere.
14 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Main Street Cultural District
ARTWALK was a great event that showcased downtown businesses as well as provided an interactive art experience for the community free of charge. Attendees met artists and watched their creativity in action. The District was alive with vendors, music and culture!
OKTOBERFEST has come to be known as our signature event. Great music, authentic German food, a craft beer garden, polka lessons and the guten tag games made for a full day of fun.
SNOW MAGIC started in November with the community tree lighting ceremony and holiday season kick-off events. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY is a promotion that reminds the community and visitors of the benefits of shopping at small local businesses. THE LEGEND OF SNOW MAGIC returned this year and says that Downtown Ames is an enchanted village occupied by elves and on the Day of the Elves you can see them out of the human costumes as real elves. MSCD Leadership
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2015 MSCD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JESS CLYDE JEFF BENSON, City of Ames President JESS CLYDE, US Bank US Bank CRYSTAL DAVIS, Ames Chamber of Commerce ANDREA HAMMES DODGE, Mary Greeley Medical CLIFF SMITH Center Vice President JUDY GILGER, Individual member GlobalVetLINK, L.C. PAUL LIVINGSTON, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors LINDA NIEHM, ISU Assoc. Prof., Apparel, Events & KAREN YOUNGBERG Hospitality Mgmt Treasurer FRANK RANDALL, The Salon in Ames Ames Silversmithing JOE REIMERS, Adams Funeral Home CLIFF SMITH, GlobalVetLINK, L.C. JUDY GILGER TERRY STARK, Chocolaterie Stam Secretary SONYA STOLTZE NEWSTROM, Stoltze and Stoltze Family Dentistry TERRY STARK DAVE SWANSON, Moorman Clothiers Past President KAREN YOUNGBERG, Ames Silversmithing Chocolaterie Stam
CRYSTAL DAVIS Ames Chamber of Commerce Representative
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 15 “...the best answer is...” Campustown Action Association
Campustown Action Association
2014 was a very eventful year for the Campustown Action Association (CAA), an affiliate of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. The RENAISSANCE OF CAMPUSTOWN continues with four major construction projects occurring simultaneously in the district throughout the last year. A new mixed use retail and office building is taking shape at the corner of Lincoln Way and Welch Avenue and is the future home to CVS, the ISU Foundation Phone Center, the ISU Daily, the ISU Office of University Relations, the new offices for Kingland Systems and other retail. Two more projects in the 2300 block of Lincoln Way are being developed by Gilbane Inc (23 Twenty Lincoln-a mixed use retail and student housing building) and The Opus Group (The Foundry of Ames-a mixed use retail and student housing building) which will together house more than 500 students. A fourth project on Chamberlain is being developed by Randall Corp and will include retail and student housing as well.
Along with the new development, CAA worked with the City of Ames to create the CAMPUSTOWN FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM, a matching grant program to encourage the renovation of exterior facades of current Campustown businesses. The pilot project was approved by the Ames City Council in the fall of 2014 and two projects will be selected in February 2015 for the first round of the grant.
Campustown Action Association added a third event to the SUMMERTIME IN CAMPUSTOWn celebration, a free movie night. Weather forced the free outdoor movie event inside, but over 250 people enjoyed a screening of The Lego Movie as well as family activities and a pre-movie performance by Jacey. As part of the Ames 150 series of events celebrating Ames’ Sesquicentennial, Campustown played host to the DINKEY DAY celebration in September. The free family event, celebrating 150 years of Ames and ISU partnership, also included a free concert with bands including Red Wanting Blue, Dazy Head Mazy, and Home Free.
CAA is comprised of Ames and ISU community members who seek to improve and promote all that is Campustown. We are passionate about the students, residents, businesses, culture, and overall atmosphere that make Campustown such a unique and energetic place. We are business owners, active community members, students, faculty, property owners, and just people who love the area.
CAA serves as a catalyst for private and public partnerships in Campustown and works with the City of Ames and Iowa State University to foster economic, cultural, aesthetic, and social progress to ensure that Campustown is a place that will inspire a sense of pride in everyone.
16 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Campustown Action Association
BUSINESS SUPPORT: In 2014, Campustown Action Association had 48 businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals throughout Campustown and the greater Ames community support the organization financially by becoming official investors of CAA.
MAKE CAMPUSTOWN SHINE: As part of CAA’s goal to improve the customer experience in Campustown, clean-ups were held each month, March through November with help from volunteers throughout MOVIE NIGHT: the community, including the ISU Conservation Club, ISU Rainy weather forced the first annual Movie Night in Young Alumni Council, Young Professionals of Ames, Campustown indoors into the ISU Memorial Union, but the Greek community, VEISHEA Service Day volunteers, over 250 people enjoyed a free screening of The Lego CyServe volunteers, Ames High students and more! Make Movie. Everything is Awesome in Campustown! Campustown Shine is presented by The Fighting Burrito. ISU ALUMNI FAC, CAMPUSTOWN REVITALIZATION: The third annual Friday Afternoon in Campustown During 2014, the landscape of Campustown changed (FAC) was originally scheduled for August 29, the night drastically. Demolition in the spring of 2014 gave way to before the first home ISU football game of 2014, but new construction in the fall and winter. The Campustown bad weather caused the event to be rescheduled for ISU Façade Grant program was executed in late 2014, and Homecoming weekend, and was held on Friday, October new exteriors to current buildings will begin to enhance 10 instead. Colder weather didn’t keep people away from the district in the spring and summer of 2015. celebrating and enjoying music by Burnin’ Sensations and Sidecar Rallye. Four Ames 150 events were held throughout the community in 2014 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the platting of Ames, Iowa, and one of those events, Dinkey Day, was held in Campustown. This event, celebrating 150 years of Ames and ISU working together, included free family activities, a free live music street concert, and free fountain cream soda and root beer on Welch Avenue. Hundreds came out on a beautiful September evening to celebrate. SUMMERFEST: The fourth annual Summerfest celebration was held CITY/ISU PARTNERSHIP: on Saturday, June 14 as a day-long celebration of The City of Ames and Iowa State University both Campustown and the businesses and services available supported CAA in 2014 with funding. The City of Ames in the district. Hundreds of people participated in the awarded CAA with $25,000 through their Fall Grant event, which included live music throughout the day, Program and Iowa State University awarded $25,000 in activities for children, demonstrations, delicious food and support. a beer garden. A new addition to the 2014 celebration was the Root Beer Float Garden, sponsored by Kingland Systems, which was very popular on a hot summer day!
