Chamber DECEMBER 2015 Update - Ames · DECEMBER 2015 Update. Experience Snow Magic this holiday season. T. he holiday season in Down-town Ames will offer residents and visitors alike

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 UpdateDECEMBER 2015

Experience Snow Magic this holiday season

The holiday season in Down-town Ames will offer residents and visitors alike a festive choice for the holiday shop-

ping experience with the Snow Magic Festival. Snow Magic offers a variety of events and promotions that make spending time in Downtown Ames dur-ing the holidays a great choice.

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - SATURDAY, NOV. 28

Celebrate all that is unique about the small businesses of Ames by shopping “Small” on the Saturday after Thanks-giving on Main Street! Many downtown businesses will be open early with great sales! There will also be special events including:

Breakfast with Santa 7:45am to 9:45am at the Chamber of Commerce- Join Santa Claus for cinnamon rolls, donuts, milk, and juice. Parents can take photos of their children with the jolly old elf and there will be make-and-take crafts and free coloring books for the first 150 children.

Free gift wrapping for any item pur-chased downtown from 8am to noon - Bring your gift and a receipt proving when and where to purchased it to the Chamber of Commerce at 304 Main Street before 12:30pm for free gift wrap-ping.

Story time with Mrs. Claus at the Pub-lic Library 10:30-11:30 am. Enjoy a holi-day book read by Santa’s best helper and write a letter to the Jolly Old Elf to be mailed special delivery from the library.

Free “swag bags” for the first 500 shoppers downtown - Canvas shopping bags will be loaded with coupons and goodies. Volunteers will be walking up and down Main Street giving them away.

Cookie Decorating for kids at the Depot Deli - time TBD, Pet photos with Santa at Treats on a Leash 10am to Noon, Paint and Sip at Della Viti 2-4pm (come at any time during that period)

Craft and Vendor Fair 9am – 3pm at the American Legion

PARENTS SHOPPING NIGHT OUT -THURSDAY, DEC. 3

Need a night to shop and dine in Downtown without the kids? We can help! Enjoy a night in Downtown while your children enjoy a night of holiday classics on the big screen and fun activi-ties. ISU students will provide direct supervision for a safe, caring and fun event. Children need to be 5 and older to participate. RSVP to 515-233-4568

is encouraged as space is limited. This event will take place from 5:30-8:30 pm at the American Legion Community Room, 225 Main Street.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS DAY - SATURDAY, DEC. 5

Step back in time in Downtown Ames with an Old-Fashioned Christmas cel-ebration hosted by the Ames Historical Society. Create your own Christmas Tra-ditions by visiting your favorite Down-town businesses. Stop by Design on Main, 203 Main Street, to vote for your favorite Gingerbread Creation!

SANTA’S TRAIN IN DOWNTOWN AMES- SATURDAY, DEC. 12

From 10am-Noon bring the kids to

ride Santa’s Train in Downtown! Cy, sponsored by Duck Worth Wearing and the Loft, will be there to celebrate the Snow Magic Season! Santa will be at Family Martial Arts, 231 Main Street, to take your Christmas Wish List.

SNOW MAGIC SCAVENGER HUNT- SATURDAY, DEC. 5 - SATUR-DAY, DEC. 19

Visit all your favorite Downtown busi-nesses and see if you can find the Snow Magic Logo card hidden in participating stores for a chance to win prizes and gift cards. Pick up your Snow Magic Scaven-ger Hunt Card at any participating store or Ames Chamber Office.

MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2015

2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PAM ELLIOTT CAIN, Chair, Board Comm. Liaison for Gov’t. Affairs Iowa State UniversityDAVID TUCKER, Vice Chair, Board Comm. Liaison for Comm. Develop. WorkivaJOHN CRAWFORD, 2nd Vice Chair, Board Comm. Liaison for Membership Alpha Copies Print CenterKIM BEHRENDT, Treasurer Wells FargoKIM LINDUSKA, Immediate Past Chair Des Moines Area Community CollegeDAN CULHANE, President / CEO Ames Chamber & Economic Develop-ment Commission

BOARD MEMBERS

Bret Bartholomew, Bartholomew Chiropractic

Kim Behrendt, Wells Fargo

Lori Bosley, North Grand Mall

John Crawford, Alpha Copies Print Center

Brian Dieter, Mary Greeley Medical Center

Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank

Pam Elliott Cain, Iowa State University

John Haila, Haila Architecture

Dan Hunziker, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors

Kim Iiams, Bankers Trust

Luke Jensen, Real Estate Service Group, Inc.

