Chamber Update

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.

APRIL 2012

I t’s never too soon to start thinking about the Ames Chamber of Com-merce Annual Golf Day.

Check your calendar and get your foursome ready for 18 holes on the afternoon of Friday, June 15, at Coldwa-ter Golf Links. Registration information is coming soon.

While you eagerly await this event — and in addition to forming a team — we invite you to reserve your spot as a spon-sor and take advantage of the opportunity to get your business name out to hun-dreds of business professionals.

Sponsorship levels include: • Hole Sponsor: $300, (holes avail-

able on fi rst come, fi rst serve basis) includes hole signage, advertising and approximately 144 golfers at your hole.

• Beverage Sponsor: $100, includes signage.

• Prize Sponsor: Donate new items in multiples of four (examples: gift certif-icates, golf supplies, food/beverage pack-ages, gift baskets, event tickets, electron-ics, offi ce gadgets, etc.).

For more information, contact Crystal at crystal@ameschamber.com.

2012 Chamber Golf Day is coming June 15

We’d like to thank all our mem-bers who participated in our

2012 Business-to-Business Expo, pre-sented by corporate sponsor WebFilings

on March 22 at the Scheman Build-ing. Partnered with the March Cham-ber Business After Hours, it was a great opportunity to see the terrifi c products

and services that Ames area businesses have to offer. Stay tuned for the May issue of the Ames Business Monthly for photos from the Expo.

Thank you, Business-to-Business Expo participants

SAVE THE DATE

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS

2012 Inner Circle Sponsors:

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012PAGE 2

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

CONTACT US

2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEFrank Nogel Chair ISU Athletic DepartmentBrian Dieter, Chair-Elect/Vice Chair, Community Development Mary Greeley Medical CenterKim Linduska, Treasurer Des Moines Area Community CollegeCarol Kisling and Chris Nelson, Vice Chair, Membership KASI-KCCQ Radio and Nelson ElectricJulie Harris and Pam Elliott-Cain, Vice Chair, Government Affairs US Bank and Iowa State UniversityJolene Randall, Immediate Past Chair Knapp-Tedesco InsuranceDan Culhane, President/CEO

BOARD MEMBERS

Jamie Courtney Olde Main Brewing CompanyNicole Gebhart First National BankJohn Haila Haila Architecture Structure PlanningJohn Joiner City of AmesMaureen Dockstader LWBJ LLPDan Nutini Roseland, Mackey, Harris, ArchitectsNatalie Lischer Renewable Energy Group

Ribbon cutting and Open House for Ames Dog Park and Animal Shelter2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 29Ames Dog Park 605 Billy Sunday Road, Ames

Join Leadership Ames XXV and the city of Ames on Saturday, April 29, for the Ribbon Cutting of the new message board in the Ames dog park

followed by an open house at the Ames Animal Shelter. The shelter will offer refreshments as well as activities such as talking to a vet and trainer, educational tips for taking care of your pet, opportu-nity to renew your dog park pass, and fun games.

Leadership Ames is a signature pro-gram of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, promoting leadership development and community awareness to encourage pro-

fessional and personal growth and engage-ment in Ames. As part of the program, class members are grouped into teams and charged with developing and executing a service project to benefi t the Ames com-munity.

Special thanks to the City of Ames for their partnership on this particular Leader-ship Ames XXV community service proj-ect.

Project: Message Board for the Ames dog park and educational component

Project Team: Karina Crosignani (Renewable Energy Group), Julie Ham (Iowa State University-College of Engi-neering), Donald Kom (City of Ames-Electric Services), Kate Lyon (Individual Member), and Kirk Yung (Great Western Bank).

Community service project at the Ames dog park

LEADERSHIP AMES XXV

Congratulations to Dave Benson and employ-ees at Nyemas-

ter Goode, P.C., located at 1460 Buckeye Ave. Suite 200 in Ames, for being cho-sen as February’s Member of the Month. Ames Cham-ber of Commerce board members and staff paid a surprise visit to the Nye-master offi ce and delivered them a free lunch catered by B Fabulous BBQ.

