CHAM B E R OF COMM E RC EThe 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

PLEASE ROUTE THIS NEWSLETTER TO ANY INTERESTED EMPLOYEES AND CO-WORKERS

Chamber UpdateChamber Update2007 Board of Directors

Executive CommitteeBoard Chair Scott Bauer

First National Bank

Chair-Elect / Vice-Chair of Comm. Dev.Darryl Bennett

Ames Bulletin Board &Championship Productions

Vice Chair, MembershipRoberta Milinsky

Youth & Shelter Services

Vice Chair, Government AffairsMatt Randall

Randall Corporation

TreasurerBob Anders

U.S. Bank

Past ChairTahira Hira

Iowa State University

President/CEODan Culhane

Board MembersKeith Arneson

Pinnacle Properties

Becky BarclayHunziker & Assoc., Realtors

Gary BotineSauer-Danfoss

Nicole GebhartAmes National Corp.

Cozette Hadley-RosburgBecker-Underwood

Carol KislingKASI/KCCQ

Bob RavenscroftMary Greeley Medical Center

Scott SandersFirst American Bank

Bill TalbotNewbrough Law Firm

The Chamber Update newsletter is published by the Ames Chamber of Commerce

1601 Golden Aspen Drive, Suite 110Ames, IA 50010

www.ameschamber.comt: 515.232.2310 | f: 515.232.6716

Proposed Outdoor Aquatic Center up for July 24 VoteAfter months of study and public input, the Ames City Council approved a proposal for an $8.5 million center (see photo) that would require a bond issue vote on July 24, 2007 for Ames residents. (For more details on the history, feasibility studies and proposed design, go to http://www.city.ames.ia.us/AquaticCenterBrochure/WebAquaticCenter.pdf).

The Ames Chamber of Commerce surveyed its membership on their support of the proposal and was encouraged to find an overwhelming 75 percent of our membership in favor of the outdoor aquatic center, at the 13th Street location, to be voted on this July. In addition, the Chamber Board of Directors made it a priority for the 2007 year to further efforts to bring a facility like this to our community.

An outdoor aquatic center of this na-ture offers so much more than “just” a summer entertainment venue. It will also be a tremendous enhancement to our quality of life, especially when our businesses are recruiting individu-als and families to locate to Ames. The aquatic center also offers wellness ben-efits, fun activity and a real community center for people of all ages. The Ames community cannot afford to let this opportunity get away. Please get out and vote on July 24 to support the bond issue that will allow for this much-needed facility. Bring your friends, neighbors and co-workers with you – every vote counts, and every vote is needed! For more information on the Aquatic Center or how you can help get out the vote, visit www.stepupdivein.org.

Welcome…Ron Hallenbeck has joined the Ames Economic Development Commission (AEDC) as the Vice President of Existing Business and Industry. A business executive with 35 years of experience, Hallenbeck moved back to Ames with his wife, Pam (both ISU alum), last spring after retiring from an 11- year career with IBM Global Services in the Chicagoland area where he was Director of Service Delivery. Join us in welcoming Ron to the AEDC!

…and farewellAs the Business and Finance Manager for the past 5 ½ years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet numerous individuals in the community. Resigning was a difficult decision as I enjoyed working with and getting to know everyone with the Chamber, AEDC, Ames Seed Capital, Main Street Cultural District, Young Professionals of Ames, Campustown Action Association, All American Week-end, and South Ames Business Neighborhood. I’m looking forward to the new

opportunities I will face as Controller for the Gateway Hotel & Conference Center, but I will also miss the Chamber and wish everyone continued success in the future. -- Jennifer Grouwinkel

July 2007

Aerial view of outdoor aquatic center in Derby, KS verysimilar to the design proposed for the Ames on 13th Street

page � Ames Chamber of CommerceBusiness Improvement Annual Conference Sponsorship OpportunitiesPlans are underway for the 2007 Business Improvement Con-ference to be held October 18, 2007 at the Holiday Inn. If you are interested in supporting the event as a sponsor and getting a tremendous promotional opportunity for your organization, please consider the following options:

Corporate Sponsor: $1500Four complimentary tickets to the conferenceOpportunity to have a booth at the conferenceCompany listed as a “Corporate Sponsor” on all

promotional materials, advertising and signageCompany name included in event titleCompany promotional item in attendee bags

Platinum Sponsor: $750Three complimentary tickets to the conferenceOpportunity to have a booth at the conferenceCompany name listed as a “Platinum Sponsor” on all

promotional materials, advertising and signageCompany promotional item in attendee bags