Casey Johnson, Ames Ford Lincoln

Carol Kisling, 1430 KASI/NOW 105.1

Kim Linduska, Des Moines Area Community

College

Terry Stark, Chocalaterie Stam

Jenni Talbott, McFarland Clinic, PC

Anne Taylor, Dogtown U/ A & R Marketing

Dave Tucker, Workiva

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Chamber Update newsletter is published by the Ames Chamber of Commerce, 304 Main Street, Ames, IA, 50010; phone: (515) 232-2310; fax: (515) 233-3203; www.ameschamber.com.

Submit your nominations for the Ames Chamber Annual Awards!

Every year the Ames Chamber of Commerce recognizes individu-als from our membership who have shown exemplary service

in their profession or in the community. The 2015 Chamber Awards will honor the Entrepreneur of the Year, the Community Involvement Award and the Business Per-son of the Year.

We need your nominations! Please review the criteria below and consider who you know among your fellow Ames Chamber members who would be wor-thy of such recognition. You can find the nominations on our website (www.ames-chamber.com), and complete the forms by December 17, 2015. Awards will be pre-sented on the date of the Ames Chamber Annual Awards Reception, on January 14, 2016.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEARThis award recognizes an individual for

his/her creativity, imagination and personal initiative in operating a successful business venture.

Criteria: Must be the owner of a Chamber

member business. Shows innovation and initiative

regarding business product or service. Demonstrates problem solving skills. Has met a need in a unique and cre-

ative way. Has proven business growth attrib-

uted to efforts. Shows success of their business as

demonstrated by income, sales, number of employees, etc.

Has had community impact and involvement.

Displays mentoring and leadership skills.

AWARD FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

This award recognizes an individual for his/her personal involvement and enthu-siasm in a variety of civic and/or service organizations and his/her effort in improv-ing the quality of life in the community.

Criteria: Must be a Chamber member. Shows commitment & volunteerism

in community projects. Has held a leadership position. Is a role model and mentor to others. Is an advocate for community issues

at a local, state or national level. Demonstrates effort to employ handi-

capped or disadvantaged. Demonstrates compassion, humility

and nondiscrimination.

BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEARThis award recognizes an individual for

his/her long term commitment to their own business as well as the business climate and quality of life in the community.

Criteria: Must be a manager, owner or

employee of a Chamber member business or organization.

Assists in the growth and success of business.

Demonstrates the ability to positively respond to adversity.

Is involved in a professional organization(s).

Committed to quality of a product and/or service.

Demonstrates initiative in assisting others.

Demonstrates concern for commu-nity betterment.

Demonstrates leadership skills. Is involved with the Ames Chamber

of Commerce. Is involved in improving the local

business climate.

ANNUAL AWARDS

Mark your calendars now to attend the 2016 Annual Event for the Ames Cham-ber of Commerce and Eco-

nomic Development Commission, pre-sented by Des Moines Area Community College.

The evening’s highlights will include Big 12 commentators Fran Fraschilla & Brent Musburger of Big Monday


ANNUAL EVENT

2016 Chamber and AEDC Annual Event to be held at the Sukup South End Zone

The Ames Chamber invites our members to attend the 2015 Annual Awards ReceptionProviding member services that strengthen the economic vitality in Ames and enhance the quality of life…is our SPORT!

Thursday, January 14th, 201611:30-1:30 | Awards Presentation &

LunchThe Gateway Hotel and Conference

Center

Save the date for the Ames Cham-ber of Commerce and affiliate organizations Annual Awards Reception on January 14th. Help

us celebrate our award winners!

*Ames Chamber of Commerce-Entre-preneur of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Community Involvement

*Campustown Action Association Vol-

unteer of the Year *Economic Impact Award(s)*Main Street Cultural District Volunteer

of the Year*Young Professionals of Ames-4 Under

40: Leaders of Today and Tomorrow*Ames Main Street Farmers Market

Awards

A video recap of the Annual Awards

Luncheon will be featured at the 2016 Annual Event on January 26th.

Registeration is $25 to attend this event and pre-registration is required. To regis-ter, please visit www.ameschamber.com, or call Kelly at the Chamber office at 232-2310. Mark your calendars today!