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 17 “...the best answer is...” Campustown Action Association
2015 CAA Board of Directors
RICHARD REYNOLDS KATHY DUBANSKY President Community Representative ISU Memorial Union Workiva
TREVIN WARD THERESA NEMETH President Elect ISU Student Representative Workiva Iowa State University
ANNE TAYLOR VICTORIA BEADLE Past President ISU Student Representative Dogtown University Iowa State University
MIKE ADAMS JEFF BENSON At-Large Representative City of Ames Representative Welch Ave Station
MELISSA PIERCE JUDI EYLES At-Large Representative ISU Representative Campustown Property Management Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship
LIZ JEFFREY KIM HANNA Promotions Committee Chair Executive Director Arcadia Cafe
LAURI DUSSELIER CRYSTAL DAVIS Community Representative Ames Chamber of Commerce Thielen Student Health
18 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market
The fourth season of the 2014 Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market enjoyed huge growth. We doubled the size of our Market space. We had a total of 66 Fulltime and Occasional Vendors with an average of 48 vendors per week who attend the Market. We had 32 Fulltime Vendors and 5 of those expanded from one stall to 2 stalls this year. We saw an increase in our Occasional Vendors from 14 last year to 32. We are already receiving calls about vendors wanting to join us for next year which is very good sign we are on the right track. The foot traffic increased tremendously with the additional expansion of our Market. 3000+ people enjoy visiting weekly. Vendors reported a significant increase in sales. Vendor feedback noted they were very pleased with the progress of the market this year.
In 2014 market organizers worked hard to bring in new events to help build excitement and reach new visitors. We sponsored our 1st Annual Salsa Contest and Chili Cook Off, which brought contestants from Cedar Rapids, Radcliff, Story City, Jewell as well as Ames. The events were highly successful! Hensley Farms who was a new Vendor this year sponsored our first Watermelon Day where we treated everyone who came to the Market with a variety of free watermelon to celebrate National Farmers’ Market Day.
We had 3 local restaurants join us this year through our Chef’s Table, Olde Main, the IowaStater and the ISU Catering, along with a TV personality, Sheree Clark, who has her own show called Fork in the Road. These new additions, along with our other wonderful Chefs that came through the season helped add to the excitement of our Chef’s Table and our crowds grew for our cooking demos.
The Market was also excited to be cited as one of the reasons that helped make Ames the #1 College Town in 2014 by Livability.com.
We were able to update our Website and received great feedback through it. We had an excellent variety of Musicians’ that added so much to our Market atmosphere and were very entertaining. We were able to provide free Kid’s Activities every week with the help of many groups that offered their time, along with that we had a sponsor that helped us bring a Petting Zoo, Face Painting and a Bounce House to the Market all free for the children to enjoy.
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 19 “...the best answer is...” Young Professionals of Ames
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF AMES: Young Professionals of Ames (YPA) strives to be the lead organization committed to developing Ames’ young professionals through relationship building and education. With nearly 150 members, YPA is open to anyone age 21-40 who lives or works in Ames.
The mission of Young Professionals of Ames is to be leaders dedicated to improving the quality of life in Ames, and to establish a community of young professionals dedicated to building and fostering relationships through: leadership and professional development, community outreach, and cultural and social opportunities.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PARTNERSHIP: Ames Fireworks Display. This was the second year for YPA to facilitate the Ames Fireworks Display on July 3 with the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau and City of Ames. A much anticipated event for the whole Ames community the display was a success. YPA is already making plans for the display in 2015.
Read With Me. In March YPA volunteers read to over 645 First and Second Grade students, donating a book to each student to take home and enjoy. In October YPA volunteers read to more than 671 Preschool & Kindergarten students throughout the Ames Community School District. In total, YPA donated more than 1,300 books to children to promote literacy and encourage reading at home.
SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES: Hallowine and Spirits. In October more than 50 YPs and their guests arrived in costume at the Ames Golf and Country club to socialize and enjoy the music by Danny Grause and the Black Dirt Kings. Prizes were awarded for individuals and group costume contest winners
Thursdays After Work (ThAW). Once a month between 15 and 30 YPs gathered to network and socialize at local Chamber businesses.
MARKETING: The Marketing Committee focused on publicizing events and elevating the visibility of YPA through social media, writing content for the YPA section of Ames Business Monthly and planning out the YPA Excellence process that started in January 2014.
20 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Young Professionals of Ames
LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Leadership Symposium. YPA partnered with the Ames Chamber of Commerce to welcome, Alan Feirer, the symposium sponsor and facilitator, is a leadership trainer, Authorized Wiley DiSC Partner, and organizational development consultant. For the last 14 years, he has done business as Group Dynamic, helping people solve problems and get more done by working with managers, directors, leadership teams, staffs, and team members to maximize the potential of their organization through leadership training, coaching, team-building and strategic planning. An engaged group of 40 attended.
Lunch and Learns. Once a month YPA hosts educational sessions over the lunch hour that speak to a variety of leadership and community topics. This is one of the most highly attended events for YPA. Some of the 2014 Lunch and Learn topics included; will and estate planning, finding your emotional intelligence and how to engage and get active with area non-profits.