Stay tuned to fi nd out the March Member of the Month.

Congratulations, Member of the MonthCHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012 PAGE 3

I n February, the Leader-ship Ames XXV class

and the Leader-ship Ames II class met together for the fi rst time to discuss Commu-nity Development. Topics included land development from a devel-oper’s and a city planner’s point of view; future com-mercial growth; listening to coun-cil members share how they deal with development projects; and a group exercise to be a “developer for a day.”

The 2011-12 Leadership Ames XXV Class is sponsored by Mary Greeley Medical Center. Youth Leadership Ames II Class is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc., and Young Professionals of Ames.

Save the date: Leadership Ames Alumni, you’re invitedLeadership Ames Alumni Reunion SocialWallaby’s Bar and Grille, 3720 Lincoln Way5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4

C ome meet this year’s Class 25 and reminisce with old friends

you haven’t seen since graduation. There will be a cash bar with appetizers provided.

Leadership Ames and Youth Leadership Ames have joint session on community development

LEADERSHIP AMES XXV

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

Above: Spencer Oh (Ames High), Mindy Bryngelson (Clapsad-dle-Garber Associates) and Christina Paulson (Ames High) pres-ent their map of how they see the city of Ames in the future.Left: Umar Farooq (Gilbert High), Ali Demirci (Ames High), Steve DuVall (city of Ames-Water and Pollution Control Dept.) and Deanne Stuart (ISU Alumni Association) work together to plan how they would develop and grow the city of Ames.

Session co-coordina-tor Paul Livingston (Hunziker and Associates, REALTORS) presents City Council Members Jami Larson and Matthew Goodman to the joint classes.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012PAGE 4

Vote your voice on April 3

AMES COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Iowa State University Foundation2505 University Boulevard, AmesFriday, April 2711:30 a.m.: Registration and lunchNoon to 1 p.m.: Discussion with legislators

M ake plans to join your fel-low Chamber members on Friday, April 27, for our fourth Legislative Lun-

cheon of the session. Hear directly from our state representatives and senators as they discuss what’s happening at the Capitol this legislative session. This is a great opportunity to ask them questions regarding the topics that interest you most.

Please register online at www.ames-chamber.com. The luncheon is open to current members of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Your $5 registration fee includes lunch.

The Chamber thanks the 2012 Legis-lative Lunch season sponsors:

• Harold Pike Construction • Harrisvaccines Inc. • HR Green • LWBJ FinancialWe also recognize our 2012 Taking

Leadership sponsors for supporting the Chamber’s Government Affairs activities throughout the entire year:

• Becker Underwood• Converse Conditioned Air• Mary Greeley Medical Center • Renewable Energy Group

Get ready to lunch with the legislature

LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON

O n April 3, residents of the Ames Community School District will go to the polls to vote their

voice regarding the Ames School District bond referendum.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on April 3.

Ames School District polling locations have been consolidated to the following locations:

• Ames Public Library audi-torium, 515 Douglas Ave.: Ames Ward 1, Grant Township and Mil-ford Township in the Ames School District

• Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave.: Ames Ward 2

• Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way: Ames Ward 3, Washington Township in the Ames School District

• Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way: Ames Ward 4, Franklin Township in the Ames School District

Voters will be asked whether Ames Public Measure C should be adopted:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Ames Community School Dis-trict in the County of Story, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General

Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $55,000,000 to provide funds to build, furnish and equip elementary school buildings and improve the sites therefor (includ-ing demolition) at the current Fel-lows Elementary site, the current Meeker Elementary site, and the District property on Miller Avenue; and to reconstruct, repair, improve, remodel, furnish and equip the Mitchell and Sawyer elementary buildings and sites?

Have questions about the bond referendum? Visit www.ames.k12.ia.us/SchoolBoard/Facilities/2012SBondFAQ.pdf to get answers to frequently asked questions regarding the referen-dum.

