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 2017

Mark you calendars now to attend this year’s Annual Event for the Ames Cham-ber of Commerce and its

affiliates on December 13! We are excited to have nationally-

acclaimed magician, and Ames native, Nate Staniforth headlining our annual celebration.

Nate’s performance isn’t your average magic show. With his unique approach, Nate will inspire attendees to rediscover the experience of being amazed and see-ing wonder in everyday life. Together we will celebrate the magic of Ames and the vibrant community that we are!

The annual event will also include the highlights of the past year for the Ames Chamber and its affiliates: Ames Eco-nomic Development Commission, The Ames Foundation, Ames Main Street Farmer’s Market, Campustown Action Association, Main Street Cultural Dis-trict, and Young Professionals of Ames.

The Chamber is pleased to offer two performances of the Annual Event: a lun-cheon at 11:30 a.m. and a dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Admission for the luncheon is $50 per ticket, and preferred seating for groups of 10 is $450.

Admission for the dinner is $75 per ticket, and $700 for a table of 10.

Businesses are encouraged to buy seats of 10 to guarantee seating together and discounted pricing.

ANNUAL EVENT

Join us December 13 at the Chamber Annual Event and celebrate the magic of Ames!Experience the magic of the season at this year’s annual event featuring magician and Ames native Nate Staniforth

Seating for both shows is limited. Early registration is recommended.

For more information on the Annual Event or to register (public is welcome to attend) please visit www.amescham-ber.com or contact the Chamber office at 515-232-2310.

Thank you to our sponsors who help make this event possible!

Gold Sponsors: Des Moines Area Community College, Boehringer Ingel-heim, Iowa State Athletics, Ames Ford Lincoln, Workiva

Silver Sponsors: First National Bank, 3M

Bronze Sponsors: Exchange State Bank, Story Construction, McFarland Clinic

Gift Sponsor: Sigler Companies

“Good magic isn’t about deception.

It’s about trying to see things the

way you saw them before they became

ordinary.” -Nate Staniforth

The Ames Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience the magic of Ames at the 2017 Annual Event

featuring magician and Ames native

December 13, 2017The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center

Two performances will be offered. Choose the time

that works best for you, or attend both!

Register online at

www.ameschamber.com or call 515.232.2310

Gold SponsorsDes Moines Area Community College

Boehringer Ingelheim

Ames Ford LincolnWorkiva

Iowa State Athletics Silver Sponsors

3MFirst National Bank Bronze Sponsors

McFarland Clinic

Exchange State BankStory ConstructionGift Sponsor

Sigler Companies

11:30 a.m. Lunch Individual $50

Table of 10 $450

5:30 p.m. DinnerIndividual $75

Table of 10 $700

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Chamber Update newsletter is published by the Ames Chamber of Commerce304 Main Street, Ames, IA, 50010;

phone: (515) 232-2310www.ameschamber.com

Vanessa Baker-Latimer, City of AmesBret Bartholomew, Bartholomew ChiropracticLindsey Beecher, Gilbert Community School DistrictScott Blum, Accord Architecture/Henkel ConstructionNathan Buss - YPA Past President, VisionBankMatt Converse, Converse Conditioned AirLawrence Cunningham, Iowa State Daily Media GroupStacy Dreyer, First National BankNate Easter, ISU Research ParkSara Hunter, Vermeer CorporationLuke Jensen, Real Estate Service Group, Inc.Casey Johnson, Ames Ford LincolnDr. Sonya Stoltze Newstrom, Stoltze and Stoltze Family DentistryAndrew Perry, McFarland ClinicCliff Smith - MSCD Past President, GlobalVetLinkJason Schwenneker, Renewable Energy GroupTrevin Ward - CAA President Elect, WorkivaJill Wellman, DanfossDave Tucker, Workiva

BOARD MEMBERS

CASEY JOHNSON, Chair of Board of Directors Ames Ford LincolnLUKE JENSEN, Vice Chair Real Estate Service Group, Inc.ANDREW PERRY, 2nd Vice Chair McFarland ClinicSCOTT BLUM, Divisional Chair, Community Development Accord Architecture / HenkelSTACY DREYER, Divisional Chair, Government Affairs & Treasurer First National BankNATE EASTER, Divisional Chair, Membership Iowa State University Research ParkDAVE TUCKER, Immediate Past Chair WorkivaDAN CULHANE, President / CEO Ames Chamber & Economic Development Commission

