The mission of the Ames Chamber of Commerce is to provide our members services that strengthen the economic vitality in Ames and enhance the quality of life in our community.

Chamber UpdateAPRIL 2014

Y ou are invited to attend the Ames Chamber of Com-merce and Economic Development Commission’s 2014 Economic Outlook Luncheon presented by Woodruff Companies.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce and the Ames Econom-ic Development Commission are pleased to host their second annual Economic Outlook Luncheon. The event will forecast the local, state and regional opportunities, challenges and eco-nomic trends facing the Ames business community.

NOTE: This luncheon was originally scheduled for December 6, 2013 but had to be postponed due to the key-note speaker having a family medical emergency. If you had already registered for the December 6 event, please know your registration will be valid for the rescheduled date.

The luncheon is $25 for Chamber members or $200 for a table of 10. For event registration and more information, please go to www.ameschamber.com, or call the Chamber office at 232-2310.

Special thanks to our Sponsors:Presenting: Woodruff CompaniesGold: Amcor Rigid Plastics, Danfoss, Davis Brown Law

Firm, South Story Bank & Trust

Keynote SpeakerDr. Chris Kuehl, Armada Corporate Intelligence

Dr. Kuehl, a writer and editor whose works may be found in pub-lications such as Business Intelli-gence Briefs – a daily focused on business issues and distributed via Chambers of Commerce through-out the United States – provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate cli-ents around the world. Dr. Kuehl’s portfolio of more than 300 profes-sional speaking engagements have included talks with the Business Information Industry Association and the Finance, Credit & Interna-tional Business Association, as well as a wide variety of other busi-ness and finance organizations. He is Chief Economist for the Fabrica-tors and Manufacturers Association and frequent commentator for the media in national newspapers, mag-azines and trade publications. Dr. Kuehl holds two master’s degrees, and earned a Ph.D. in political eco-nomics from the University of Kan-sas. Armada Corporate Intelligence provides strategy foundation, com-petitive intelligence, business analy-sis and economic forecasting.

2014 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

You are invited to attend the 2014 Economic Outlook Luncheon

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

The Chamber Update newsletter is published by the Ames Chamber of Commerce, 1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Suite 110, Ames, IA, 50010; phone: (515) 232-2310; fax: (515) 232-6716; www.ameschamber.com.

2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEKim Linduska, Chair

Des Moines Area Community CollegeRandy Kruse, Vice Chair

Hy Vee- - Lincoln Center Pam Elliott-Cain, 2nd Vice Chair

Iowa State University Natalie Lischer, Treasurer

Renewable Energy GroupPam Elliott-Cain, Board Committee Liaison for Government Affairs Iowa State University John Haila, Board Committee Liaison for Community Development Haila Architecture Structure Planning Carol Kisling, Board Committee Liaison for Membership 1430 KASI/105.1 KCCQ Brian Dieter, Immediate Past Chair

Mary Greeley Medical CenterDan Culhane, President/CEO

BOARD MEMBERSLori Bosley

North Grand MallPam Elliott-Cain Iowa State UniversityJohn Crawford Alpha Copies Print CenterBrian Dieter Mary Greeley Medical CenterKim Iiams Bankers TrustJohn Haila

Haila ArchitectureRandy Kruse

Hy Vee - Lincoln CenterCarol Kisling

1430 KASI/105.1 KCCQKim Linduska

Des Moines Area Community CollegeDan Hunziker

Hunziker & Associates, RealtorsFrank Nogel

ISU Athletic DepartmentNatalie Lischer

Renewable Energy GroupKim Behrendt

Wells FargoDavid Tucker

Webfilings Jenny Pollard, Iowa State University Alumni AssociationTerry Stark Chocolaterie Stam Ryan Jeffrey Arcadia Cafe

LEADERSHIP AMES CLASS XXVII

Businesses take lead on Leadership Ames Class XXVII project, “CyclONE City”

The Ames Chamber of Commerce Leadership Ames Class XXVII is proud to announce the spear-heading sponsors for the first ever

CyclONE City tour: Webfilings, Banker’s Trust, Renewable Energy Group, Pyffer-oen Pediatric Dentistry, Kingland Systems, Converse Conditioned Air, McFarland Clinic, Mary Greeley Medical Center and the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

The Leadership Ames Class XXVII founded CyclONE City, a “tour” of life-sized Cy statues throughout the commu-nity, as a fundraiser to support local Ames charities and provide a scholarship to an Ames resident to attend ISU. CyclONE City’s mission is to bring a culturally enriching event to Ames that will strength-en ties throughout the community and have a substantial economic impact for local nonprofit organizations. By support-ing CyclONE City, local businesses, spe-cial interest groups and community mem-bers can show their enthusiasm for Iowa State, champion the arts and demonstrate community pride all while giving back.