For additional election infor-mation, contact the Story County Auditor’s Offi ce at (515) 382-7217 or by email at auditor@storycoun-ty.com.

Be sure to “Vote Your Voice” and encourage your family, friends and coworkers to do the same. It’s important for everyone to take part in the election and make their voic-es heard.

Remember that polling sites have been consolidated

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012 PAGE 5

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

Good Friday

Easter

11 a.m.: R/C (Dairy Queen)5 p.m.: LA alumni re-union Social (Wallaby’s)

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

7 a.m.: Vote Your Voice (Ames Schools Bond Referendum)

Noon: Membership Committee (C)

5 p.m.: YPA ThAW (TBD)

7:30 a.m.: Bus. @ Break-fast (Travel and Transport)

11:30 a.m.: YPA L&L (Oakwood Road Church)

11:30 a.m.: Legisla-tive Luncheon (ISU Foundation)

7:30 a.m.: Bus. Improve. Forum (Somerset)

4 p.m.: CAA (Welch Avenue Station)

5 p.m.: BAH (CPMI Event Center)

April Fools Day

Earth Day Youth Leadership Ames

Leadership Ames

Join the Chamber Make new connections, promote your business, take advantage of profes-sional development pro-grams and more when you join the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Contact Membership Director Sarah Buss at (515) 232-2310 for more informa-tion on how you or your organization can become a Chamber member. When you join, here are some of the many benefi ts you can take advantage of right away. • Post coupons on our website for FREE. • Attend monthly Busi-ness After Hours, Business at Breakfasts, Business Im-provement Forums, Speed Networking and more for FREE. • Take advantage of reasonably priced ways to promote your business such as ribbon cuttings, mailing labels and mem-bership mailer, just to name a few. • Discounted Young Pro-fessionals of Ames mem-bership (ages 21 to 40).

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012PAGE 6

Thank you to the following mem-bers who have donated 10 percent more than their annual dues for Chamber projects:

Central States Roofi ng and Home Improvement

Dairy QueenDes Moines Area Community

CollegeGary Thompson Oil Co.Hendrickson RentalMcDonald’sRiddle’s Group Inc.Neala BensonAlfred’s Carpet and Decorating

Inc.AmcorBob LehmanCafé Milo of AmesCottington, Inc. | dba H&R

BlockDavis Chiropractic Services Inc.Hy-Vee Lincoln CenterISUNet/OpenComProfessional Property

ManagementQualityOne Commercial

Cleaning, Inc.Roseland, Mackey, Harris

Architects, P.C.Super 8 – AmesFreedom TireHy-Vee Drug StoreWebFilingsWheatsfi eld CooperativeDo-Biz Foods LLC

Because of contributions from members like these, the Ames Cham-ber 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.

M E M B E R S

CHAMBER

• Dan Culhane President and CEO• Ron Hallenbeck Vice President, Existing Business and Industry• Seana Perkins Vice President of Business Development and Marketing

• Crystal Davis Director of Professional and Community Development• Amy Mogren Director of Finance and Administration• Sarah Buss Director of Membership Development and Affi liate Programming• Kristine Keil

Director of Communications and Organizational Programming• Angela Davidson Director of Government Affairs• Tom Drenthe, MSCD Executive Director/ Market Manager• Mandy McWherter, MSCD Events Coordinator• Meghan Steward, Receptionist

The Ames Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome new individual members Sheryl Cusick and Athena Puck.

Kosama’s program has been developed to deliver the most valu-able workout for everyone, and is a revolutionary program that stands alone from the competition. Kosama Complete Body Trans-formation is an eight-week program designed to increase lean mus-cle mass and transform the body from the core out. Kosama not only focuses on lean muscle growth, but overall conditioning includ-ing mind, balance, fl exibility and overall health. Whether you are an athlete looking for a competitive advantage, an executive look-ing for a clearer mind and more energy, or someone looking to get into the clothes you would like to wear, Kosama is for you. Visit the Ames location at 546 Main St., Suite 101, or give them a call at (515) 509-6904.