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Please join us December 7 for Business After Hours

You’re invited to kick off the holiday season by enjoying

free food and drinks, holiday music and mingling with

Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

Thank you to these great Ames Chamber member sponsors: 3M, The Ames Tribune, Danfoss, Davis Brown Law Firm,

Friedrich Iowa Realty, Hy-Vee, ISU Alumni Center, Rotary Club of Ames, U.S. Bank, Wilson Toyota

Thursday, December 7 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

December business After Hours

ISU Alumni Center420 Beach Ave.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

Thank you to our attendees and sponsors for making the Leadership Series Capstone Event a SUCCESS!

Leadership Series Presenting Sponsor: Kinzler Construction Services

Presenting Sponsor: Deery of Ames

Gold Sponsor: Workiva

Silver Sponsor: McFarland Clinic

Gift Sponsor: Stoltze & Stoltze Family Dentistry

Food and Beverage Sponsor: Ames Racquet and Fitness

CAPSTONE LEADERSHIP EVENT

Thank you to our event sponsors:

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 INNER CIRCLE SPONSORS

Home Base Iowa (HBI) is a one-of-a-kind program that connects veterans and transi-tioning service members with

HBI partners and resources. Currently, Story County’s unemploy-

ment rate is at 2.0 % and businesses are looking to hire skilled workers. This pro-gram can help connect businesses with qualified veterans looking for career opportunities.

Home Base Iowa’s private-public partnership provides a high level of com-mitment for our veterans, transitioning service members and their families.

The mission of Home Base Iowa is to provide veterans, transitioning service

members and their families with opportu-nities and benefits for a successful transi-tion in Iowa — a place to call home.

Story County became a Home Base Iowa community in 2015. The Ames Economic Development Commission receives resumes weekly of veterans interested in pursu-ing work in Story County.

Today more than

90 Story County businesses have com-mitted to be Home Base Iowa employers. These employers are automatically noti-fied when a veteran submits a resume to HBI that may be a match for the types of job opportunities available within their

company. Over the

last year the State of Iowa has revital-ized and enhanced their market-ing efforts to attract veter-ans to Iowa.

Over the last month we have refo-cused our efforts as well! Each candidate that expresses interest in Story County receives a welcome email, followed by a handwritten note, and a message that includes a link to relocation information and videos.

If you are not already a Home Base Iowa employer, you should be! The pro-cess is easy; log into homebaseiowa.gov and select “Become a Partner” on the front right hand corner.

If you have additional questions about this program please contact our Work-force Solutions Director at brenda@ame-schamber.com.

Interest growing in Home Base Iowa

WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

Attention Story County employ-ers! IowaWORKS Central Iowa is holding a Career Fair on Wednesday, December 6

from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ames Public Library.

More than 20 top employers represent-ing a wide variety of industries will be available to meet with job seekers to dis-cuss current job openings in fields such as health care, finance, education and manu-facturing.

Job seekers should bring copies of their resume and be prepared to meet a future

employer.Prior to attending the career fair, job

seekers interested in receiving free resume and interviewing help should contact the IowaWORKS office at 515-725-3611. The office is located at 430 E. Grand Ave. in Des Moines.

Employers interested in participating in the career fair should call IowaWORKS at 515-664-9254 or email the career fair coordinator at asgdish.fellake@iwd.iowa.gov.