“When our class of 16 went through Leadership Ames’ non-profit day, we all felt compelled to help those in need,” said Makenzie Heddens, CyclONE City Com-mittee Tri-Chair. “We wanted to make a difference while having fun and CyclONE

City is just that. The project is a great way to bring the City of Ames and Iowa State University together while highlighting prominent businesses in the community and providing an employment opportunity for artists.”

Each statue will need to be sponsored by a supporter and decorated by an artist. The CyclONE City planning committee is currently accepting sponsorships and art-ist submissions. Artists who are selected to

decorate a statue will be awarded a $1500 stipend ($500 upon pick up of the statue and $1,000 upon completion). The statues will be on parade throughout the fall and some of the statues will be available for an auction at a later date. While CyclONE City will create unique philanthropic spirit in Ames, similar tours have been success-fully held in Chicago, St. Paul, Omaha, Kansas City and Iowa City.

Individuals interested in sponsoring or designing a CyclONE City statue should contact the corresponding CyclONE City subcommittee listed below.

CyclONE City Planning Committee Tri-Chairs:

Makenzie Heddens, mkheddens@yahoo.com

Nathan Buss, nbuss@visionbankiowa.com

Mike Mullen, mmullen@ccahvac.comCyclONE City Sponsorship:Stacey Holzwarth, Sponsorship Com-

mittee Co-Chairstaceyholzwarth@gmail.comCyclONE City Artistry:Teresa Albertson, Artistry Committee

Co-Chairteresa@teresakayalbertson.comConnect with CyclONE City: Website: www.cyclonecityames.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/

CycloneCityTwitter: www.twitter.com/CyclONEC-

ityAmes

CHAMBER OF COMMERCELEADERSHIP AMES CLASS XXVII

Ames Seed Capital Annual Meeting Wednesday April 9, 2014

11:30am- 1:00pmQuality Inn & Suites Starlight Vil-

lage Conference Center 2601 East 13th Street Ames, Iowa

Please join us as we recognize our investors and review our 2013 Accom-plishments. Governor Terry Branstad will be the keynote speaker at the event. To register, please go to www.amescham-

ber.com or call the Chamber office at 515.232.2310. The Ames Seed Capital Managers look forward to you joining us on April 9th!

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

There’s still time to be a part of this amazing China trip!

We invite you to join the Ames Chamber in October 2014 as we experience the ancient culture of China. We will

spend 9 days travelling in Beijing, Suzhou, Hangzou and Shanghai seeing sights like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Ming Tombs and of course, the Great Wall of China. This trip is an opportunity of a lifetime!

*Travel prices round trip from LAX to Beijing are only $2,399 /per person (double occupancy) for Chamber members and $2,599 /per person (double occupancy) for non-members. $250.00 non-refundable deposit is due April 1, 2014. Remaining trip balance due on July 15, 2014. For more tour information and registration forms, please go to www.ameschamber.com, or contact Crystal Davis at 232-2310 or via email at crystal@ameschamber.com.

CHAMBER TRAVEL

Reserve your spot now!

Legislative Lunechon dates GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Be In the Know this 2014 Legislative Session

Make plans to attend the Ames Chamber of Commerce Leg-islative Luncheons! These lunch events provide an excel-

lent opportunity to hear from and speak with your state policymakers regarding issues that matter most to you. Our legisla-tors are always happy to answer questions and respond to your concerns.

Mark your calendar for these important Legislative Luncheon dates:

Friday, March 28Friday, April 25Each event will begin with registration

and lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a dis-cussion with our legislators from 12 – 1 p.m.

Please register online at www.ames-chamber.com. These events are open to current members of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and their guests. Your registra-tion fee includes lunch. Luncheon loca-tions are listed on each event’s web regis-tration page.

