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Wednesday February 25th, 2026

CEO's Corner

Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

Tomorrow’s the day we’ve all been waiting for, our Annual Dinner! We are so excited to gather together and celebrate with everyone. It’s always such a special evening filled with connection, laughter, and well-deserved recognition, and we truly can’t wait to see you all there.


If you haven’t registered for the workshop yet, there’s still time! Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for an engaging and impactful session with Joey Coleman. Be sure to secure your spot here: REGISTER


Just a couple of quick reminders: our team will be out of the office on Thursday, February 26th as we prepare and set up for the Annual Dinner, and on Friday, February 27th while we attend Joey Coleman’s workshop. 


Thank you for being part of such an incredible community. We are so grateful for each of you and can’t wait to celebrate together tomorrow. Looking forward to an incredible couple of days!


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

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!

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.


More Info

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.


More Info

Game Night


Join us for an all-ages game night with snacks for all and prizes for winners! We will be playing mostly board and card games. Meets at the Bob Heun Shelter House on the south side of Kennedy Park.

✨Wednesday, March 4th

6:30PM-8:00PM


More Info

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.


More Info

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.

✨March 7th 2PM-6PM


More Info

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

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


Strengthening Families 10-14


Attention ALL 5th & 6th grade students at FDCSD, St. Edmonds, CCS, St. Paul Lutheran School & Harvest Baptist School You and your parents are invited to the Strengthening Families 10-14 Program, to strengthen skills and bonds that help youth and families thrive! Why Should I Attend? • It’s fun & FREE!!! • Students receive $5 CASH each week they attend • Students receive a $40 gift certificate when they graduate from the program (Graduation is based on attendance) How long is the program? • 6-week program (meets once a week) and includes a graduation event • Each workshop is 2 hrs • 1st hour: Parents & Students participate in separate activities • 2nd hour: Families work together with facilitators

✨Register for Sunday afternoons or Monday evenings.

Starts March 15th


More Info




For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Friendship Haven's Golden Hour - Pauline Ruebel


The Golden Hour Pauline Ruebel is a resident at Friendship Haven. We discuss what she enjoys most about living life to the fullest, how her life changed after her husband's passing, fun stories from her childhood, and more!


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!


More Info

Community Health Center Anniversary


The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is excited to announce our annual fundraiser will be on Saturday, April 11, at The Laramar in Fort Dodge. This year is also extra special as it will celebrate our 20th anniversary as an organization. As many of you know we have grown from serving 4,000 patients a year to over 12,000 patients a year. We have added locations including Dayton, Mason City, Eagle Grove, Clarion and most recently Spencer. We have also expanded services adding behavioral health in 2016, pharmacy in 2024 and optometry in 2025. This year, we are focusing our fundraising efforts on being able to offer mammograms at our Fort Dodge clinic. Less transportation barriers to patients, being able to offer at the time of service, one ore layer of overall well being, the ability to offer this to patients on the sliding fee scale, cancer rates in our state are high, prevention and early intervention, freeing up other local resources by screening here first. Funds will go towards the purchase of a mammography machine. Tickets will be available starting March 13.

Bloomers on Central: How Rebecca Reitmeier Reopened a Downtown Favorite


The Spin Markket Report Rebecca Reitmeier is the owner of Bloomers on Central in Fort Dodge, Iowa. We discuss how she worked at Bloomers as a teenager, bought the business years later, faced an unfortunate closure, and persevered to reopen a Fort Dodge favorite.

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

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