Providing member services that strengthen the economic vitality in Ames and enhance the quality of life…is our SPORT!

who will share insight and stories from their career. We will also highlight an

Brent Musburger, Big 12 commentator Fran Fraschilla, Big 12 commentator

overview of the past year for the Ames Chamber and its affiliate organizations:

Ames Economic Development Commis-sion, Ames Seed Capital, LLC, Campus-town Action Association, Main Street Cultural District, Young Profession-als of Ames, and the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market. A recap of the Annual Awards presentations held prior will also be featured during the program.

Admission is listed on our website, www.ameschamber.com. Businesses are encouraged to buy seats of 10 to guarantee seating together and discount pricing. To register, please visit www.ameschamber.com, or call Kelly at the Chamber office at 232-2310. Mark your calendars today!

Thank you to our Presenting Spon-sor: Des Moines Area Community Col-lege

Tuesday, January 26, 20165:30 – Reception & Dinner

7:00pm - Speakers, Fran Fraschilla & Brent Musburger

Sukup South End Zone at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames


• Dan Culhane, President and CEO

• Peter Ampe, Director, Project Management

• Sarah Buss, Director, Sponsorship and Membership Events

• Angie Dorenkamp, Director, Workforce Solutions

Ames Chamber and AEDC staff• Lauren Frandsen, Director, Communications & Marketing

• Ron Hallenbeck, Executive Vice President, Existing Business and Industry

•Kelly Hendrick, Client Services Coordinator

• Cindy Hicks, Main Street Cultural District Executive Director

• Amy Howard, Vice President, Finance & Operations

• Drew Kamp, Director, Story County Community Outreach and Government Affairs

• Rebecca Olson, Campustown Action Association

Executive Director

•Lojean Petersen, Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Manager

•Jan Williams, Director, External Business Relations

Cure your networking anxieties: attend the last “Networking’s Not Natural” session for 2015

The Ames Chamber Ambassador Team is excited to offer a cure for your networking anxieties. The Networking’s Not Natu-

ral series is designed to highlight ways to utilize the Ames Chamber member opportunities and improve individual net-working skills. Networking may be chal-lenging for some, but especially those new to the community or industry.

Please plan to join us at the Ames Chamber of Commerce, 304 Main Street on Monday, December 7 from 4pm to 5pm. Join us as we Roll with it: The Eti-quette of Eating While You Are Meeting. Gain confidence and poise at the table, so you can concentrate on the business at hand! To register, visit www.amescham-ber.com or contact [email protected].

Monday, December 74pm - 5pm

“Roll with it: The Etiquette of Eating While You Are Meeting.”

Ames Chamber of Commerce, 304 Main Street


December 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 31

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

Happy Holidays!

New Year’s Eve

4 p.m.: Networking’s Not Natural (C)

12 noon.: Ames Therapy & Consulting (R/C)

12 noon: South Story Bank & Trust (R/C)

Chamber office Closed

5:30 p.m.: Parents Shop-ping Night Out (MSCD)

Holiday Traditions Day (MSCD)

10 a.m.: Santa’s Train in Downtown Ames (MSCD)

4:30 p.m.: Country Inn & Suites (R/C)

5 p.m.: December BAH

4:30 p.m.: McFarland Express Care (R/C)

Leadership Ames

Chamber Board MeetingAnnual Award

Nominations Due


Barefoot Campus Outfitter2306 Lincoln Way

"

Celebrate with a ribbon cutting

Kate Mitchell School3521 Jewel Drive

If your business has completed a major remodeling project, moved to a new location, changed ownership, or reached a milestone, 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 Rib-bon Cutting will be published in the Chamber’s Weekly E-mail Update and the Ames Business Monthly. A Ribbon Cutting is a great way to invite people to your location and showcase your business.

Not only does this opportunity get people to your place of busi-ness, but it offers a unique net-working environment in addition to some great marketing. So what are you waiting for? Contact Jan Wil-liams at [email protected] or call 232-2310, to schedule your Ribbon Cutting today!

RIBBON CUTTINGS


AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADORS

Promotions By Karlaheld at the Ames Chamber of Commerce, 304 Main Street

Wild Water Car Wash and Pet Wash204 Clark Ave.