Young Professionals of Ames 2015 Board Members
HALEY COOK, President JASON MORTVEDT Iowa State University Mary Greeley Medical Center College of Ag and Life Sciences
JENNI TALBOTT, Past-President JESSICA MORTVEDT McFarland Clinic PC McFarland Clinic PC
NATHAN BUSS, President-Elect JUSTIN MOORMAN VisionBank Moorman Clothiers
LINDSEY LONG Iowa State University MIKE MULLEN Athletics Converse Conditioned Air
BRYNN EITZEN HEATHER JOHNSON Care Initiatives Octagon Center for the Arts
MEGAN BRANDT MARY SAVAGE Workiva VisionBank
JAKE TALBOTT SARAH BUSS Workiva Ames Chamber of Commerce
Thank You to our YPA 2014-2015 Sponsors AMES FORD LINCOLN GLOBAL REACH INTERNET PRODUCTIONS STORY CONSTRUCTION FIRST NATIONAL BANK KINGLAND SYSTEMS VISIONBANK HUNZIKER & ASSOCIATES, REALTORS MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER HY-VEE ISU MBA MUNN LUMBER CONVERSE CONDITIONED AIR NORTH GRAND MALL Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 21 “...the best answer is...” Ames Economic Development Commission
Ames Economic Development Commission
The Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) enjoyed another strong year of programming and project activity in 2014. Highlights included expansions at Biova, Boehringer Ingelheim, Barilla, and the groundbreaking of a new Fareway grocery store in Huxley. Meaningful employment opportunities, significant capital investment, and economic vitality is what 2014 brought to Ames and Story County and our forecast for 2015 remains optimistic.
Below is an outline of the five key objectives of the AEDC Strategic Plan 2012-2016. Just three years into the plan the AEDC is proud to report that it is just $4 million short of the $200 million capital investment goal; and just three years into the plan the job creation goal of 1,000 jobs has been exceeded by 153 employment opportunities!
AEDC STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS
OBJECTIVE #1: Develop opportunities resulting in $200 million in taxable capital investment - $196 million through December 31, 2014.
OBJECTIVE #2: Grow Ames area employment by a net increase of 1,000 jobs – 1,153 jobs through December 31, 2014.
OBJECTIVE #3: Drive an increase in retail business sales year-over-year:
AMES RETAIL SALES
FY 2012 (ending June 30, 2012) $773,074,664 FY 2013 (ending June 30, 2013) $787,248,731 FY 2014 (ending June 30, 2014) $827,647,453
22 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Ames Economic Development Commission
AMES VS. STORY COUTY RETAIL SALES
AMES STORY COUNTY FY 2012 $ 773,074,664 $ 898,976,506 FY 2013 $ 787,248,731 $ 911,636,639 FY 2014 $ 827,647,453 $ 957,715,675
OBJECTIVE #4: Increase the annual investment in the AEDC to $750,000 – 2014 revenues were $850,000, and the 2015 revenue projection is $942,500.
OBJECTIVE #5: Enhance partnership and communication amongst stakeholders, the community, and the region. Since 2012 the AEDC has further developed relationships with Huxley and Story County related to their specific economic development services. AEDC has also continued to foster relations with the Greater Des Moines Partnership and was paramount to the creation of the Cultivation Corridor.
With the 200-acre expansion of the Iowa State University Research Park, a new 40,000 square foot speculative building nearly complete in Story City and a possible speculative building in Huxley in 2015 the Ames/Story County community is well positioned with inventory to attract more jobs and capital investment.
While significant progress has been made per the Strategic Plan, there is more work to be done. The AEDC is grateful to its over 125 investors that underwrite the important programming that support business retention, recruitment, and workforce expansion, which are all part and parcel to an aggressive economic development effort.
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 23 “...the best answer is...” Workforce Development
Workforce Development Initiative
In 2014, we began to notice a need to expand the Workforce Development Initiative beyond the three key aspects that it has covered over the last two years. Efforts are underway to become a Home Base Iowa Community and become home for transitioning Veterans. INTERN PROGRAM: For the second year we hosted a series of events for area interns during the summer months, the “See Yourself in Ames” Intern Program. This programs focus on showing the student interns that Ames is a great place to live, work and play. We hope to give them a glimpse into what Ames is like as a working adult. With increased attendance from the previous year, we are proud to see this program grow. Students are more likely to find full-time employment after graduation in the location where they have already developed professional connections. With this in mind, we brought together a group of employers that have worked with interns. They were able to share their wisdom with those considering developing an internship program at their place of business. WORKINAMES.COM: Our local job board has continued to grow and become a go-to job search tool. WorkInAmes.com is an online job board that anyone in the Ames/Story County area can post on for free! Users appreciate the simplicity of using this site and we look for more growth and job postings in 2015.
CAREER FAIRS: Involvement in the area career fairs have allowed us to promote WorkInAmes.com as well as the Summer Intern Program. We are proud to accept resumes and keep them on file for your use. If you are in search of a candidate we would be happy to check our database of potential applicants and connect you to some of the great talent we have met.
24 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” Cultivation Corridor
Cultivation Corridor
The Cultivation Corridor is a regional economic development initiative designed to leverage Central Iowa’s dominant position as a global leader in ag/bioscience investment, talent attraction and research into new economic and human opportunities in the region.
The Ames Economic Development Commission is a founding institutional member of the Cultivation Corridor along with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa State University and the private sector. The effort was formally launched on April 21. Brent Willett, an economic development professional with a background at the state and local levels in Iowa, is leading the initiative as its executive director. The initiative is overseen by a 24-member board of directors comprised of executives from the agbioscience industry in Central Iowa as well as economic development, utility and university officials. The board is chaired by John May, President, Agricultural Solutions & CIO at Deere & Company.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The Corridor played an active role in supporting its frontline economic development partners like the Ames Economic Development Commission and messaging more than $1.6 billion in private and public sector investment activities in Central Iowa’s agbioscience sector in 2014, including investments in Ames, Huxley, Des Moines and Iowa State University. Additionally, the Corridor opened a number of new agbioscience economic development projects and developed numerous leads in the space which were shared with the Corridor’s economic development partners.