Oddfellows is an American restaurant and cocktail lounge focused on fresh, high-quality food in a fun and funky setting. Located at 823 Wheeler St. in the Northern Lights shopping center, Oddfellows is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily for lunch, 4 p.m. for din-ner, and 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Log on to www.oddfel-lowsburgerkitchen.com to view their menu that is fi lled with unique food and some traditional Iowa favorites. For more information, call (515) 292-2066 or visit them today.

Innovative Lighting Inc. prefers to set the standard through pro-active design and engineering practices that keep them on the lead-ing edge of LED lighting technology and product development. The result is a diverse product line providing the most energy effi cient and dependable lighting products for the marine, truck and trailer, and RV lighting markets. To fi nd out more about the progressive projects Innovative Lighting is working on, contact them at 1-800-949-4888 or stop by 109 Progressive Ave. in Roland.

Welcome, new Chamber members

Ames Chamber and AEDC staff

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012 PAGE 7

7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26Travel and Transport, 213 Duff Ave., Ames

Join us at Travel and Transport, 213 Duff Ave., to give a two-minute “shameless plug” about your orga-nization while handing out business

cards, brochures and any other pro-motional materials that describe your business or organization. If you’ve never attended before, make this month your fi rst.

We purposely keep this event small to ensure great one-on-one interac-tion with fellow Chamber members, so your RSVP is very important. Please register no later than noon on Tuesday, April 24. The event and continental breakfast are free, but you must RSVP to participate.

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS:• Wednesday, April 4 | Dairy Queen | 11 a.m. | 2108 Isaac Newton Drive (Dayton Road exit off U.S. Highway 30) If you have a new business, relocation, expansion or business anniversary, let the Chamber celebrate with you! Contact the Chamber offi ces at (515) 232-2310 to schedule a ribbon cutting of your own.

✂

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADORS

Steve Bock, RE/MAX Real Estate Center Adam Boeding, First American BankPaula Brown, First American BankStacy Dreyer, First National BankKendra Eibs, Sam’s Club Linda Gibbs, Greater Iowa Credit UnionCasey Rath, First National BankTraci Jennings, RE/MAX Real Estate Center Matt Julich, Bear Marketing Amy Juhnke, Lutheran Services in IowaSara Lehman, First National BankJoy Leister, Valley Bank Lloyd Flanders, RE/MAX Real Estate Center Jeff Ratcliff, Executive ExpressCindy Schwickerath, Heartland Technology Solutions Rudy Fors, U.S. Bank Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Jan Williams, Heartland Senior ServicesVince Sabatino, Virtual RabbitLynn Scarlett, United Way Story CountyStacey Harrison, U.S. Bank Emily Bayliss, Sign Pro MaryBeth Buchele, Health NaturallyKim Behrendt, Wells Fargo BankKristi Carlberg, Dentistry

at SomersetJohn Coder, Ames Community BankTom Drenthe, Main Street Cultural District Barry Green, Ames Community BankJohn Greving, The Ames TribuneBrad Sargent, Marshalltown Broadcasting Inc. Abby Hausmann-Virgil, The Blood Center of Iowa Lauris Olson, Ames Bulletin Board/AmesNewsOnline.comDavid Orth, Special Olympics IowaTom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team Tim Rasmussen, Alfred’s Carpet and Decorating Mary Beth Scott, The Ames TribuneMichael Sills, Mediacom Terry Stark, Chocolaterie StamMark Doyle, Mark Doyle State Farm Agency Mandy Fjelland, Finesse Spa SalonKirt Till, Thrivant Financial Sharon Holst, Hunziker and AssociatesBen Handsaker, Bufords Steak House and Barbecue Angie Selby, Springer Professional Home Services Adam Steil, Great Western BankTara Ethington, Marshalltown Broadcasting Inc.