We are grateful for the following spon-sors whose generous support makes the Chamber’s legislative lunches possible:

2014 TAKING LEADERSHIP SPONSORS

Converse Conditioned Air

Mary Greeley Medical CenterRenewable Energy Group

2014 LEGISLATIVE LUNCH SEASON SPONSORS

HPC, LLC (Harold Pike Construction)Hastings, Gartin & Boettger, LLPMainstream Living, Inc. Nelson ElectricRoseland, Mackey, Harris Architects,

PCMARCH LEGISLATIVE LUNCH

SPONSORAmes Tribune

APRIL LEGISLATIVE LUNCH SPONSOR

Paul Livingston, Realtor - Hunziker & Associates, REALTORS

Through the month of June, the Ames Chamber of Commerce will host a booth at the Iowa State University Orientation

Resource Fair to give member business-es an opportunity to distribute promo-tional items and/or volunteer to person-ally welcome over 4,500 new students to the community.

If you would like to provide items for the booth, we will need from you and your business approximately 250 brochures/flyers or 500+ give-away items such as pens, magnets, key chains, coupons, etc. If the initial supplies are depleted, we will ask if you would like to contribute additional materials throughout the month.

Mark your calendars for the ISU Orientation Resource Fair

As the fair draws closer, we will also be looking for individuals to volunteer to man the booth to assist in welcoming these new families to ISU and the Ames community.

Contact Amy (amy@ameschamber.com) or call the Chamber office at (515) 232-2310 with questions.

OPPORTUNITY FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

SAVE THE DATE! 2014 Chamber Golf Day: Friday, June 27th

Check your calendar and get your foursome ready for 18 holes on the afternoon of Friday, June 27th, at Ames Golf & Country

Club. Registration information is coming soon!

Special thanks to our sponsors:Gold Sponsors: 3M and Plus 39 Res-

taurantYoung Professionals of Ames (YPA)

will also be hosting their 4th Golf Day silent auction to benefit the Youth Leader-ship Ames program. Please consider con-tributing to their noteworthy efforts by donating a silent auction gift package. For more information on the YPA Golf Day

Silent Auction, please contact Sarah Buss (sarah@ameschamber.com).

You can also be a prize sponsor for our winning golf teams which are given to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and last place golf teams:

• Prize Sponsor: Donate new items in multiples of four (examples: gift certifi-cates, golf supplies, food/beverage pack-ages, gift baskets, event tickets, electronics, office gadgets, etc.).

For more general information about the Chamber Golf Day or becoming a sponsor, please contact Sarah Buss (sarah@ames-chamber.com) or call the Chamber office at 232-2310.

It’s never too soon to start thinking about the Ames Chamber’s Annual Golf Day!

Governor Terry Branstad has announced a new Home Base Iowa marketing campaign to show veterans the benefits of

working, studying and living in the state. The initiative is a new non-profit, private-public partnership that will recruit veter-ans and active duty service members for private-sector job opportunities in Iowa. To promote their efforts, a new website, www.homebaseiowa.org, was launched.

The website serves as a comprehensive

Become a Home Base Iowa Businesssource for job services available to veterans in Iowa. The site features job postings, links to job fairs, and up-to-date information about educational opportunities, National Guard recruiting, job training, and much more.

Once you visit the website you’ll see that Home Base Iowa Businesses are the centerpiece of Home Base Iowa. With record numbers of military members leav-ing the service over the next five years, the influx of workers into the job market is

huge for Iowa employers. We invite all busi-nesses to distinguish themselves by becom-ing a Home Base Iowa Business. By joining together, we can meet our goals of increas-ing employment in Iowa, decreasing vet-erans’ unemployment, and recruiting high quality individuals to Iowa.