STRATEGIC INNOVATION: In addition to branding/marketing and economic development priorities, the Corridor carries programmatic responsibilities which relate to growing regional capacity and improving the environment for agbio investment, talent and research in Central Iowa. • The Corridor convened the Iowa Project Partnership, a diverse group of statewide institutions with a stake in the growth of the agbioscience economy in Iowa, to begin work on a statewide agbio database. The Corridor leads the group, which includes the Iowa Biotechnology Association, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa State University and University of Iowa. • The Corridor, along with the Iowa Innovation Corporation and Greater Des Moines Partnership, commissioned a study by the Battelle Technology Partnership on the use and feasibility of bioincubation facilities to spur innovation and investment in the region. • The Corridor continues to collaborate with strategic partners at Iowa State University to identify research-industry partnerships and federal funding opportunities which could help transform Central Iowa’s agbioscience ecosystem.
COMMUNICATIONS & AWARENESS: • Launched of CultivationCorridor.org as digital destination for information on Central Iowa’s agbioscience economy • Developed and deployed key physical marketing material to support public-facing brand campaigns and lead development • Made targeted paid advertising placements in industry/trade media • Earned 112 unique media placements which collectively reached nearly 13 million readers • Represented the region at twelve unique trade shows, expositions and marketing trips across the country
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 25 WE’RE CELEBRATING
2YEARS0 We’re proud to call Ames our home. Thank you for two decades of your dedicated business and support.
515-996-0996 | GLOBALREACH.COM Web Design & Development • Cloud Services • Internet Marketing • Design Solutions 0© 2015 Global Reach Internet Productions, Inc. 226 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 27 “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards business person of the year Every year the Ames Chamber of Commerce recognizes individuals from our membership who have shown exemplary service in their profession or in the community. The Chamber’s Business Person of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding individual for his or her long-term commitment to their own business, as well as the business climate and quality of life in the community.
Janice Alfred (President & Owner) Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating
Janice Alfred purchased a fledgling carpet store in 1986, and renamed it Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating. Alfred’s has grown into a stable and thriving retail store, due to Janice’s early and sustained efforts. Those early years required a lot of 12 hour days and 7 day weeks to establish Alfred’s as the local leader in flooring and design. As Alfred’s has evolved, Janice has welcomed the efficiencies of technology to oversee significant revenue growth. Janice Alfred’s ties to the Ames community come in many forms. Employees are encouraged to volunteer time during their workday, with many hours provided to Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Club of Story County and area schools. In addition, Janice has been very generous around Ames, with regular donations to area schools, ISU College of Veterinary Science, ISU Order of the Knoll, ISU Athletics, Mary Greeley Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Story County, and numerous other local organizations.
Janice Alfred has been the ideal boss. She leads our organization through her constant example that hard work brings success. In an industry that saw a significant percentage of stores close during the housing downturn a few years ago, Alfred’s has thrived under Janice’s leadership. Alfred’s employs more people than ever before. Janice’s leadership style empowers all employees to become their best. While many, many other flooring stores have come and gone since 1986, Janice Alfred has quietly grown Alfred’s Carpet into the local leader in this category. Janice does all this, with a conscious effort to avoid the limelight.
28 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards community involvement award This award recognizes an individual for his/her personal involvement and enthusiasm in a variety of civic and/or service organizations and his/her effort in improving the quality of life in the community.
Mike Phillips (Business Loan Officer ) Greater Iowa Credit Union
Mike serves on the YSS Board of Directors and is the current Secretary/ Treasurer and Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. He is an active member of the Dr. George’s Founder Legacy Fundraising Steering Committee to build a Legacy Fund in honor of George’s retirement from YSS as CEO. He has served on the board of the Volunteer Center of Story County for three years and is the current President. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Ames and serves on the Story County Community Foundation Community Grant Committee. Mike is a graduate of the Leadership Ames Class XXVI. Mike serves on the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.
Mike is very thoughtful and strategic about which organizations he chooses to devote his volunteer time and resources to- he really wants to make a difference. He is very community-minded and exhibits exceptional dedication and commitment to improving the quality of life in our community. When he was with VisionBank, he encouraged female Vision Bank employees to volunteer with United Way’s Women with Initiative program as mentors. He has worked with the Story County Foundation to assist small business with financial management. He doesn’t seek the limelight but is someone who deserves to be recognized for his many hours of volunteer work and contributions to our community. He is a positive force and a person who can be counted on to make Ames a better place to live and work
Mike is passionate and committed to improving his community. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors at Youth & Shelter Services as Treasurer/Secretary, he is the President of the Board of Directors of the Volunteer Center of Story County. Mike is a tireless advocate for the agencies he volunteers with and for the Ames and Story County Community . He constantly inspires his fellow board members to be on the lookout for ways to mobilize the human capital within our community . Through his actions as a volunteer , he demonstrates the power volunteers wield to make a difference in the world .
Mike has successfully recruited new individuals to join the board of the Volunteer Center, presided over hiring a new Executive Director and oversaw the completion of the process to develop the next three year plan for the Center ‘s activities and objectives. He has also indicated that he is willing to serve an extra term as President on the VCSC Board due to recent changes in the board membership. Mike is quite fond of describing his vision of the Volunteer Center as providing human capital to Story County as the United Way provides financial capital to support improving our community. Mike has been serving as a mentor the new Director at the Volunteer Center and has now expanded the support to include the Executive Officers of the board. Mike’s advice and support as the agency transitions to new programs and services under the new leadership is a source of encouragement and wisdom to identify priorities and break the large tasks down to manageable steps.
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 29 “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards entrepreneur of the year This award recognizes an individual for his/her creativity, imagination and personal initiative in operating a successful business venture .
Gary & Karen Youngberg (Owners) Ames Silversmithing
For nearly 40 years Gary and Karen Youngberg have had a positive impact on Ames (many women can attest to this fact!) . Gary and Karen have a culture of education for not only their employees, who are all certified with the Gemological Institute of America, but also for their clients who come in to purchase a piece. This helps set them apart- they want their clients to know what they are purchasing and to be happy with that purchase. They also are very innovative in their designs, and custom pieces make up a large portion of their sales.