I f your business has completed a major remodeling project, moved to a new location or changed owner-ship, 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 busi-ness will be exposed to the Ames commu-nity and Story County by the Chamber. The photos of your ribbon cutting will be published in the Chamber’s Weekly Email Update, the Ames Business Month-ly, and will attract a Chamber crowd.

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 encrusted business card holder, chock-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 environment in addition to some great marketing. So what are you waiting for? Call Sarah at (515) 232-2310 to schedule your ribbon cutting.

BUSINESS AT BREAKFAST

Come give your ‘shameless plug’

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

Pure Bridal brings a chic and modern bridal experience to Ames. They have a well-edited collection that caters to a stylish and elegant bride. Pure Bridal invites you to experience its fresh approach to the bridal industry while shopping for an exquisite, stunning wedding gown and fashion forward accessories. Pure Bridal is a full-service bridal boutique that has something for everyone. From wedding gowns to little black dresses, and tuxedos to shoes, Pure Bridal is here to help make your wedding shopping experience a little less stressful. By carrying dresses size 4 to 30, they ensure that they can help anyone look fl awless on their wedding day. Contact Kayse or Rita at (515) 663-2222 or visit the location at 306 S. 16th St., Ames.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Expose your business with a ribbon cutting

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012PAGE 8

T he Ames Chamber of Com-merce is looking forward to the April 4 kickoff of its inau-gural Total Resource Cam-

paign. The Chamber staff, along with campaign co-chairmen Brian Dieter, president and CEO of Mary Gree-ley Medical Center, and John Russell, president of Bankers Trust, have been busily preparing for this exciting new initiative. Fifteen teams of Chamber volunteers have been recruited and

soon will be marketing sponsorships of the Chamber’s programs, events, publi-cations and electronic media, as well as recruiting new members throughout the community.

The goal of the campaign is to raise the funding for the Chamber and its affi liate organizations programs for the entire year.

The Total Resource Campaign offers Ames Chamber members an opportunity to market their businesses

through the Chamber’s programming and products. While participating in the campaign is a terrifi c way for vol-unteers to meet the area’s top commu-nity leaders and business owners, it’s also a great way to directly work with many of the Chamber’s most dedicat-ed members.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Total Resource Campaign, please contact Angela at (515) 232-2310 or angela@ameschamber.com.

Ames Chamber of Commerce launching Total Resource Campaign on April 4

Health and Wellness: Mind, Body and WorkplaceSomerset Clubhouse, 2400 Aspen Road,7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19

Employees of Ames Cham-ber businesses are invited to attend our next Business Improvement Forum of 2012

on Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 a.m. at the Somerset Clubhouse, 2400 Aspen Road.

This forum will educate and cre-ate awareness about the many ben-efi ts of good health, keeping fi t and how a healthy employee makes for a healthy workplace and community.

Hear from former Iowa Sports Foundation Executive Director Jim Hallihan, and from Stephanie Downs, city of Ames health promo-tions coordinator.

All attendees will have the chance to win one of three copies of the

book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest,” by Dan Buettner.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 18, by registering on our website at www.ameschamber.com or by calling Crystal at (515) 232-2310.

Business Improvement Forums are open to Ames Chamber members only and are free to attend. Continen-tal breakfast is provided.

Forum to discuss the benefi ts of good health in community and workplace

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

Resource Fair to give member busi-nesses an opportunity to distribute pro-motional items and/or volunteer to per-sonally welcome more than 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/fl yers or 500+ give-away items such as pens, magnets, key chains, coupons, etc.

For more information, contact Crys-tal at crystal@ameschamber.com, or call the Chamber offi ce at (515) 232-2310.