To be a Home Base Iowa Business, o the company must pledge to hire a

specific number of veterans. o They must also post their jobs on

the Home Base Iowa website,

o and become members of the exist-ing Skilled Iowa program. To learn more visit www.homebaseiowa.org.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

April calendar

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

AEDC: Ames Economic Development Commission • BAH: Business After Hours • CAA: Campustown Action Association • C: Chamber Office • FAW: Friday After Work • L&L: Lunch & Learn • R/C: Ribbon Cutting • YPA: Young Professionals of Ames • YLA: Youth Leadership Ames

April Fool’s Day

Easter

6:30 p.m.: Masters Pub Crawl (MSCD)

4:30 p.m.: R/C: Life-Serve Blood Center

11:30 a.m.: Legislative Luncheon

VEISHEA

Good Friday

11:00 a.m.: Ames Seed Capital Annual Meeting

7:30 a.m.: Business At Breakfast (ChildServe)

12 noon: Gov’t Affairs Committee (C)

11:30 a.m.: R/C: Bar-tholomew Chiropractic

Leadership Ames

5:30 p.m.: YPA ThAW

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADORS

Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau

Andrea Erickson, Dupont Ashley Terrell, Bickford Assisted Living David Orth, Spirited Giving

Jan Williams, Heartland Senior Services Joe Reimers, Adams Funeral Home John Coder, VisionBank Joy Leister, Valley Bank Lauris Olson, Iowa News Online Linda Gibbs, Greater Iowa Credit Union Mary Beth Scott, The Ames Tribune Nathan Buss, VisionBank Rudy Fors, U.S. Bank Kim Behrent, Wells Fargo

Sheila McFarland, Gateway Insurance Services

Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Steve Bock, RE/MAX Real Estate Center

Tim Rasmussen, Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating

Tim Tryon, First National Bank Tom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team Wendy Steenhoek, Knap Tedesco Insurance

Mike Peckis, Sam’s Club

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate with a ribbon cutting

If your business has completed a major remodeling project, moved to a new location, or changed ownership, you need to take

advantage of the Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting service that brings members and the media to you.

With each Ribbon Cutting, your business will be exposed to the Ames community and Story County. Event photos of your Ribbon Cutting will be published in the Chamber’s Weekly Email Update and the Ames Business Monthly. A Ribbon Cutting is a great way to invite people to your location and showcase your business.

After the fun has been had and the ribbon has been cut, the Chamber will frame your best photo and deliver it to your place of business along with a Chamber business card holder full of member businesses that attended your celebration.

Not only does this opportunity get people to your place of business, but it offers a unique networking environ-ment in addition to some great market-ing. So what are you waiting for? Call Sarah at (515) 232-2310 to schedule your Ribbon Cutting today!

"

Bankers Trust | 3725 Stange Road | New Location Photo by Ames Chamber of Commerce

The Factory Crossfit Ames | 104 Kellogg | Grand Opening Photo by Ames Chamber of Commerce

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

Join the Chamber.

Make new con-nections, promote your business, take advantage of profes-sional development programs and more when you join the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Contact Membership Director Sarah Buss at (515) 232-2310 for more in-formation on how you or your organization can become a Cham-ber member. When you join, here are some of the many benefits you can take advantage of right away. •Postcouponson our Web site for FREE. •AttendmonthlyBusiness After Hours, Business at Break-fasts, Business Im-provement Forums and more for FREE. •Takeadvantageof reasonably priced ways to promote your business such as ribbon cuttings and mailing labels, just to name a few. •DiscountedYoungProfessionals of Ames membership (ages 21 to 40).

Welcome, new Ames Chamber members

Ames Bulletin Board/4A Promotions: The Ames Bulletin Board has been serving Ames and the surrounding area for over 60 years. Pick up a copy of this quarterly magazine at over 600 loca-tions to find the most thorough event calendar available as well

as some feature articles showcasing what makes Ames such a great place to live or visit. 4A Promotions is your source for any sort of specialty printing or promotional items… Anything you can put a logo on, we can help! Contact Matt Julich at matt@amesbulletinboard.com or at 515-451-4847 for more information.

Team USA Mortgage, The Kupka Team is committed to providing clients with the highest quality home loans combined with some of the lowest mortgage rates available in all of Iowa. Whether you are a first time home buyer, purchasing your dream home, refinancing

an outstanding loan, or consolidating debt, our highly experienced team of mortgage bankers can help make your dreams come true. Visit their office at 545 Main Street or visit their website at www.kupkateam.com for more information.