If you have attended a fundraiser in the area, you most likely would have seen a piece of jewelry donated by Ames Silversmithing. Gary and Karen have made a point of giving back to the community. Melissa McGarry, Director of External Relations for Mary Greeley Medical Center had this to say, “Gary and Karen Youngberg are generous members of the Ames business community and serve as role models for other business owners. I am grateful that Mary Greeley Medical Center is among the many organizations supported by the Youngberg’s- whether it be participating in our golf tournament (and often winning), donating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry for our annual benefit auction and attending the event, or generously supporting our major campaign for the Diabetes and Nutrition Education Center. In addition to providing philanthropic support, the Youngberg’s have also been generous with their time. Karen served a three-year term on the Foundation board of directors from 2006- 2009.
Karen has also been involved with the Main Street Cultural District, serving as the Treasurer of the board since 2010. She spends countless hours reviewing financials and trying to make the organization run more efficiently. Never satisfied with the status quo, she is always working hard and challenging the directors to make the best financial decisions for the organization. Terry Stark, Main Street Cultural District President agrees, stating, “The Youngberg’s are tireless volunteers for the Main Street Cultural District (MSCD). They have directly and indirectly supported many of our special events downtown and throughout the community . They not only sponsor special events, but they help as volunteers to ensure those events are the best experience for those who attend . Karen has even dressed up in her best Dirndl dress for Oktoberfest! She has been our treasurer for the MSCD for the past couple of year , and attention to detail and the bottom line matters as much to her for the MSCD as it does for their business.”
Not only do they work tirelessly in their business, they have also been strong mentors for several businesses downtown. One of these businesses is Chocolaterie Stam, owned by Terry and Anne Stark . Terry had this to say, “In 2006, Anne and I were deciding if we wanted to try and open a Chocolaterie Stam in Ames . We had zero business experience, but from the small business books I read and through talking with others, it was clear that the most successful owners had business mentors alongside them. Gary and Karen Youngberg graciously agreed to be such mentors to us.”
30 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards economic impact awards
CAMPUSTOWN RENAISSANCE: In 2014 the Campustown business district began to see a change in the skyline of the 9 block district. The year has been described as a “renaissance” for Campustown with four major development projects actively moving forward. After many years of discussion on how to revitalize an important crossroads of the Ames community and Iowa State University it is exciting to see the new buildings rising! This year the Ames Economic Development Commission has recognized four companies collectively for their part in moving Campustown to the next level. Their projects are a true catalyst for the entire Campustown business district.
GILBANE, INC: Gilbane, Inc. based in Providence, Rhode Island, is one of the largest privately held family-owned real estate development and construction firms in the industry. They are a proudly family-owned and operated company since 1873. Also new to Ames, the Gilbane Development division is developing 23 Twenty Lincoln, a 320-bed student community that will serve the student population of Iowa State University’s campus. The project will also add 5,000 square feet of retail space. The Gilbane team has joined CAA and is actively becoming involved in Campustown events like the Friday Afternoon in Campustown. Their new property will enhance the Lincoln Way streetscape as well as provide space for new retail opportunities in Campustown.
KINGLAND SYSTEMS: Kingland Systems is an enterprise-class provider of technology services, delivering software and solutions with industry expertise in auditing compliance, data management and governance, and business analytics to large, multi- national clients in the accounting, financial, insurance, and healthcare markets since 1992. They have been located in Campustown since 2004 and have provided about 1,200 students with job or internship opportunities. Their Campustown project has been a catalyst for reconstruction in the area, bringing new options for retail and jobs to the neighborhood. The company is an active member of the Campustown Action Association (CAA) supporting numerous events like the Ames 150 Dinkey Day celebration; volunteers for Make Campustown Shine; runners for the Summerfest in Campustown 5K Fun Run, presented by Kingland Systems; sponsor of eCy for the CyclONE City project; and sending interns to the Summer Intern Events. Kingland Systems has been instrumental with design plans to ensure their new building fits in with the character of Campustown. The company’s management and employees continue to support our Ames community and clearly demonstrate their economic impact in Ames!
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 31 “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards
THE OPUS GROUP: The Opus Group is a family of commercial real estate development, construction and design companies headquartered in Minneapolis with offices and projects across the country. A new company to the Ames market, the Opus Group is building The Foundry in Ames, a new student residential and retail complex directly adjacent to Iowa State University’s campus. Currently under construction the six-story building will feature 53 units and 144 bedrooms with 7,500 square feet of ground-level retail space. This facility will create a new landmark for the eastern entrance into Campustown. The company is a member of CAA and already a supporter of numerous events including Friday Afternoon in Campustown. The Opus Group with their Foundry project will be bringing new residents and energy to the Campustown district!
RANDALL CORPORATION: Randall Corporation was founded by Scott Randall, has become a leader in both residential and commercial land development in the Ames community since 1975. Their properties include Aspen Business Park, Aspen Ridge residential community, Coldwater Golf Course, and others in the Ames community. The company has just completed The Public House at 2520 Chamberlain in Campustown adding another great property with 4 floors of student housing above a commercial area on the ground floor to the area. Randall Corporation has been a long time member of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.
Through the efforts of the management and employees of all these companies we are truly seeing a Campustown Renaissance! The Ames Economic Development Commission is pleased to present all of them our 2015 Economic Impact Award for their collective efforts and leadership in the revitalization of Campustown and support for the Ames community.
32 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards
MSCD Volunteer of the Year
SONYA STOLTZE NEWSTROM STOLTZE AND STOLTZE FAMILY DENTISTRY Sonya serves on the Main Street Cultural District Board of Directors and is the current Promotions Committee Chair. Over the past year, Sonya has worked tirelessly to ensure that timely and effective marketing of the Main Street events was in place and chaired the Snow Magic Event, which was a six week event promoting the downtown district as the holiday shopping destination and included many features new for 2014. In the absence of a Main Street Cultural District Director, Sonya stepped in to help make sure that Main Street communications and social media presence was active and up to date and took a leadership role in directing Main Street interns as they worked with various events. Sonya also leads the monthly Main Street General Meetings for the Main Street investors and businesses. Sonya and her family business has also been a strong financial supporter of the Main Street Cultural District, most recently as the presenting sponsor for the very popular MusicWalk. Sonya does all this and more....and always with a cheerful and upbeat demeanor and a smile on her face!