Employers and job seekers invited to participate in career fair December 6

Story County Career FairWednesday, December 610:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Ames Public Library (515 Douglas Ave, Ames)

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

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December calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

AEDC: Ames Economic Development Commission • BAH: Business After Hours • CAA: Campustown Action Association • C: Chamber OfficeMSCD: Main Street Cultural District • R/C: Ribbon Cutting • TAF: The Ames Foundation • YPA: Young Professionals of Ames

Christmas DayOffice Closed

Chamber Board Meeting

AEDC Board Meeting

Leadership Ames

Youth Leadership Ames

11:30am and 5:30pmChamber Annual Event

8:30am Annual Event Awards Presentation (C)

5:00pm ISU Alumni Cen-ter (BAH)

4:30pm The Powder Studio (R/C)

11:00am Snow Magic Santa’s Train (MSCD)

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AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza2420 Lincoln Way

"

Celebrate with a ribbon cutting

KHOI Community Radio410 Douglas Ave

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 Brandon Mumm at Bran-don@ameschamber.com or call 232-2310, to schedule your Ribbon Cutting today!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

Stoltze & Stoltze Family Dentistry511 Duff Ave. #200

Krell Institute1609 Golden Aspen Dr. #104

Cindy Albin, Hunziker & AssociatesTess Ashley, Global State MortgageAlli Azbill, Global State MortgageDon Borcherding, Greater Iowa Credit UnionSteve Bock, RE/MAX Real EstateBonnie Brown, Global State MortgageAdam Brungardt, AmericInn and Country Inn & Suites|AmesNathan Buss, VisionBankBuffy Clatt, First National BankJohn Coder, VisionBankLisa Downs, Hunziker & AssociatesStacy Dreyer, First National BankAmy Engstrom, 2Men and Adame CleaningMarci Ferguson, RE/MAX Real EstatePam Fleener, First National BankTeresa Garman, Individual Member Leslie Ginder, ISU LAS Career Services Shelley Goecke, McFarland ClinicColette Gunhus, Keeling Wealth AdvisorsTom Haggas, Cheshire Moon FilmsJeff Harrison, Midwest Heritage BankSherry Hosteng, RE/MAX Real EstateAshley Howe, XpanxionSharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real EstateMichelle King, The Krell Institute Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit UnionTony LaRosa, Individual MemberPaul Livingston, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Danielle Minde, EXIT RealtyAmanda Moorman, Morgan StanleyDavid Orth, Spirited GivingMatthew Pacha, Hy-Vee Lincoln CenterMike Peckis, Sam’s ClubSarah Powers, RE/MAX Real EstateTom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team at Keller WilliamsTim Rasmussen, Flooring AmericaMatt Roghair, Exchange State BankDorothy Schumer, Ames Convention & Visitors BureauTim Tryon, U.S. BankDaryle Vegge, Story County Community FoundationBarb Vincent, Ames Christian SchoolAllyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors BureauCherie Wandling, Wilson Toyota of AmesJan Williams, First National Bank

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

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 Brandon Mumm at (515) 232-2310 for more information on how you or your organization can become a Chamber member.

When you join, here are some of the many benefits you can take advan-tage of right away.

•Postcouponson our Web site for FREE.

•Attendmonth-ly Business After Hours, First Shot Sessions, Legisla-tive Luncheons and more for FREE.

•Takeadvantageof reasonably priced ways to promote your business such as ribbon cuttings and mailing labels, just to name a few.

•DiscountedYoung Professionals of Ames member-ship (ages 21 to 40).

Welcome, new Ames Chamber membersJCG Land Services, Inc.515-382-1698www.jcgland.comJoined: 5/8/17

David MartinIndividual MemberJoined: 5/9/17

Central Iowa Center for Independent Living515-243-1742www.cicil.orgJoined: 5/17/17

All Star Auto Glass515-233-2886www.allstarautoglass.netJoined: 5/18/17

Tres Teal515-233-8325www.tresteal.comJoined: 5/18/17

Pioneer Cleaning515-964-9213www.dreamsteaminc.comJoined: 6/1/17

Ignite Yoga515-292-9600www.igniteyoga.comJoined: 6/5/17

Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizzawww.smokinoakpizza.comJoined 6/8/17

Aspen Ames515-520-8668www.aspenames.comJoined: 6/9/17

BrownWinick Law Firm515-242-2462www.brownwinick.comJoined: 6/15/17

The Milestone Group at Morgan Stanley515-283-7009Fa.morganstanley.com/milestone-groupJoined: 6/16/17