The Factory Crossfit Ames, helping stronger, healthier, happier Americans enjoy life, become educated about fitness, and helping each other along the way. Visit them at 104 Kellogg Ave or give them a call at (515) 520-4318. From the intro class, members can

sign up for our 2 week, 6 session. Foundations course are held M, W, and Th at either 6:00am or 7:30pm in order to become educated about Cross-Fit and our program at The Factory CrossFit Ames. If you can’t make the morning slot, you can still come to the evening slot and vice versa. Tues-days and Fridays are for make-up sessions at the same time slots. Check out their website at, www.thefactorycfames.com .

Power Full Nutrition is located at 130 Main Street. Power Full Nutrition, aims to break away from the normal supplements and nutrition shops with an interesting spin. They offer ready-to-order shakes and other items to augment a good day’s workout.

They offer a deal for “members” to stop in at their convenience and buy a meal replacement package.The package is designed for after workouts; it includes a shake supplemented with protein, fiber or both; tea; and a shot of aloe vera to cleanse the digestive track. The shake is prepared at your request; the tea and aloe are prepared during the morning to ensure fresh-ness.They are open from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contact Collin at fettfit-ness@gmail.com for more details!

Jim Black- Individual

Brynn Eitzen-Individual

NETWORKING

Business At Breakfast Location: Heuss Printing, 903 N 2nd St, Ames, IA 50010Food sponsored by: Heuss Printing7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 27th, 2014

Join us at Heuss Pritning, 903 N 2nd St. to give a two minute “shameless plug” about your organization while handing out business cards,

bro chures and/or any other promotional materials that describe your business or organization. If you’ve never attended before, make this month your first!

We purposely keep this event small to ensure great one-on-one interaction with fellow Chamber members, so your RSVP is very important. Please register by call-ing the Chamber office no later than noon on Tuesday, February 25. The event and continental breakfast are free, but you must RSVP to participate. See you at Breakfast!

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

Ames Chamber and AEDC staff

• Dan Culhane, President and CEO• Sarah Buss, Director of Membership and Events• Tiffany Coleman, Director of Business Development and Marketing• Angela Davidson, Director of Government Relations and Workforce Development• Crystal Davis, Executive Vice President

• Lauren Frandsen, Director of Communications and Marketing• Ron Hallenbeck, Executive Vice President, Existing Business and Industry• Amy Howard, Vice President, Finance and Operations• Drew Kamp, Director of Story County Community

Outreach• Meghan Meyer, Receptionist• Cari Hague, Main Street Cultural District Executive Director• Emily Miller MSCD Events Coordinator• Kim Hanna, Campustown Action Association Executive Director

With a ribbon cutting and open house held on February 12, the Ames Chamber of Commerce office is officially open and

we welcome you to stop by and see our new space.

Our new location is also the home to the offices of the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC), Ames Seed Capital, Main Street Cultural District (MSCD) and Young Professionals of Ames (YPA).

“We’re all about smart choices and making this move is a smart choice for our members and the Ames community,” says Dan Culhane, Chamber President & CEO. “By being cen-tralized in the heart of the business district of Ames, we are more accessible and better able to interact with our members and the commu-nity.”

Our new office space houses 4 meeting spaces; reception lobby and mezzanine; his-torical wood features; tin ceiling on the main floor; and spectacular views of Main Street from our 2nd floor. For more information about using the Chamber’s meeting space, please contact the Chamber office at 232-2310.

Special thanks to our contractors who helped create a welcoming office space for our staff, our members and community:

General Contractor: Harold Pike Construc-tion

Architect: Haila Architecture | Structure | Planning

Heating & Cooling: Converse Conditioned Air

Electric: Nelson ElectricPlumbing: Watson PlumbingPainting: Stan MillerCarpet & Floors: Alfred’s Carpet & Deco-

ratingBuilding Owner: Ron McMillen

A Smart Choice: Ames Chamber of Commerce moves to downtown Ames

CHAMBER RELOCATION

Ames Chamber of Commerce RIbbon Cutting | 304 Main Street | New Location. Photo by Ames Chamber of Commerce

Kingsbury Board Room Dinky Meeting Room Main Floor Conference Room

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

Spring Brings Job Opportunities to Story County

2nd floor mezzanine overlooking Main Street Reading on the 2nd floor mezzanine Onondaga Board Room

The next time your business has a job or internship opening, please be sure to take advantage of the Ames Economic Development

Commission’s local job board website, www.WorkInAmes.com.