Gold Sponsor: $500Two complimentary tickets to the conferenceOpportunity to have a booth at the conferenceCompany name listed as a “Gold Sponsor” on all

promotional materials, advertising, and signageCompany promotional item in attendee bags

Silver Sponsor: $250One complimentary ticket to the conferenceCompany name listed as a “Silver Sponsor” on all

promotional materials, advertising, and signageCompany promotional item in attendee bags

Event Sponsor: $75Company promotional item in attendee bags

Be watching for further information to be sent out in the mail. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Brittany Moorman (events@ameschamber.com or (515) 232-2310).

2008 Business After Hours RegistrationIn our constant efforts to improve our services for all our members, NEW details and procedures for reserving future Business After Hours sponsorships (hosting opportunities) will be presented in next month’s Chamber Update Newsletter. There will NOT be a sign-up on August 1 as has been the case in past years. Stay tuned for more information!

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Education Connections: Adopt a ClassroomOne initiative that the Education Connections Committee will be implementing is an “Adopt a Classroom” program in the Ames (public and private), Gilbert, and United school districts. The goal of this initiative is to get business leaders into the class-room and make connections with the students and the school districts.

What this will look like: Each business will sign up to adopt a classroom in one of the districts for a year. The business will make a commitment to be physically in the classroom once a month (it’s recommended to have the same person or people in the classroom each time). There are a variety of activities you can assist the class with during your time there each month including, but not limited to, the following:

Read to your classHelp teach a lesson in your area of expertisePractice with them in writing letters to their

partnering businessPlan or participate in field tripsIf needs come up for your classroom not covered

under their annual budget, donate to cover the costsSponsor/throw an end-of-the-year partyWork with your classroom teacher to plan other

events or activitiesIf your business is interested in adopting a class for a year in your local school district, contact Brittany Moorman at (515) 232-2310 or via e-mail at events@ameschamber.com. Please contact by August 3. There will be an informational meeting held for the businesses involved in August (date to be determined).

July Business Improvement ForumStandardization: “What is wrong with the old way of doing things?”Presented by: Pat Griffin, Dale Carnegie® TrainingThursday, July 19 at 7:30 a.m.Somerset ClubhouseSponsored by: Heuss Printing

When standardization is imposed on people, there is a natural resistance that is easy to misinterpret. People are motivated by a variety of factors, and as leaders, it is critical that we meet people at their level if we are to have any hope of connecting their desires to the needs of the organization. Please RSVP to Stacy Dreyer (sdreyer@ameschamber.com, 232-2310) by noon on Wednesday, July 18. Free continental breakfast is provided.

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News and Information page �

Salute to EducatorsThe seventh annual Salute to Educators event is set for Tuesday, August 21, at Brookside Park in Ames. The luncheon celebrates the value of our area educators from Ames (public and pri-vate), Gilbert and United Community Schools. Approximately 600 attended last year’s event.

You can show your support by partici-pating in a number of ways. Sponsors and volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Also, goodie bags will be given to over 700 educators (including

faculty at Ballard Schools). Chamber member businesses can provide items to be included in the bags. In-kind donations will also be accepted (i.e., beverages for 600 people, chairs and tables to seat 500+, printing, plastic goodie bags, etc.).

For more information on this event, contact Brittany at the Chamber. In the meantime, please consider one of the follow-ing sponsorship opportunities:

EVENT SPONSOR: $100w Company name listed on all promotional materials, advertising and signage

BRONZE SPONSOR: $101 to $249w Company name listed on all promotional materials, advertising and signagew Opportunity to include promotional information in goodie bags

SILVER SPONSOR: $250 to $499w All Bronze Sponsor benefitsw One company representative may attend the event and enjoy lunch with our educators

GOLD SPONSOR: $500 to $999w All Bronze Sponsor benefitsw Up to two company representatives may attend the

event and enjoy lunch with our educators

PLATINUM SPONSOR: $1,000 to $1,499w All Bronze Sponsor benefitsw Company banner or sign may be displayed at eventw Up to four company representatives may attend the

event and enjoy lunch with our educators

CORPORATE SPONSOR: $1,500 and upw All Platinum Sponsor benefits (+ an additional 2 event

attendees)w Company name included in event title

Volunteers are needed, especially the week of the event. Responsibilities would include stuffing goodie bags, set-up and tear-down, and serving food. To sign up for a volunteer shift, contact Brittany Moorman at 232-2310 or events@ameschamber.com.