Mark your calendars for the ISU Orientation Resource Fair

IOWA STATEUNIVERSITY

TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT FORUM

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012 PAGE 9

2012 YPA BoardPresident Shelly Greving, Iowa 4-H FoundationPast-President Dan Nutini, Roseland, Mackey, Harris Architects PCPresident-Elect Jenny Pollard, Iowa State University Alumni AssociationCommunity Outreach and Part-nerships Chair Jenni Talbott, McFarland Clinic, PCCommunity Outreach and Part-nerships Co-Chair Kelsey Leighton, Bickford Assisted Living of Ames Leadership and Professional Development Chair Aaron Mortvedt, Gateway Hotel and Conference CenterLeadership and Professional Development Co-Chair Teresa Rummer, First National BankMarketing Chair Andrea Hammes Dodge, Mary Greeley Medical CenterMarketing Co-Chair Sara Houlihan, North Grand MallSocial Chair Tera Lawson, Iowa State UniversitySocial Co-Chair Haley Cook, Ames Convention and Visitors BureauChamber Liaison/Staff Sarah Buss, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our 2011-12 sponsors

ACE Community Credit UnionAmes Chamber of CommerceAmes Community BankFirst National BankGlobal Reach Internet ProductionsHunziker & Associates, RealtorsIowa State University MBA ProgramMary Greeley Medical Center

Connect with YPAVisit www.ypames.com for upcoming

events, committee openings and volun-teer opportunities.

Young Professionals of Ames provides leadership and involvement opportunities

“I want to get more involved and impact Ames!”

That is one of the many reasons young profession-als join YPA, they want to

be part of the community and make con-nections for the future.

YPA is a community of young profes-sionals who work together to build rela-tionships, learn how to become better leaders and improve the quality of life in Ames.

When you join, take advantage of the professional development programs, social networking events and volunteer oppor-tunities. It’s a great way to promote your business, build new professional connec-tions, get involved on a committee and make a difference in the Ames community.

Young Professionals of Ames is open to anyone age 21 to 40 who lives or works in Ames. YPA members represent a wide variety of professions, from real estate to construction and hair stylists to engineers. Membership discounts are available for Chamber members, students and business-es registering multiple members.

Top 10 reasons to join YPA1. Get involved2. Meet new people and make new

friends3. Build your professional network4. Give back to the community5. Educate yourself6. Get your name out7. Plan events8. Make your mark9. Have fun10. Take it to the next level

Join YPA today and become part of something greater — the YP movement. Visit www.ypames.com to become a mem-ber, register for upcoming events, volunteer in the community or sign up for a commit-tee. For more information, call Sarah at the Ames Chamber at (515) 232-2310.

Welcome to our newest YPA Members

Kellen Cook, Global Reach Inter-net Productions; Michael Davis, Iowa State University; Jason Dietzenbach, RDG Planning and Design; and Tracy Rozeboom, Serenity Aveda Concept Salon and Spa Ames.

Volunteer for Kids Zone

T he Community Outreach and Partnerships Committee is preparing for the 2012 Main Street Farmers’ Market where

we will host the Kids Zone again this year. The Farmers’ Market starts May 5, and we look forward to another suc-cessful Kids Zone booth. YPA plans to again partner with area organizations to present a children’s activity each week that promotes healthy living.

YPA is currently recruiting vol-unteers for various weekends of the Farmers’ Market. Please email Jenni Talbott at jtalbott@mcfarlandclinic.com if you would like to volunteer or

are interested in learning more about the Kids Zone.

Local Entrepreneurs to be featured at Lunch and Learn

O n April 26, YPA will be host-ing an Entrepreneurial Lunch and Learn. This event will be a forum-style lunch and learn

with a panel of business owners from vari-ous industries in Ames. These entrepreneurs will have a chance to tell their success sto-ries and answer questions from the attend-ees. The event will take place at Oakwood Road Church and will include catering by B Fabulous BBQ.

Upcoming events• Thursday, April 12: ThAW, 5 to 7

p.m., location TBA.• Thursday, April 26: Entrepreneurial

Lunch and Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oakwood Road Church.

YPA APRIL NEWS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTOS

YPA is now recruiting volunteers for the YPA Kids Zone booth.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012PAGE 10

Bring the Blue Zones team to Ames

Tu

rn A

mes

BL

UE

! WELLMARK BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD

T he Ames Blue Zones Project Advisory Board received confi rmation in February Ames had

been selected as a fi nalist for a Blue Zones demonstration com-munity.