Organizations can post jobs and internships at no cost, while job seekers

have a resource to search for great

M E M B E R S

CHAMBER

Thank you to the listed members who have donated 10 percent more than their annual dues for Chamber projects. Because of contributions from members like these, the Ames Chamber can maintain a level of excellence in the services we provide. All of our Gold Members will be recognized with a Gold Member decal and at our Annual Event.

Advance Services IncAmes Jaycees

Ames Rental AssociationAt-Home CareBeisser’s, Inc.Bill Waters

Central States Roofing & Home Improvement

CGA ConsultantsChildServe

Chuck and Carolyn JonsClouser Plumbing Technologies,

Inc.Dayton Road Development

Des Moines Area Community College

Dick Clem, Inc.Door & Fence Store

Dublin BayEconoLodge Ames

Faas & TillFarner-Bocken Co.

Farrell’s Extreme BodyshapingFirst United Methodist Church

Fox Engineering Associates

Freedom TireFuji Japanese Restaurant, Inc.

Gateway Hotel and Convention Center

Glendandy Marketing & Advertising Inc.

Green Hills Retirement CommunityH & R Block

Hallett MaterialsHarrisvaccines, Inc.

Heartland Technology SolutionsJack Adams

Jon Hunziker Construction IncKinzler Construction Services

Mainstream LivingMcFarland Clinic

Midland Power CooperativeMiller & Clark Real Estate

Moorman clothiers Ames Inc.Murdoch Financial Team, Al

MurdochNelson Electric

Norm RudiNorth Grand Mall Partners, LLC

OpenComOrning Glass Company, Inc.

PCI AcademyPinnacle Properties Ames, LLC

Professional Property Management, Inc.

RDG Planning & DesignRe/Max Real Estate Center

RICOHRoger Underwood

Schnurr & Company, CPAS, PLCShoe Carnival

Sign Pro of AmesStifel Nicolaus

Technical Services, Inc.The Gilligan GroupTodd & Sargent, IncTommy’s Salon, LLC.

U.S. BankUnion Pacific Railroad CompanyUniversal Harvester by Art’s Way

Inc.Valentino’s

Wal-Mart SupercenterXpanxion

work opportunities in the Ames/Story County area!

If you have any questions regard-ing the website, please contact Angela Davidson at angela@ameschamber.com or 515-232-2310.

Visit www.WorkInAmes.com!Smart Choice

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

Young Professionals of Ames

2014 YPA Board

President: Jenni Talbott, McFar-land Clinic, PC

Past-President: Jenny Pollard , Iowa State University Alumni

AssociationPresident-Elect: Haley Cook,

Iowa State UniversityNathan Buss, VisionBankBrynn Eitzen, Care InitiativesMelissa Hulme, Iowa State UniversityTera Lawson, Iowa State UniversityLisa Maubach, Iowa State CenterJason Mortvedt, Mary Greeley

Medical CenterKristin Pates, United Way of Story

CountyJake Talbott, WebFilingsChamber Liaison/Staff: Sarah

Buss, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our 2013-14 YPA sponsors

• Global Reach Internet Productions• Hunziker & Associates, Realtors• ISU MBA• Kingland Systems• Mary Greeley Medical Center• Munn Lumber• North Grand Mall• Story Construction• VisionBank• First National Bank

Connect with YPAVisit www.ypames.com for upcoming

events, committee openings and volun-teer opportunities.

YPA launches YPA Excellence recognition

Young Professionals of Ames (YPA) recently introduced a new recognition program for YPA members designed to highlight the positive impact mem-bers make in the Ames community, their workplaces and organizations.

Help us celebrate YPA members in our community by nominating them online today. Visit YPAmes.com and click on the “YPA Excellence” link in the Member drop down. The YPA Marketing Committee will review nominations once a month and determine a monthly win-ner who will receive a gift card to a local business.

Visit www.ypames.com/excellence to access the YPA Excellence Recognition page and nominate someone today!

YPA members share joy of reading with biannual Read with Me events

When it comes to Young Professional of Ames (YPA) volunteer activities, the biannual Read with Me programs are hands down some of the favorites among members. Few things compare to sharing the joy of reading with children and seeing their imaginations at work.

The Spring Read with Me program, which was sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center, took place late March and nearly 50 YPA volunteers participated.