Loya’s Little House Bed & Breakfast515-733-4701www.loyaslittlehousebnb.comJoined: 6/20/17

Home Instead Senior Care515-233-3539www.homeinstead.com/445.1Joined 6/23/17

Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop515-292-0000www.erbertandgerberts.comJoined: 6/27/17

Cornbred Barbecue515-517-0101Joined: 6/28/17

OEI, Inc.888-663-4462www.oeiinc.comJoined: 7/5/17

Windsor Oaks Community515-233-0383www.windsoroaksseniors.comJoined: 7/14/17

Keeling Wealth Advisors515-233-5402Keelingwealthadvisors.comJoined: 7/24/17

Ames Vision Center in Somerset515-450-5941Amesvisioncenter.comJoined: 7/31/17

Jethro’s BBQ Ames515-598-1200Joined: 8/11/17

2 Men and Adame Cleaning515-729-0494www.2menandadame.comJoined: 8/25/17

India Palace515-715-1060www.indiapalaceames.comJoined: 8/25/17

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

Ames Chamber and Affiliate staff• Dan Culhane, President and CEO

• Sarah Buss, Director, Sponsorship and Membership Events

• Karin Chitty, Campustown Action Association Executive Director

• Edana Delagardelle, Client Services Coordinator

• Brenda Dryer, Director, Workforce Solutions

• John Hall, Director, Business Development & Marketing

• Ron Hallenbeck, Executive Vice President

• Andrea Hammes Dodge, Director, Public Relations

• Cindy Hicks, Main Street Cultural District Executive Director

• Amy Howard, Vice President, Finance & Operations

• Drew Kamp, Director, Business Retention/Expansion & Government Relations

• Brandon Mumm, Director, External Business Relations

• Lojean Petersen, Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Manager

• Calli Sandahl, Director, Program Management

Thank you to the following members who have donated 10 percent more than their annual

dues for Chamber projects:

Ames Golf & Country Club

Amy Mellies, Individual

Calcium Products

Cyclone Truck and Auto Repair

Danfoss

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Greater Iowa Credit Union

Laverne Apartments

Provisions - Lot F

Texas Roadhouse

Wilson Toyota

Because of contributions from members 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.

C H A M B E R

M E M B E R S

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Please join your fellow Ames Chamber of Commerce mem-bers, our esteemed State Legis-lators and local elected officials,

and Iowa State University leadership for our first 2018 Legislative After Hours.

This event will be held on January 11 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Iowa State University Economic Development Core Facility, located at 1805 Collaboration Place.

Drinks and appetizers will be provid-ed. This will present an excellent oppor-tunity to build upon our town and gown relationship and introduce our new local and university leaders to the State Legis-lators making critical funding decisions on all our behalves.

Join us in Kicking Off the 2018 State Legislative Session at Legislative After Hours

Legislative After HoursThursday, January 11, 2018

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Iowa State University

Economic Development Core Facility

Main Atrium

1805 Collaboration Place, Ames

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

2017 YPA BoardJessica Mortvedt, President, Haverkamp PropertiesNathan Buss, Past-President, VisionBankTaylor Hopper, President-Elect, Fox EngineeringBri Anderson, Ames Public LibraryMegan Filipi, Ames Convention & Visitors BureauHeather Johnson, Octagon Center for the ArtsNikki Mesenbrink, Friendship Ark Homes & Community ServicesAmanda Moorman, Morgan StanleyJustin Moorman, Moorman ClothiersJason Mortvedt, Kinzler ConstructionMelissa Muschick, Heuss PrintingSarah Buss, Staff Liaison, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our 2017 YPA sponsorsAmes Ford LincolnConverse Conditioned AirFirst National BankGlobal Reach Internet ProductionsHunziker & Associates, RealtorsHy-VeeISU MBAKingland SystemsMary Greeley Medical CenterMunn LumberNorth Grand MallStory ConstructionVisionBank

Connect with YPAVisit www.ypames.com for upcoming

events, committee openings and volun-teer opportunities.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF AMES

Giving Keys

Murder Mystery: 80s Prom Gone BadThank you to everyone who attended the Young Professionals of Ames Murder Mystery event 80’s Prom Gone Bad in October!