Offi cials from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Healthways, sponsors of the Blue Zones Project in Iowa, contacted members of the com-munity coalition to announce Ames as one of 11 fi nalists. The Ames community advanced to participate in a community site visit with Blue Zones Project representatives on Feb. 27.

The Blue Zones Project is a collaboration between Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Healthways to help make Iowa the fi rst in the nation for well-being as measured by the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index. As part of Iowa’s Health-iest State Initiative, Blue Zones demonstration communities will work to implement envi-ronmental and social initiatives identifi ed from global research to increase the lifespan, health, and wellbeing of residents. Also, these cities would operate as models for other communi-ties to follow.

Citizen support continues to be a key component for a com-munity being selected as an offi cial demonstration site. It is important that at least 25 per-cent of the community residents pledge support. To support

Ames as a fi nalist or for more information, residents should pledge citizen support at www.amesbluezonesproject.com or text by typing BZP to the num-ber 772937.

Get in the know and join our networking structure by “liking” us on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/amesbluezones and following us on Twitter using @Ames-IABlueZones.

Communities selected to be a model Blue Zone will be notifi ed in May 2012.

What are the principles of Blue Zones?

Researchers found that peo-ple who live in Blue Zones

share nine common lifestyle behaviors that have a direct impact on their increased well-being and longevity. These principles called Power 9 Prin-ciples are:

• Move Naturally: We get more physical activity natural-ly if we live in walkable com-munities, de-convenience our homes and grow gardens.

• Know Your Purpose: People who know why they wake up in the morning live up to seven years longer than those who don’t.

• Down Shift: To reverse infl ammation related to every major age-related disease, fi nd time each day to meditate,

nap, pray or enjoy a happy hour.

• 80 percent Rule: It takes your stomach 20 minutes to tell your brain it is full, causing most people to accidentally overeat; so stop eating when you feel 80 percent full.

• Plant Slant: Eat mostly a plant-based diet that is heavy on beans, nuts, and green plants. This is consistent with the USDA’s MyPlate recommenda-tions to make fruits, vegetables and grains the majority of your intake.

• Wine at 5: If you have a healthy relationship to alcohol, one to two glasses of wine daily could help add years to your life, especially when consumed with a healthy diet.

• Family First: Living in a thriving family is worth half a dozen extra years of life expec-tancy. Invest time in your kids, nurture a monogamous relation-ship and keep your aging parents nearby.

• Belong: Recommit, recon-nect or explore a new faith-based community. No matter which faith, studies found that people who show up to their faith com-munity four times a month live an extra 4-14 years.

• Right Tribe: Your friends have a long-term impact on your well-being. Expanding your social circle to include health-minded, supportive people might be the most powerful thin you can do to add years to your life.

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012 PAGE 11

T he Main Street Cul-tural District is pleased to announce the launch of its new

website, www.amesdowntown.org.

This new website is more organized and user-friendly thanks to Global Reach Inter-net Productions who donated the building of the site and the hosting of its domain. It fea-tures simple and intuitive navi-gational buttons and offers a clean, unifi ed layout. Users of the site will be able to quick-ly and easily locate investor businesses and learn details of upcoming events happen-ing in the District. Visitors will also be able to sign up for the MSCD newsletter and view photos of downtown events and projects.

“The MSCD is very excited to share this new resource with the Ames community,” said Tom Drenthe, MSCD execu-tive director.

Be sure to bookmark www.amesdowntown.org on your web browser and “like” Main Street Cultural District on Facebook.

Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market opening day approaches

T he second-annual Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market will be from 8 a.m. to noon

starting May 5 and running through Oct. 27, in the 400

block of Main Street, includ-ing Tom Evans Plaza. This year will be the fi rst, full six-month season for the market.