Salute Sponsor Application

Business/Organization

Contact name

Contact phone

Please indicate your sponsor level and write in your specific donation below:

Corporate Sponsor – $1,500 and up

Platinum Sponsor – $1,000 - $1,499

Gold Sponsor – $500 - $999

Silver Sponsor – $250 - $499

Bronze Sponsor – $101 - $249

Event Sponsor – $100

Our contribution will be: $

Please return this form to Brittany Moorman at the Chamber by fax (232-6716) or e-mail (events@ameschamber.com) by July 13, 2007. You will be invoiced for your sponsorship upon receipt of your completed form.

page � Ames Chamber of CommerceGolf Day RecapThank you to our corporate sponsors Boehringer Ingelheim and Iowa Telecom, hole sponsors, beverage sponsors and prize sponsors for a very successful Golf Day on May 18! Thanks to the 198 golfers who came out on a gorgeous afternoon to participate in the event.

Hole SponsorsColdwater Golf Links

First National BankAmerican National Insurance

Sam’s ClubChase Signs & Graphics, Inc

Howard R. Green Co.F & M Bank

3MAmes Jaycees

Carpet One Floor & HomeBarilla America

Green Hills Retirement CommunityICS Advanced Technologies

Bickford CottageFriedrich Iowa Realty: Lilith Dorr & Margo Hattery

Ames Center for Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Benson Motor

KIX 101.1McFarland Clinic, PC

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Veenker MemorialFirst National BankWaste ManagementWilliam Penn Univeristy3MHoward R. Green Co.Bickford CottageF & M BankGreater Iowa Credit UnionChase Signs & Graphics, IncGreen Hills Retirement CommunityHunziker & Associates, RealtorsManpowerHealth Alliance MidwestAmes Community BankBenson MotorCarpet One Floor & HomeKIX 101.1McFarland Clinic, PC

Corporate Sponsors:

Coldwater 1st Place Team: Lance Stahl, Tom Been, Jeff Spence, Heath Bullock

2nd Place: Chris Eggert, Dave Elsenbast, Matt Randall, Sam Schill

3rd Place: Tyler Farner, Lance Gardner, Roger Robinson, Dave Suntken

Beverage SponsorsMoorman Clothiers, Chase Signs & Graphics Inc.,Carpet One Floor & Home, Coca-Cola Bottling

Prize Sponsors1430 KASI, 3M, Bufords BBQ, Audubon’s Restaurant, Cafe Diem, Carlos O’Kelly’s, Carpet One

Floor & Home, Chocolaterie Stam, Cold Stone Creamery, GeAngelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge, Health Alliance Midwest, Heartland Technology Solutions, Howard R. Green Co., Images by Ngaire,

Iowa State Center, Iowa Telecom, ISU Alumni Association, Olde Main Brewing Co., Pizza Pit, Quality Inn & Suites, Reiman Gardens, The Salon Professional Academy, SNAP! Creative Works,

Temptations on Main, The Savvy Shopper, Tommy’s Salon, Vernon Sales Promotion, Waste Management, Wells Fargo Bank, WHKS & Co.

Veenker 1st Place Team: Nick Youngberg, Gary Youngberg,

Kirk Youngberg, Kyle Inglett

2nd Place: Eric Jensen, Kurt Jensen, John Joiner, Mark Reinig

3rd Place: Ken Eichenberger, Jeff Herrick, Tom Stark, Rick Swank

News and Information page �

Business at BreakfastThursday, July 26 – 7:30 a.m.Green Hills Retirement Community, 2200 Hamilton Drive

Join us on the 26th to give a 2-minute “shameless plug” for your organization while handing out business cards and/or any other promotional materials. You’ll also hear about upcoming Chamber activities and meet other Chamber staff and board members. It’s is a great event for new AND veteran members!

The Ames Chamber thanks Gateway Insurance for hosting the May Breakfast. If you did not attend, you missed hearing about how easy it can be to relocate employees here, learning how to send company newsletters inexpensively, and enjoying delicious coffee and tea samples.

We purposely keep this event small to insure great one-on-one interaction, so your RSVP is very important. Please contact the Chamber no later than noon on Wednesday, July 25 to attend (232-2310). The continental breakfast is free to all who attend, but we do require your RSVP to participate. See you at Breakfast!

Join us for Business After Hours at the Bank!