A fun time was had by all at the Hilton Garden Inn as we traveled back to the 80’s to experience prom night with a twist!

Thanks to founder of The Giving Keys, Caitlin Crosby, for talking with YPA members before the Ames Chamber of Commerce capstone event.

Caitlin started The Giving Keys which employs those transitioning out of home-lessness to make jewelry out of repur-posed keys.

Each key is engraved with a message like FEARLESS, HOPE, STRENGTH or COURAGE.

When the wearer of the key encoun-ters someone else who needs the message - they are encouraged to give it away and share their “pay it forward” story.

December Social Event: Keep an eye open for more details on the end of year social event!

We will be celebrating the year with an ugly sweater contest, a white elephant gift exchange, food and drink. This will be a great event for all members to look back at 2017 and celebrate.

YPA Member? Be sure to follow us on social media outlets and join our facebook group: Members of Young Professionals of Ames.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

Mayor Ann Camp-bell encouraged the residents of Ames to “Shop Small” on Sat-

urday, November 25, for Small Business Saturday.

The formal proclamation was made at the regular Tuesday eve-ning City Council meeting on November 14.

“Whereas the City of Ames sup-ports our local small businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our neigh-borhoods,” said Campbell during the proclamation. “I ask that resi-dents of our community support our local small businesses and mer-

chants on that day.”Small Business Saturday, spon-

sored locally by Duck Worth Wear-ing, started as a grassroots effort in 2010 and is now celebrated nation-wide. The goal is to encourage shoppers to patronize small, local-ly-owned businesses on the Satur-day after Thanksgiving.

“There are hundreds of small business owners all over Ames,” said Cindy Hicks, Executive Direc-tor of the Main Street Cultural Dis-trict.

“Local people whose children go to school with yours and busi-ness owners you sit next to in church on Sunday.”

Hicks said there are over 200 small businesses in downtown Ames alone, employing 2,200 peo-ple.

“After black Friday, take a break from the hustle and bustle and come to Main Street to support our small business owners,” said Hicks. “After all, it is our small businesses that make Ames the unique, eclec-tic place we all love.”

Along with many businesses opening early and having special deals for shoppers, several events are planned for downtown Ames on Small Business Saturday.

Mayor proclaims November 25 Small Business Saturday in Ames

November 25 Small Business Saturday Event Schedule9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Cookies and Milk with Santa – Depot Deli, 526 Main St. 9:00 a.m. until gone Free Swag Bags will be handed out to the first 200 shoppers downtown.9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Craft and Vendor Fair at the American Legion – 225 Main St. 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Meet Cy at Treats on a Leash – 216 Main St.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2017

CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION

The Campustown Action Association (CAA) is made up of Ames and ISU community members who seek to improve and promote all that is Campustown. We are passionate about the students, the residents, the businesses, the culture, and the overall atmosphere that makes 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.

2017-18 Campustown Action Association Board of Directors: Scott Wannarka, President,1RKA LLCMark Rowe-Barth, President Elect, Iowa State UniversityKathy Dubanksy, Past President, WorkivaAnne Taylor, Business Improvement Chair, Dogtown University/A&R MarketingXena Jolly, Community Outreach Chair, Copyworks Kaitlin Sandine, Promotions Chair, Kingland SystemsMike Adams, At-Large Representative, Welch Ave. StationAmy Mellies, At-Large Representative, St. John’s by the CampusDiane Welter, Community Represen-tative, Campustown SpiritKelsey Bolte-Carper, Community Representative, Campus CycleJulie Gould, City Representative,City of Ames Planning Dept.Amy Howard, Chamber Representa-tive, Ames Chamber of CommerceKarin Chitty, CAA Executive Director

Connect with CAA Visit www.amescampustown.com for upcoming events, committee openings and volunteer opportunities.

12 Groups93 Volunteers

268 Volunteer Hours203 Bags of Trash

The Make Campustown Shine Program is sponsored by The Fighting Burrito.

Do you have a group interested in participating for 2018? Contact us at director@amescampustown.com to sign up.

Thanks for helping us Make Campustown Shine in 2017!