Looking for a more cohe-sive, dynamic market show-case to buy directly from Iowa vendors and producers offering seasonal fresh, Iowa-grown vegetables, fruit, meats, cheeses, arts, crafts, organic soaps, fresh fl owers, plants, live entertainment and activities for your kids? Look no further than Main Street, Ames. The Farmers’ Market loves to showcase locally made and produced qual-ity Iowa products.

In addi-tion to the variety of Iowa ven-dors, the market also provides live, local entertainment to be enjoyed each Saturday. So if you’ve acquired your allotted goods, grab a coffee, sit back and enjoy the sounds of Iowa talent, or watch community groups put on demonstrations.

Not to be forgotten, the Young Professionals of Ames will again host a Kids Zone each week, where kids will have a great time playing edu-cational games, creating crafts and participating in the fun activity YPA has planned for that day.

Sponsors for this year’s sea-son are Iowa State University; Wheatsfi eld Cooperative; Inno-va Ideas and Services; Ames Community Grant Program, facilitated by the Ames Con-vention and Visitors Bureau;

KASI/KCCQ; the Ames Tri-bune; The Sun; AmesNews-Online.com; the Ames Bulletin Board; Prairie Rivers of Iowa Resource Conservation and Development Inc.; the Ames Chamber of Commerce; and the MSCD. The AMSFM is led by an advisory board and staff of the MSCD and the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

ArtWalk

T he 18th-annual Art-Walk will showcase local artists at nearly 40 downtown Ames

stores on Friday, June 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

ArtWalk offers a wide vari-ety of local arts and fun enter-tainment for the whole family in the District. Various artists represented are to include: jewelry makers, painters, pho-tographers, and wood work-ers, to name a few. Many of the participating artists will perform live demonstrations. As you browse the plethora of culture up and down the Dis-trict, many of the businesses will provide refreshments for ArtWalk attendees.

Artists who would like to participate in ArtWalk can call (515) 233-3472 for informa-tion on how to become part of this historic event.

Fourth of July Parade and Festival

T he Ames 2012 Fourth of July Parade and Festival will be an energizing place

where individuals and families can gather to celebrate Inde-pendence Day.

The day will kick off with a

pancake breakfast at City Hall at 8:30 a.m. and the Bill Riley

MSCD launches new website MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

ArtWalk 2011 was a huge success on a beautiful day fi lled with demonstrations and activities for the whole family.

Continued on following page

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | APRIL 2012PAGE 12

Talent Search at 9 a.m. The parade will start at 11 a.m. and will feature excit-ing fl oats and lots of give-a-ways.

Returning to Burnett Street, the fes-tival is scheduled to follow the parade from noon to 3 p.m.

This year’s festival will include a number of kids’ activities and games, infl atable attractions, food vendors and organizational booths.

Organizational booths will host demonstrations, giving away promo-tional items, selling goods and hosting children’s activities.

Be a part of the 2012 Fourth of July Parade and Festival

B usinesses, individuals and organizations have the oppor-tunity to be involved in the Fourth of July as a parade

entrant, hosting a booth with a game or activity, or by volunteering at the parade or festival.

Volunteers are needed to help with children and family activities, parade line-up, barricade watching, and for setup and tear down. Registration forms for the parade and festival are available at www.amesdowntown.org. To sign up as a volunteer, please con-tact the MSCD offi ce at (515) 233-3472 or at events@amesdowntown.org.

About Us: The Main Street Cultural District in Ames

was established on Jan. 1, 2004. It is the

result of a two-year local initiative to create a unique identity and focus for downtown.

The presence of key cultural institutions in the Main Street area — along with unique, locally owned businesses — made this move a logical development. The MSCD mission is to advance

and promote downtown as the destination district in the heart of the Ames community. The concept has been strongly embraced by numerous

community businesses, organizations, and individual residents. MSCD is an investor-based organization, open to anyone in the community that would like to support its development and

enjoy its benefi ts.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PHOTO

Kids collect candy during last year’s Fourth of July Parade on a beautiful, sunny day on Main Street.