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Thursday February 19th, 2026

CEO's Corner

Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

This is your last call to join us for our Annual Awards Dinner next Thursday, February 26th, and I truly hope you’ll be in the room.

 

This evening is more than a celebration. It’s a reminder of what happens when a community chooses to collaborate, invest, and move forward together. We’ll honor outstanding leaders, highlight transformative wins, and reflect on the real momentum shaping the Greater Fort Dodge right now.

 

If you’ve been meaning to register, now is the time. The room is filling, the energy is building, and I don’t want you to miss it.

 

And while you’re securing your seat, don’t forget about our Never Lose a Customer Again Workshop on February 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Your registration includes a complimentary copy of the book, and we have just 25 free copies remaining. Once they’re claimed, they’re gone.

 

If strengthening customer loyalty, retention, and long-term growth matters to your business, this workshop is a smart investment.

 

We’re not slowing down. We’re building. We’re aligning. We’re elevating.

 

Let’s celebrate what we’ve accomplished and keep pushing forward together.

 

I hope to see you all there! 😊

Astra Ferris

Astra Ferris, IOM

Chief Executive Officer

The Newsletter is growing, and we need your help to keep the flow of things going smoothly. If you are wanting to submit a flyer please click HERE to complete the NEW process making sure to include all the details needed for your submission. *Reminder: Deadline to submit is 12:00PM the Tuesday before the Newsletter releases.

New episode dropped today, take a listen:

ALLIANCE UPDATES

Member Benefits

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Vineyard Vibrations: Adam Girard


Join us for an evening of soulful folk music with singer-songwriter Adam Girard. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and rich vocals, Adam brings stories to life through song—creating a warm, reflective, and inviting atmosphere.


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Starlab Experience


Learn all about planets and constellations in an immersive experience that’s fun for all ages.

📍Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center

✨Feb 21st

9:30AM or 10:30AM



Register Today

Co-Parenting for Resilience


Helping Families Navigate Divorce or Separation Co-Parenting for Resilience is designed to help parents support their children’s well-being during divorce or separation. Grounded in current research, the class combines video, discussion, and practical strategies to promote healthy adjustment.


Register

The Annual K of C Friday Lenten Fish Fry


You are invited to join the Knights of Columbus and Holy Trinity Parish for the annual Friday Fish Fry that runs

✨February 20th through April 3rd, 2026

🕛5:30PM-7:30PM

$13 Fried or Baked Shrimp Dinner

$15 Combo Dinner

$7 Grilled Cheese or Kid's Portion

Dinners Include: baked potato or fries, coleslaw, roll, & ice cream

✅Take Out Available

This community event is held at the Corpus Christi Center in Fort Dodge. This is a highly popular event and the whole Fort Dodge Community is invited for a fun night of Fish Dinners, Fellowship and Fun!

Movie Night


Invite your friends and family to Harvest Vineyard Church to enjoy a free movie night on February 20! We will be showing Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (PG) in the auditorium and have snacks to enjoy. Bring your blankets, wear your PJ's, and come hang out for a fun evening! Contact: maggie.davis@harvestvc.org

Investment in Character Campaign Dinner


Please join us for our first annual Investment In Character Dinner! All proceeds support scouting in your local Iowa communities. Doors will open at 5pm, to allow for participation in activities provided from our Invention Scout team, as well as fellowship among attendees and Scouting leadership.

Saturday, February 21st

6:00PM-7:30PM

📍The Crossroads Hotel & Event Center



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Grant Writing 101


Learn grant writing and boost funding prospects at our expert-led workshop for nonprofits, government entities, and school districts. Workshop Highlights • Tailored for beginners. • Build grant application skills. • Identify funding sources. • Enhance your appeal to funders. • Gain project planning skills for your grants success.


Register Here


Communicating Data Insights to Build Lasting Trust


Workshop details

Thursday, Feb. 26 | 10 a.m. to noon Special pilot registration rate: $50 (advance enrollment required) What participants will learn Identify meaningful insights to share from analysis, evaluation or exploration Organize findings for understanding and productive discussion Use simple, clear visuals to support communication Communicate data transparently to build trust with funders, partners and the public


Register

Vineyard Vibrations: Clint Riedel


Clint Riedel takes the stage at Vineyard Vibrations, bringing his signature mix of originals and Americana/folk tunes while weaving in captivating storytelling. His heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies make for the perfect backdrop to a cozy night at the winery.


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Bingo supporting The Lord's Cupboard


Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun! Select Sundays from 3-5PM. We are partnering with The Lord's Cupboard, donate items off of their wish list or cash donation in exchange for bingo cards.


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Vineyard Vibrations: The Larson Lee Trio


Ease into your Friday night with The Larson Lee Trio, bringing smooth, retro-inspired easy listening to the winery. Their relaxed sound and timeless style create the perfect backdrop for sipping wine, catching up with friends, and unwinding after the week.


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The Glow Hour


Join us at Soldier Creek Winery for a calm, come-and-go afternoon dedicated to beauty, reflection, and relaxation. Book services for body, mind, and soul—including Botox and fillers with Fort Dodge Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, spiritual card readings with Chelsea the Spiritual Catalyst, and facials with Glow With Us.


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Webinar Series for Iowa Food Businesses Begins in March


Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Food Innovation and Business Hub, a resource that helps Iowa entrepreneurs develop successful food businesses, will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” webinar series in 2026 to support current and aspiring Iowa food entrepreneurs. The webinars are offered at no cost and open to all. March 3: What is the Food Innovation and Business Hub? April 7: Differences in a Cottage Food License vs. Home Food Processing Establishment License May 5: Identifying Your Customers June 9: Food Safety 101 - Understanding Water Activity, pH, Microorganisms July 7: Food Innovation and Business Hub Analytical Services Aug. 4: Shelf-Stable Frostings Register for which webinar you want to attend.