CAA Volunteer of the Year
RYAN JEFFERY ARCADIA CAFE Ryan Jeffrey, co-owner of Arcadia Café in Campustown, has been instrumental in the reorganization of the Campustown Action Association over the past five years and has served on the CAA Board of Directors since 2011. Currently the Business Improvement Committee Chair, Ryan served as CAA Board President in 2013 and has a 100% attendance record for board meetings. As Chair of the Business Improvement Committee, Ryan has volunteered many hours to the creation of the Campustown Façade Grant Program, which is now in a pilot stage with two projects to be announced by the end of February. Along with Ryan’s work on the CAA Board and the Business Improvement committee, Ryan has volunteered at many CAA 2014 events including Summerfest, Movie Night, and Friday Afternoon in Campustown. Along with the CAA events, Ryan and his wife Liz also volunteered at the Ames 150 celebration Dinkey Day, held in Campustown in September. Campustown Action Association thanks Ryan for his years of service to the organization!
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 33 “...the best answer is...” 2014 Awards
4 Under 40
NATHAN BUSS (VISIONBANK) Nathan Buss is the Vice President of Commercial Banking at VisionBank. Nathan is currently the Vice President of the Young Professionals Board of Directors, he is a graduate of Leadership Ames where he was recently a Tri-Chair of the Cyclone City project, he coaches his daughters’ soccer and softball teams and he volunteers with several area organizations including YSS, the 4th of July Celebration and at Ames High School where he is the Clerk of Course for track and has been awarded Booster of the Year and the Loyd Dresser Award. Nathan’s nominator says, “Nathan is a leader who has given back to the community for years, we feel it is important that he is recognized for his time and achievements as they have not gone unnoticed, his work toward his professional and career development while maintaining a commitment to his family is inspiring.”
LISA FRERICHS (THE KRELL INSTITUTE) Lisa Frerichs works as the Communications Manager for the Krell Institute. Lisa has been very active in the YPA Board of Directors, Iowa State University Alumni Association with the Young Alumni Council, the Ames Foundation Board, the City of Ames forest diversification and PEO Chapter IV. When asked why Lisa was nominated for this award her nominator said, “She makes a difference on every project she is a part of, whether she is leading the group or not. Her professionalism and logical approach to projects and issues make Lisa a sought after collegue on many projects. Lisa is very organized, efficient and always has great ideas on how to do things better while respecting the opinions of others.”
ANDREA HAMMES DODGE (MARY GREELEY MEDICAL CENTER) Andrea Hammes-Dodge works as the Senior Development Coordinator for Mary Greeley Medical Center. Andrea is involved in many aspects of the community, both professionally and personally, volunteering for leadership and committee positions with YPA, MSCD, CAA, United Way, ISU and Delta Tau Delta. When asked to describe the professional development/community development/ awards of the nominee her nominator said, “Andrea has completed the Iowa Hospital Association’s Leadership Series. She has also completed the Chambers Leadership Ames program. She also has completed 2 degrees at ISU, including a master’s degree.”
MELISSA MUNDT (CITY OF AMES) Melissa Mundt works for the City of Ames as the Assistant City Manager. She is active in her community through Ames Noon Rotary, and most recently was on the steering committee for the Ames 150 Celebration. When asked why they nominated Melissa for a 4 under 40 award, they said, “ Melissa has been a great addition to our community. I fully realized her talent and contributions when she chaired the Events Committee for the Ames 150 events. Her vision, energy and work ethic allowed our community to see what is possible for a first class, yet down home celebration.”
34 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report “...the best answer is...” 2014 Gold Members
GOLD MEMBERS ARE MEMBERS WHO HAVE DONATED 10% ABOVE THEIR ANNUAL DUES FOR CHAMBER PROGRAMS.
+39 Restaurant Market & Cantina Central States Roofing & Home Greater Iowa Credit Union Mediacom Sign Pro of Ames 3M Improvement Green Hills Retirement Community Medicap Pharmacy Solum, Inc. A & R Marketing CGA Consultants H & R Block Members 1st Community Credit Union South Story Bank & Trust Adam's Moving ChildServe H.L. Munn Lumber Company Microtell Inn & Suites Special Olympics Iowa, Inc. Adams Funeral Home Chitty Garbage Service, Inc. Haila Architecture Structure Planning Midland Bioproducts Corporation Sports Page of Ames LLC Jack Adams Chocolaterie Stam Haila ASP Midland Power Cooperative Staniforth Calhoun Hawthorne Dental Advance Services Inc CIT Charters, Inc. Hallett Materials Midwest Heritage Bank Office Ag Leader Technology Clouser Plumbing Technologies, Inc. Harris & Co., CPA, PLC Miller & Clark Real Estate State Farm Insurance, Scott Alfred's Carpet gold Coe's Floral and Gifts Harrisvaccines, Inc. Milroy's Tuxedos Richardson Agency Inc. Alpha Copies, Inc. Complete Spine & Headache Center Hastings Gartin & Boettger Moorman clothiers Ames Inc. Dr. Thomas Stark, D.D.S. M.S.D. AMCOR Rigid Plastics USA, Inc. Consamus and Hampton Dental Clinic Haverkamp Properties Murdoch Financial Team, Al Murdoch Stevens Memorial Chapel American National Insurance Converse Conditioned Air, Inc. Heartland Senior Services Murphy-Brown LLC Stifel Nicolaus Americinn Motel & Suites - Ames Sara M Converse, AIA Copyworks Heartland Technology Solutions Nagle Signs Stoltze & Stoltze Family Dentistry Ames Christian School Cornerstone Church Lisa Heddens Nelson