YPA members were assigned to preschool and kindergarten classrooms through-out the Ames Community School District, and were given two to three books to read to the students. They spent around 15-30 minutes in the classroom, reading the sto-ries and talking to students about the books and characters. At the conclusion of the story time, each student also receives a book to take home. In total, around 650 stu-dents were touched by this volunteer activity.

While this project requires a lot of YPA volunteers and coordination, it is worth it. “YPA is proud of our signature Community Outreach and Partnerships pro-

gram, “ said Jenni Talbott, president of YPA. “Our Young Professionals have found it rewarding to read to each classroom and see the excitement the students have for both reading and us as their guest readers. I personally enjoy hearing the students’ creative questions and comments as I read to them. They are our leaders of tomor-row, and YPA understands the importance of getting these students excited about reading for a better future for us all.”

Volunteering is a key component of YPA. With numerous opportunities through-out the year, YPA members have been making an impact on Ames for many years.

To learn more about how YPA members impact the Ames community, visit www.YPAmes.com.

Upcoming YPA Activities:Thursday, April 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,

YPA THAW. Join us for our April Thurs-day after Work (THAW) event to net-work and socialize with fellow young professionals. Location to be determined.

Thursday, May 8, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., YPA THAW. Join us for our May Thurs-day after Work (THAW) event to net-work and socialize with fellow young professionals. Location to be determined.

Friday, May 23, Special Olympics. Save the Date! YPA members will have the opportunity to volunteer as a group with Iowa Special Olympics summer games hosted at Iowa State University.

For more information about these events visit www.YPAmes.com.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

2014 Schedule of Events

April 3 - Masters Pub Crawl

June6 - ArtWalk19 - MusicWalk

July 4 - 4th of July Parade4&5 - Ames 150 Downtown Celebration24-26 - Summer Sidewalk Sales

August 15 - Foodies & Brew

September 20 - Oktoberfest

October31 - Downtown Halloween Costume Ball

Nov-DecSnow Magic Festivities

Join the MSCD and YPA for the Masters Pub Crawl in Downtown Ames on April 3rd, begining at

6:30pm. While this mini course might not quite rival Augusta, it is sure to follow through with a good time and fun prizes. Visit the MSCD facebook page for more details and all the participating loca-tions.

Downtown Business Workshop

The Main Street Cultural Dis-trict will host the second annual Downtown Business Workshop on May 21st, 2014. The full

day workshop will feature topics and speakers tailored to the small retail, hos-pitality and service businesses common in downtowns. Sessions will be hosted

in various locations throughout Down-town Ames. One of the MSCD's four part approach to revitalization is busi-ness improvement, this workshop for-mat will give Ames business owners, managers, and staff the opportunity for an educational and development expere-ince with a convienenient location and

low cost. The format will include many of the fun features as last year, with a keynote kick-off, a selection of a vari-ety of breakout sessions, roundtable peer discussions, and an ending with a fun social. Visit www.AmesDowntown.org for more info. Contact the MSCD for registration or sponsorship opportunities.

Masters Pub Crawl

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2014

CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION

Campustown Renaissance

Save The Date!Summertime in

Campustown Events

June 14, 3-10pm

Campustown CinemaJuly 11, 7-10pm

Friday Afternoon in Campustown

August 29, 5-9pm

Dinkey Day Celebrating Ames 150

September 26, 4-10pm

Want to keep up to date on what is happening in Campustown?

Follow us on Twitter (@AmesCampustown) and Facebook

(CampustownActionAssociation)! For a full directory of all businesses and organizations located in our district,

please visit www.amescampustown.com

Construction is underway in Cam-pustown! We encourage every-

one to visit www.amescam-pustown.com/redevelopment for updates on the projects as well as announcements regarding construction sites over the next 18-24 months. As redevelopment and new construction occur in our dis-trict, we encourage you to continue to visit our business-es and support the district. The Intermodal Facility locat-ed at Chamberlain Street and Hayward Avenue has plenty of public parking options, as do our four surface lots throughout the district. Shop Campustown!

Follow CAA on Facebook and Twitter also to stay con-nected and updated on con-struction updates and busi-ness news. Facebook.com/Campustown Action Associa-tion and Twitter.com/Ames-Campustown

campustown

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