Register

Angel Ride Bags Tournament


The Eagles Ballroom hosts this years Angel Ride Bags Tournament. Join us on Saturday March 7th, 2026 on the 3rd floor in the Eagles Ballroom. Registration begins at 11:00AM, Bags Fly at 12:00PM. This will go out in support of local breast cancer patients within a 75 mile radius of Fort Dodge.

Coffee & Conservation


Join us each month for an informal discussion about a variety of conservation/recreation topics in Webster County. March's topic will focus on the white tail deer population updates and concerns. Coffee and light snacks will be provided

Saturday, March 14th at 10AM

📍River's Edge Discovery Center

ServSafe Food Safety Certification Class


Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Webster County will be hosting a ServSafe® food safety certification class in Fort Dodge on March 16. This class will prepare individuals to become a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), a requirement for retail food establishments in Iowa. The ServSafe® program blends information from the latest FDA Food Code, food safety research, and years of food sanitation training experience and is administered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. This class will be held in the meeting room at the Webster County Extension and Outreach office in Fort Dodge. Registration is due by February 23 by registering online at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsafety/servsafe-events

A Starry Night


Join us for a Prom uniquely designed for special needs individuals ages 16 and up.

Saturday, March 14th 2026

📍Crossroads Hotel & Event Center

Dinner at 4:30PM

Grand March 5:30PM

Dance 6:00PM-9:00PM

🎟️$20 per person, tickets must be purchased by Saturday, Feb 28th

Available at HyVee



For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Dodger Download with Ava Potter & Mariaha Benedict


Ava Potter (freshman) and Mariaha Benedict (senior) are wrestlers on the Dodgers girls wrestling team who placed at state wrestling this year. We discuss their favorite parts about wrestling, the appreciation they have for their coaches, their future plans, and more! Available wherever you enjoy podcasts! Podcast Link in the comments! #SchoolBoardUpdate #EducationMatters #CommunityEducation #SchoolNews #DistrictDecisions #InsideTheSchools #PublicEducation #SchoolBoardPodcast #FortDodgeSchools #StudentSuccess #Proud2bFD

Full Swing Forward 5K and Kids 1K


Fort Dodge Golf Academy and Fort Dodge Country Club 370 Country Club Dr, Fort Dodge, IA, United States, Iowa 50501 Public · Anyone on or off Facebook 🏃‍♀️ Join Us for the Full Swing Forward 5K! 📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026 📍 Fort Dodge Country Club ⏰ Event Times Kids 1K & 1K Walk: 9:00 AM 5K Run: 9:30 AM 👟 Event Options 1K for Kids 5K for Adults 1K Walk for All Ages Get ready to move forward and give back! This exciting community event raises funds for Fort Dodge Junior Golf and Children’s Cancer Connection. Whether you walk, jog, or run, all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring the whole family and help support two incredible causes right here in our community. 🌿 Course Note: This event will take place on a grass course. ✨ More details & registration coming soon — stay tuned!


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Supporting Students, Scholarships, and the Future of Iowa Central Community College


The Spin Markket Report Mary Ludwig is the Executive Director of Development and Alumni at Iowa Central Community College. We discuss how she started with Iowa Central, how scholarships impact students and the community, 100 Tritons Who Care, the ICCC Hall of Fame, and more!

Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services Welcomes New Staff Members


Matthew Berry and Alyssa Pieper have joined the staff of Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services as Funeral Directors.



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What We Would Do Differently If We Started Over Financially


How to Money with Cole & Baileigh Cole and Baileigh discuss what they would do differently if they started over financially. It's easy to look back at our decisions and want to change them, but unfortunately, we can't. What we can do is set up a plan going forward to help us work towards becoming more comfortable in life. At Full Swing Financial Planning, we are here to empower you to take control of your plan, your way, for your financial future!

Basic Safety Certification Class


Iowa Central’s Basic Safety Training Program is now open for enrollment!

📣 Ready to strengthen your workplace safety skills?

This hands‑on program includes:

✅ CPR, AED, and First Aid

✅OSHA 10 Certification

✅ Forklift Training

✅Workplace Readiness

✅ 5S Training

✨ March 2 – March 6, 2026

⏱️ Monday–Friday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

📍Fort Dodge – East Campus

💲Tuition: $699

FREE for those who qualify!

Whether you're entering the workforce or enhancing your current skills, this training builds confidence, preparedness, and essential safety knowledge.

📞 Learn more: 515‑574‑1293

noncredit@iowacentral.edu

Invest in your safety—and your future!


Inquire Today

OHV Park Tiny Homes


After a full day of riding the OHV trails, unwind at night in cozy tiny homes - two options available to rent!

Bob Heun Shelter


Located right in the heart of John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, the Bob Heun Shelter is a perfect spot for graduation parties, reunions, weddings, gatherings, and more! Enjoy all the amenities while taking in the breathtaking view of Badger Lake.




Rent Today

Term 4 starts March 16


Earn your degree through BVU's Online Programs! Whether you're starting fresh, transferring, or advancing your career, we have the perfect program for you!



Apply Today

Building Confidence and Discipline at Southside Martial Arts with Nik Myers


Nik Myers is the founder of Southside Martial Arts in Fort Dodge, Iowa. We discuss how Southside Martial Arts came to be, Nik's experience with different styles of MMA, the courses that are offered, partnering with the schools, the non-profit Creating a Community of Champions, and more!

New Website Launch - Plaas Inc


INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE PLAAS INC is a trusted Industrial Contractor providing design-build, power and process piping, code work, millwright, confined space rescue, fabrication services, as well as building and repairing tanks, to a variety of industries nationwide.


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