Electric Story County Ames Education Foundation Country Inn & Suites - Ames, IA Hedrick Construction Newbrough Law Firm, LLP Story County Community Life Ames Eye Clinic Country Landscapes Henkel Construction Company NewLink Genetics Stumbo & Associates Ames Family Dental Culvers of Ames Hetzler & Rhodes David Norris Success Gymnastics Academy Ames Ford Lincoln Cyclone Liquors HIRTA Norm Rudi Sylvan Learning Center Ames Foundation Dairy Queen HR Green North Grand Mall Partners, LLC Technical Services, Inc. Ames Golf & Country Club Dancecenter Dancer Company Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Northcrest Community The Arc of Story County Ames Insurance Center, Inc. Danfoss Hunziker Property Management NuCara Pharmacy The Cafe Ames Jaycees Davis Brown Law Firm Hunziker, Christy, Shirk Builders, Inc. NyemasterGoode, P.C. The Gilligan Group Ames Living Magazine Dayton Road Development Hy vee West Oakwood Road Church The Grove Ames Oral Surgeons, P.C. Dean Snyder Construction Hy-Vee Lincoln Center Old Chicago The Jensen Group Ames Pet Resort Deery Brothers of Ames ICS Advanced Technologies Lauris Olson The Krell Institute Ames Racquet & Fitness Center Des Moines Area Community College iHeart Media OpenCom The Salon in Ames Ames Rental Association Dick Clem, Inc. Innovative Lighting, LLC Orning Glass Company, Inc. The Salvation Army Ames Silversmithing Door & Fence Store Integrity Construction Overman Family Dentistry Duane Sandage Arends Sanitation, Inc DSM Nutritional Products Iowa Financial Partners PCI Academy The Weitz Group Aspen Heights Dublin Bay Iowa State Ready Mix, Inc. Perfect Games Theisen Supply Inc At-Home Care Dunkin Donuts Iowa State University PhRMA gold member Thrivent Financial - Greg messmore Aunt Maude's Dupont Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Pinnacle Properties Ames, LLC Thrivent Financial For Lutherans - Faas B Fabulous BBQ & Catering, LLC EconoLodge Ames ISU Athletics Pioneer Communications & Till B-Bops Executive Express ISU Bookstore Pizza Ranch of Ames Todd & Sargent, Inc Back in Action Chiropractic Expressions Dental ISU Extension Pretzelmaker - North Grand Mall Tommy's Salon, LLC. Ballard Communtiy School District Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health ISU Research Park Professional Home Ames Total Property Management, Inc. Bankers Trust Services Jeff's Pizza Shop Professional Property Management, Inc. Travel & Transport Barclay & Associates, PC Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, Ames Jon Hunziker Construction Inc Proplanner Trend Finanical Barilla America, Inc. Family Chiropractic Clinic Chuck and Carolyn Jons PUSH Branding and Design Triplett Companies Bartholomew Chiropractic Fareway Stores, North Ames K.D. Amusment Distributors, Inc. QualityOne Commercial Cleaning, Inc. U.S. Bank BASF Farner-Bocken Co. Kapaun & Brown Quilting Connection Roger Underwood Beisser's, Inc. Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping Kearney, Brannan , Glotfelty & Kearney- RDG Planning & Design Union Pacific Railroad Company Benjamin Franklin & Plumbing One Heating First American Bank Porter DDS Re/Max Real Estate Center Universal Harvester by Art's Way Inc. / Air First Class Signs Kingland Systems Reese Electric gold Valentino's Neala Benson First United Methodist Church Kinzler Construction Services, Inc Renewable Energy Group VenuWorks Best Western University Park Inn & Suites Five Star Inspections Kiwanis Club of Ames RICOH Village Cooperative Bickford Assisted Living Tom Flack Knapp Tedesco Insurance Agency Riddles, North Grand Mall VisionBank BioLife Fox Engineering Associates Kreg Tool Rietz Consultants, LTD Wal Mart, North Ames BIOVA, LLC Fred Winkler & Sons Kriz-Davis Company Riverside Communities Wal-Mart Supercenter Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica (BIVI) Freedom Tire Dan & Sharon Krieger Robert and Shirley Grathwohl Bill Waters Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Friedrich Iowa Realty Jami Larson Roseland, Mackey, Harris Architects, P.C. Welch Avenue Station Boys & Girls Club of Story County Friendship Ark, Inc. Laverne Apartments Roto Rooter Wheatsfield Cooperative Brick City Grill Fuji Japanese Restaurant, Inc. Learncorp, L.C. Sail Aweigh Travel Wilson Toyota Scion of Ames Richard Brimeyer Furman Corporation Bob Lehmann Sams Club Windstream Robert O. Buck Gateway Hotel and Conference Center, Inc. LifeServe Blood Center Schnurr & Company, CPAS, PLC Woodruff Construction Burgies Coffee Gateway Hotel and Convention Center Lincoln Savings Bank Serve Pro of Ames Work Systems Rehap & Fitness Cafe Diem Geisinger Construction, Inc. Lynn's Laser Car Wash Sherwin Williams Xpanxion Ann Campbell George White Chevrolet Mainstream Living Shive-Hattery Zylstra Cycle Company Inc. Caremoli USA, Inc. Glendandy Marketing & Advertising Inc. Marrs Wealth Management Shoe Carnival Carpet One Floor & Home Global State Mortgage Massage Heights Sigler Companies Cassaidy Orthodontics Great Southern Bank McFarland Clinic Central Iowa Board of Realtors, Inc. Great Western Bank Measure, Inc. Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 35 “...the best answer is...” 2014 AEDC Investors