Exchange State Bank823 Wheeler Street

(Northern Lights)

Tuesday, July 24th, 5pm- 7 pm

Enjoycatering from

Café Shi !

Enter to winmemberships to

Reiman Gardens!

ESB is a locally owned community bank established since 1902 with 3 branches.Visit their website at www.esb1.com

Story County Job & Community Resource FairThe Ames Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Iowa Workforce of Ames, will be hosting the Story County Job and Community Resource Fair on Thursday, October 4, 2007 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Elwood Drive in Ames. As an Ames Chamber member, you are invited to attend this event to showcase your organization to recruit qualified, pro-spective employees.

The registration fee to attend will be $75.00 (payable to the Ames Chamber), which includes a six-foot skirted table, two chairs, wireless Internet and electricity (where available). The fee does not cover food or beverages, however a restaurant is available on-site.

Registrations will be mailed to all Chamber members this sum-mer and will be due August 31. Please contact Brittany at the Chamber (events@ameschamber.com) or Lori Arandus at IWD (232-6572) with questions.

page � Ames Chamber of CommerceCelebrating Chamber Member Ribbon Cuttings!

Greater Iowa Credit Union had a ribbon cutting on May 9 to celebrate their 75th anniversary. GICU is a not-for-profit financial institution providing an ar-ray of financial products, including checking, savings, loans, mortgages, online banking and bill pay. GICU was started by a group of employees of Iowa State University, and has since grown to more than 28,000 members with assets of over $213 million. See GICU at one of their two locations at 801 Lincoln Way or at 2623 Northridge Parkway. 232-6310.

Advance Services celebrated the opening of their Ames office with a ribbon cutting on May 16. Advance Services, Inc. has been in business for 12 years and the Ames location was opened last September. They deliver effective staffing solutions for clients who understand the need for proactive business strategies in order to remain productive and competitive in their industry. ASI offers staffing assistance for a variety of positions including, but not limited to, manufacturing, clerical, agriculture, and professional. Their office is located at 1606 South Duff Avenue, Suite 500. Call Shauna Handsaker at 233-4333.

The Ames Jaycees held a ribbon cutting to kick off their Ames on the Half Shell summer concert series on Friday, June 1. The Ames Jaycees is a leadership devel-opment organization that promotes leadership development through community service for the past 76 years in Ames. They target individuals between the ages 21-40 who strive to be leaders and offer the tools to excel both personally and professionally. Check out upcoming events and membership information for the group at www.amesjaycces.com.

RDG Rudi Lee Dreyer celebrated their recent company merger, as well as their seventh year anniversary of their Somerset office location. Architects Rudi-Lee-Dreyer originated in Ames in 1966 as a general practice firm with services in architecture, planning and interior design. Merging with RDG has brought them expanded services and expertise along with a nationally prominent firm. See the local office at 2712 Stange Road, or call Bill Dreyer at 268-5155.

RIBBON CUTTINGS IN JULY:

July 3 | 9:00 a.m. | Main Street Cultural District Office | 312 1/2 Main StreetJuly 11 | 4:00 p.m. | Carpet One Floor & Home | 2818 South Duff AvenueJuly 18 | 11:00 a.m. | Barten Law Office | 1212 McCormick Avenue, Suite 100July 27 | 11:00 a.m. | Somerset Pharmacy | 2709 Northridge Parkway

If your business has a reason to celebrate, contact Stacy (232-2310) to schedule a Ribbon Cutting of your own!

News and Information page �

Welcome New Chamber Members!Blue Book Retirement Solutions – Richard A. Smith Agency has 13 years experience in retirement planning, wealth management, capital preservation, retirement income and risk management. Blue Book Retirement Solutions can provide a full line of invest-ment products for retirement, wealth accumulations and college funding. Introduce yourself to Richard Smith at their new office at 118 Main Street, or call 663-2000.

Cycles, formerly known as 2nd Generation Recycling, is a zero CO2 emissions bicycle curb side recycling business. All trans-portation of recyclables is done by pedal power, one of the cleanest forms of energy. For more information, contact Matthew Goodman at 515-441-0460.

Farmers Cooperative Company has been in business since 1944. Headquartered in Farnhamville, Iowa, their administra-tion building is in Ames, IA. Farmers Cooperative serves their members from 48 locations by a 350-employee team structured in four main departments: Agronomy, Feed, Grain and Seed. Their motto is “Together We Can!” See Chris Pearson at their new office at 1531 Airport Road, Suite 2, or call 817-2100. www.fccoop.com.