Kim Behrendt, Wells Fargo

Steve Bock, RE/MAX Real Estate Center

Nathan Buss, VisionBank

Kelsey Carper, Re/Max Real Estate Center

John Coder, VisionBank

Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank

Pam Fleener, First National Bank

Linda Gibbs, Greater Iowa Credit Union

Allyson Hansen, Staff Management SMX

Jamie Hudson, Great Southern Bank

Sharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real Estate

Michelle King, The Krell Institute

Thomas Lashier, Freaky Fresh Marketing

Joy Leister, Great Southern Bank

Marvin Lindquist, Premier Credit Union

Paul Livingston, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors

Misty Metschke, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors

Tony Murray, Murray & Associates

Lindsey Niehmn, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

David Orth, Spirited Giving

Mike Peckis, Sam’s Club

Sarah Powers, RE/MAX Real Estate

Tom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team

Tim Rasmussen, Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating

Dorothy Schumer, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mary Beth Scott, The Ames Tribune

Lara Stauffer, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

Tim Tryon, First National Bank

Christopher Vry, Wells Fargo

Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau


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 Jan Williams 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

Thank you to the following mem-bers who have donated 10

percent more than their annual dues for Chamber projects:

Daniel and Sharon Krieger

Draintech, Inc.

Edward Jones: John Tillo

Five Star Home Inspection

Great Southern Bank

Heart of Iowa Regional Transit

Agency

Interstate All Battery Center of

Ames

Olde Main Brewing Company

Because of contributions from mem-bers like these, the Ames Chamber

can maintain a level of excellence in the services we provide. Please note: This represents only a portion of the Chamber’s Gold members. All Gold

members will be listed one time during the year.

M E M B E R S

C H A M B E R

American National Insurance - We offer a broad range of insurance products for individuals and families, businesses, agri-businesses and farmers. Since 105, we provide protection to those things that matter most to you. Stop in and see Mike Grand-george and his associates at 3206 S Duff Avenue.

Individual Member - Amy Mellies

Fairway Outdoor Advertising - located at 1421 S Bell Avenue, #106, is one of the country’s largest privately held out-door advertising companies with displays in 15 states throughout the SE and mid-west regions, dominating the outdoor advertising landscape. Visit www.fairwayoutdoor.com for more information.

Cell Only, Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer - located at 2801 Grand Ave, #1110 is excited to serve you. Cell Only offers the nation’s largest wireless network with superior local customer service cell phones, tablets, home phone service, mobile internet, and premium accessories. Visit the local team or go to www.cell-only.com to get the most out of your wireless service.

AR Smart Marketing - Bring your business card, direct mailer or newsletter to life with Augmente Reality Marketing. Contact Brad Sargent at 1643 S G Avenue in Nevada to learn more!


NEW MEMBER MEET & GREET

The Chamber held a Member Appreciation Event on November 11th at Cellar 626 (behind Cyclone Liquors) for new members to network with other new members and the

Chamber Ambassador team


Young Professionals of Ames

2015 YPA Board

President: Haley Cook, Iowa State University

Past-President: Jenni Talbott, McFarland Clinic, PC

Vice President: Nathan Buss, VisionBank

Megan Main, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Brynn Eitzen, Care InitiativesHeather Johnson, Octagon Cen-

ter for the ArtsLindsey Long, Iowa State

University AthleticsJustin Moorman, Moorman

ClothiersJason Mortvedt, Mary Greeley

Medical CenterJessica Mortvedt, McFarland

Clinic, PCMike Mullen, Converse Condi-

tioned AirJake Talbott, WorkivaChamber Liaison/Staff: Sarah

Buss, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our 2014- 2015 YPA sponsors

Ames Ford LincolnFirst National BankGlobal Reach Internet ProductionsHunziker & Associates, RealtorsISU MBAKingland SystemsMary Greeley Medical CenterMunn LumberNorth Grand MallStory ConstructionVisionBankHy-VeeConverse Conditioned Air

Connect with YPAVisit www.ypames.com for upcoming

events, committee openings and volun-teer opportunities.

Get involved with Young Professionals of Ames for opportunities to build and foster relationships though:

•Leadership development•Professional development•Community Outreach•Cultural and social opportunities

Visit www.ypames.com to learn more

2015 ‘4 under 40’ AwardsYoung Professionals of Ames is now

accepting nominations for the annual 4 Under 40 awards. Do you know or work with a young professional who excels in the workplace, demonstrates leadership in our community, and deserves to be recog-

nized?We encourage you to nominate that per-

son for the YPA 4 Under 40: Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Awards. Anyone can submit a nomination, and any young profes-sional who lives or works in Ames for an

Ames Chamber of Commerce member may be nominated. Awards will be present-ed at the Ames Chamber Annual Dinner.

Nominations are due December 7, 2015. Visit: www.ypames.com for the appli-

cation

YPA’s monthly socials provide a great opportunity for networking and socializing with other young professionals! Pictured are YPA members having a good time at Hallowine & Spirits held at the Ames Golf & Country Club. Join us for our Holiday Thursday After Work social (ThAW), Dec. 10. No registration is required! Find more details at www.ypames.com.