3M First American Bank Mullenbach Construction ACI Mechanical First National Bank Nelson Electric Ackerman Investments / Quality Fox Engineering Nikkel & Assoc. Inc. Inn & Suites Friedrich and Sons, Inc. North Grand Mall Ag Leader Technology Furman Corporation Nyemaster Law Firm Alfred's Carpet Gateway Insurance Services Pinnacle Properties Alliant Energy George White Chevrolet Randall Corporation Ames Home Builders Global Reach Internet Productions RDG Planning and Design Ames Plumbing Service Great Southern Bank Renewable Energy Group Ames Trenching Great Western Bank Riverwood Management, LLC % Rock Bankers Trust Greater Iowa Credit Union River Family Office Barilla America, Inc. Hanson Homes Roseland, Mackey, Harris Architects, P.C. BASF Harold Pike Construction Rueter's Beisser Lumber Haverkamp Properties S B & A Architects Boehringer Ingelheim Vet-Medica Henkel Construction Company and Sigler Companies Bolton & Menk Accord Architecture Company Sign Pro C & K Holiday Inn South Story Bank Caruth Construction Hunziker & Associates Speck Plumbing Central Iowa Board of Realtors HyVee State Farm Insurance CGA Integrity Construction Story City Economic Development City of Story City Iowa State University Corporation City of Ames Iowa Subway Development Story Construction City of Huxley ISU Research Park Story County Con-Struct Inc. ITC Midwest Technical Services, Inc. Converse Conditioned Air Jerry Carney & Sons The Tribune Country Landscapes Kinzler Construction Services Todd & Sargent CPMI Event Center Knapp Tedesco Tom Stark, DDS D.D. Pyle Kreg Tool U.S. Bank Danfoss Larson Development VisionBank Davis Brown Law Firm LWBJ Wells Fargo Bank Dean Snyder Construction Manatts Wilson Toyota Des Moines Area Community Mary Greeley Medical Center Woodruff Companies College McFarland Clinic Workiva LLC Exchange State Bank Midland Power
36 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report Litigation
Business, Finance & Real Estate
Governmental A airs
Intellectual Property D M g A g C R Labor & Employment www.NYEMASTER.com
Tax, Estate Planning & Employee Bene ts
Workiva is pleased to sponsor the Ames Chamber of Commerce.
workiva.com | [email protected] | +1.888.275.3125
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 37 Litigation
Business, Finance & Real Estate
Governmental A airs
Intellectual Property D M g A g C R Labor & Employment www.NYEMASTER.com
Tax, Estate Planning & Employee Bene ts
P 2015 C A E
Exceptional Care for Central Iowans A C C 2013 A R 31
• Named a “Top Performer” by the Joint Commission
• Received “Gold Level” recognition from the Iowa Recognition of Performance Excellence
• Received an ‘A’ grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group for the 6th consecutive time
• Received the “Excellence in Patient Care” award from the Studer Group
• Named a “Most Wired” hospital in the 16th annual Health Care’s Most Wired Survey, conducted by Hospitals & Health Networks
www.mgmc.org
38 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report YOUR FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM INCLUDING: • Banking • Insurance Defense The Iowa State Athletics Department • Business • Intellectual Property • Employment • Litigation is proud to support the • Estate Planning • Real Estate Ames Chamber of Commerce in 2015 • Government Relations • Securities and Finance and Lobbying • Tax • Immigration
The Davis Brown Tower The Ames Office 215 10th St., Ste. 1300 2605 Northridge Pkwy., Ste. 101 Des Moines, IA 50309 Ames, IA 50010 Grandon Funeral and The Highland Building The Emmetsburg Office Cremation Care 4201 Westown Pkwy., Ste. 300 2214 Main St., P.O. Box 314 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 West Des Moines, IA 50266 Emmetsburg, IA 50536 515-292-(CARE) 2273 [email protected]
Phone 515.288.2500 Firm Fax 515.243.0654 Ames’ only full service Davis Brown Koehn Shors & Roberts P.C. funeral home with WWW.DAVISBROWNLAW.COM LOCALLYcrem aOWNEDtory o n& OPERATEDsite
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way Ames, Iowa 50010 VISIT US AT THE515-292 CORNER-(CARE) 2273 OF [email protected] 30 & DUFF AVE.
Ames’ only full service funeral home with crematory on site
Proud Sponsor of the 2015 Annual Dinner
member FDIC
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 39 “...the best answer is...” Annual Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Des Moines Area Community College
Platinum Sponsors: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.; Nyemaster Goode; Workiva Gold Sponsors: 3M; Davis Brown Law Firm; Mary Greeley Medical Center Silver Sponsors: Ames Ford Lincoln; Exchange State Bank; First National Bank; Grandon Funeral Home and Cremation Care; Iowa State University Athletics Annual Awards Event Sponsor: Global Reach Internet Productions
“...the best answer is...” Member Benefits
The Ames Chamber programs are dedicated to helping area businesses grow, expand and locate in Ames.
MARKETING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADVOCACY • Coupons on the Chamber’s website • Leadership Ames • Unified voice on business issues • Member mailers & mailing lists • Economic Outlook Luncheon • Legislative Luncheons • Membership decal • Professional Development • Voter registration and election • Sponsorship opportunities Series information • Ribbon-cuttings / Ground-breakings • Prioritized local issues • Business-to-Business Expo BUSINESS ASSISTANCE • Candidate forums • Local Job Board: www. • Chamber Day at the (State) Capitol NETWORKING WorkInAmes.com • Federal Delegation Trip to • Monthly Business After Hours • Small Business Career Fair Washington, D.C. • Business at Breakfast • Referrals • New Member Receptions • Certificate of Origin Forms CONNECTIONS • Ambassador Program • Staff support • Leadership Ames (all sectors of Ames • Special events including our • State and County connections community) Annual Event, Golf Day and • Phone books and other com • Education Connections (public Steak Fry munity resource materials and private schools in Ames- • Young Professionals of Ames area, workforce-related diversity issues) • Government Affairs (city, county, state and federal elected officials
40 Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | www.ameschamber.com AMES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION | www.amesedc.com 304 Main Street | Ames, IA 50010 | t: 515.232.2310 | f: 515.233.3203
Ames Chamber of Commerce 2014 Annual Report 41