The Flying Burrito is a fast-casual restaurant, offering quesa-dillas, fajita salads, and amazing big burritos. Available for delivery, catering, as well as in-store dining. Visit them at 2712 Lincoln Way or call 292-2222.

Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa – The mission of Good-will Industries of Central Iowa is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment by providing skill development and work experience to achieve self-sufficiency through partnerships with businesses and commu-nities. Be sure to check out their offerings at their 3718 Lincoln Way second-hand store, or call 292-8454.

Successful Speed NetworkingThanks to everyone who participated in the first Speed Net-working event held on May 22nd. Lively conversation and lots of great business contacts were the order of the evening. Be watching the monthly newsletter and weekly e-mail updates for the date of the next speed networking event.

Gold Members: JulyMany thanks to the following members who have donated 10% above their annual dues for Chamber projects:

Blue Book Retirement Solutions Dougherty/ Brandsfield Wealth Care Services Freeman Financial Services Hedrick Constriction Kitchen Bath & Home (KBH) Marshalltown Broadcasting Inc. KIX 101.1 FM Nelson Electric Riddle’s Jewelry Keith G. Schrag, L.M.F.T. Story County Medical Center

Fourth of July Events in Ames8:00a | Four on the Fourth III - 4K/4mi run | Ada Hayden Pk8:30 - 10:30a |Pancake Breakfast | City of Ames City Hall11:00a | 4th of July Parade | Main St Cultural District (MSCD)12:30 - 4:00p | 4th of July Festival | MSCD 1:00 - 4:00p | Old Fashioned 4th Celebration | Farm House Museum (ISU Campus)6:00 - 10:30p | Concert at Coldwater | Coldwater Golf Links (see details in YPA update below)Dusk | Ames Jaycees Fireworks | from Stuart Smith Park

Young Professionals of Ames: July UpdateThe support of our sponsors ensures YPA continues to be a lead organization committed to developing Ames’ YP’s. Thanks to the 2007 YPA Sponsors:

Ames Chamber of CommerceAmes Community BankFirst National BankGreen Hills Retirement CommunityIowa State University MBA ProgramMary Greeley Medical CenterUS Cellular

These businesses will be able to target the YP market in Ames through unique marketing opportunities. If your business is in-terested in becoming a YPA sponsor, please contact Samantha Houston at shouston@scmcnevada.org.

Concert At Coldwater: YPA and Coldwater Golf Course bring you Concert at Coldwater on Wednesday, July 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Get a great seat for the fireworks while singer-songwriter Brian Congdon provides live music and YPA provides children’s activities. Food and beverages available for purchase.

Giving Back to the Community: Join us to build with Habitat for Humanity on Saturday, July 7 at 8:00 AM. Reply to Erica Aronsen (aronsen@mgmc.com) if you can help in the morning, afternoon, all day, or supplying lunch to the crew.

WWWhat’s the latest?www.ameschamber.com

Chamber Calendar

1601 Golden Aspen Drive Suite 110Ames, IA 50010www.ameschamber.comt: 515.232.2310 | f: 515.232.6716

CHAMBEROFCOMMERCE

PRSRT STDUS PostagePAIDAmes, IAPermit No. 38

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 39:00a R/C Main Street Cultural District

411:00a ParadeMain 12:30p MSCD Festival 6:00p Concert @ Coldwtr

Independence DayChamber offices closed

57:30a Business Improvement (C)

612:00p Gov’t Affairs (C)

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8 9 103:30p YPA Exec. (C)

1112:00p Membership (C) 4:00p R/C (Carpet One Foor & Home)

12 137:00 a AEDC Exec (C)

Leadership Amesapplications due

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15 16 17 187:30a ACC Exec (C)11:00a R/C Barten Law Office

197:30a Business Imprvmnt Forum (Somerset)

207:00a AEDC Board (ISU Foundation)

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22 23 245:00p BAH (Exchange State Bank)

2511:30a ACC Board (C)

267:30a Business @ Bkfst (Green Hills Retire- ment Comm)7:00p Community Forum (City Hall)

2711:00a R/C Somerset Pharmacy

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29 30 31ACC: Ames Chamber of CommerceAEDC: Ames Econ. Dev. Commission.BAH: Business After HoursC: Chamber Office

CECP: Career, Education & Character PartnershipR/C: Ribbon CuttingYPA: Young Professionals of Ames

July 2007