The YPA Community Outreach & Partner-ships Committee decorated a Christmas tree for the 2015 Festival of Trees, benefiting the Octagon Center for the Arts.

ABOVE: YPA volunteers read to more than 600 Ames kids in preschool and kindergarten through their Read with Me community outreach program. YPA also provided a free book to each child to help them build their home libraries! LEFT: YPA Lunch and Learn’s allow you to learn something new and connect with oth-ers! Pictured is a recent Lunch and Learn event at Coe’s Floral & Gifts on Hosting dur-ing the Holidays. Visit www.ypames.com to register to attend our next event.


MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

Downtown Ames November 28 Many stores open early!

Free Gift Wrapping 8:30am– 12:30pm– Chamber of Commerce Free Swag Bags to first 500 shoppers downtown Breakfast with Santa 7:45-9:45am— Chamber of Commerce Storytime with Mrs. Clause 10:30-11:30am– Ames Public Library Letters to Santa drop off—Ames Public Library Cookie Decorating for kids 2-4 pm—Depot Deli Paint and Sip (Holiday Theme) 2-4pm—Della Viti





Ames Realtors step forward to support lighting up downtown

Two Iowa realty associations have each given $1,000 to help turn the lights back on in down-town Ames. Kris Brend with the

Central Iowa Board of Realtors (CIBR) applied for a $1,000 place making grant for the project from the Iowa Realtors Foundation, which she received. The CIBR then matched that grant.

Brend says her group supports the light-ing project because, not only is it a great enhancement for downtown, it is one that all ages can enjoy.

“I worked downtown when I first came to Ames,” said Brend. “Coming from a small town, I love the atmosphere down-town Ames gives. It brings back great memories!”

The Executive Director of the Main Street Cultural District, Cindy Hicks, says the lights that line the tops of the down-town buildings were in such bad shape that they couldn’t be turned on for the 2014 holiday season and will not be on again this year.

They were installed over 20 years ago and are hanging off the buildings in dis-repair.” said Hicks. “It is our goal to raise money to replace those lights with energy efficient L.E.D. lighting.”

The new lighting would be used year-round for occasions other than just the traditional holiday season. Hicks said,

for example, the lights could be all red on Iowa State game days or red, white, and blue on the 4th of July. Local realtors agree that this project is important to the vitality of Main Street.

“A vibrant, active downtown district is often the hub and heart of a community,” said Paul Livingston, Hunziker and Asso-ciates Realtor. “The lighting, strung across many dozens of different buildings and business reflects a common pride not only in our Historic District, but also the com-munity at large.”

The lighting, which will be installed by Innovative Lighting, an Iowa company, will cost around $80,000. Fundraising is expected to begin in earnest early next year.

“We wanted to get the money raised for this year, but it took longer to study the issue than we first expected,” said Hicks. “We looked at many different options, vis-ited other towns, and had demonstrations from several companies, to make sure we were getting the best possible lighting for the money we were looking to spend.”

If you would like to contribute to the downtown lighting fund you can do so as a tax deductible donation. Mail your contri-bution to the Ames Foundation and notate that it goes to the MSCD lighting fund. The address is P.O. Box 213, Ames, IA 50010-0213


CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION

Happy Holidays from Campustown Action Association!

Support local businesses this holi-day shopping season and pur-chase gifts from Campustown retailers, including Mayhem

Comics and Games, Dogtown Univer-sity, Barefoot Campus Outfitter and Portobello Road! Design your 2016 family calendar at Copyworks! Let

someone else do the cooking once in a while and stop by one of our great restau-rants and bakeries: Arcadia Cafe, Bat-tlecry Southern BBQ, Dunkin’ Donuts, Indian Delights Express, Starbucks, Insomnia Cookies, Jeff’s Pizza, Pizza Pit, and The Fighting Burrito. Some even deliver! Get pampered before the

big holiday office party at Leedz Salon, Nikki Nails, Studio X or The Asylum! Need to escape the family for a bit or meet up with friends in town? Head to Welch Ave Station! Shop Campustown this holiday season!

@amescampustown

For all the updates and news on what’s happening in Campustown

including holiday deals and specials, follow Campustown Action Association on Twitter!

Documents

Chamber DECEMBER 2015 Update - Ames · DECEMBER 2015 Update. Experience Snow Magic this holiday season. T. he holiday season in Down-town Ames will offer residents and visitors alike