Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

It’s finally February, and I couldn't be more excited for our Annual Dinner on Thursday, February 26! We are truly fortunate to have the incredible Joey Coleman as our keynote speaker; his vibrant energy is just the right spark for a delightful evening of high-level networking with 400 of our region’s most influential business leaders. There’s still time to reserve your seats, and a few more Platinum (front-row seating) and Gold (second-row seating) sponsorships are available to showcase your brand. Both levels include social media recognition, 8 drink tickets, and a table for 8, so your team can stay energized and ready to make meaningful connections at the year's premier event. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there, learning from the best, and celebrating the remarkable growth happening right here in our region!

Bingo at the Winery

Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun! Soldier Creek Winery is partnering with Webster County Animal Protection Pound, donate items off of their wish list or cash donation in exchange for bingo cards. Four rounds of regular Bingo and one round of black out Bingo with wine prizes!

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Iowa Arboretum & Gardens’ Perennial & Shrub Trial Program

This will be a webinar about the new Iowa Arboretum & Gardens’ Perennial & Shrub Trial Program. All are invited to this free recorded webinar. “Due to a lack of regionally specific research, demonstration, and outreach surrounding newly introduced ornamental plants for Central Iowa, the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens established an ornamental trial garden for the categories of herbaceous perennials and shrubs in the Spring of 2023. This public-facing trial garden provides beauty, education, and outreach to the people of Iowa in a form viewable to the public, allowing for year-round visibility and observation of these plants.”

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 14th & 21st

9:30AM or 10:30AM

Register Today

Webster County Historical Society

The Webster County Historical Society is pleased to announce they will have an Open House on February 17th at the Fort Dodge Public Library. The open house will be from 3:00-6:00pm in Room #143. The theme for the Open House is to honor past politicians that came from Fort Dodge and the Webster County area.

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Annie’s Inspired: Grain Marketing

What is the Annie’s Inspired: Grain Marketing Class? With unpredictable crop prices and fluctuating input costs, effective marketing can significantly impact the profitability of corn and soybean operations. In many cases, a few key marketing decisions can determine how well a producer is compensated for an entire year’s work. This women-centered course is open to all, and is designed to help participants manage price risk using proven tools such as forward contracts, futures, and options. The program offers an in-depth exploration of how options function, including when and why to use them, and guides participants through the process of developing a comprehensive marketing plan tailored to their operation.

✨Classes start Thursday February 5th

6:00PM-9:00PM supper at 5:30

Register

Sister Saturday

Join us in downtown Fort Dodge for our annual SISTER SATURDAY event filled with stress-free shopping and special deals all day long! Bring your sister, mom, or your best shopping partner! Make a purchase at 4 participating businesses for your chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars certificates.

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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

Fort Museum Sewing Guild

The Fort Museum's smSewing Guild (for all skill levels: beginner to experienced) is the 2nd Sunday every month. All materials are provided. We do accept donations

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

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

For a list of all events,

click here.

Terry L. Allers, FAIA Retires

After more than 55 years in the architecture profession and more than 46 years as President of Allers Associates Architects, Terry L. Allers, FAIA, retired on December 31, 2025. Allers’ passion has been helping clients with their design needs, as well as mentoring architecture graduates entering the profession. 

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Saying Goodbye to Kole P. & Welcoming How to Money with Cole & Baileigh

Saying Goodbye to Kole Petersen -Full Swing Financial & Welcoming How to Money with Cole & Baileigh Did You Know?? - Less than 15% of all podcasts make it to 100 episodes. Congratulations to Full Swing Financial Planning on reaching this milestone and on continuing toward the next milestone of 200 episodes.- Kole Peterson continues to be part of the Full Swing Financial Planning Team

Grandparents Pride

The Messenger Grandparents Pride Edition publishing on Valentines Day! Get your submissions in today! Photo deadline is Monday, Feb 9th.

Submit Info

Honoring Our Heroes: Inside the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight

Talk Fort Dodge Sara Murphy is the president of the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight. We discuss what the Honor Flight is, who goes on the Honor Flight, how to apply to get on the Honor Flight, the best ways to donate, and more! 📖 Ron Newsum Article:

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

A Homeowner’s Guide to Residential Ornamental Fencing Styles

Choosing the right fence for your home is about more than just setting a boundary; it’s about finding a style that reflects your personality while keeping your property secure. Residential ornamental fencing offers a timeless look that mimics traditional wrought iron but comes with modern durability. Whether you want something sharp and stately or smooth and modern, there is a design out there that fits your vision.

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Certified Medication Aide Class

📣 Ready to level up your career in healthcare?

Iowa Central’s Certified Medication Aide course is now open for enrollment!

💻Online Course

📅February 2 – March 27, 2026

📍Includes a face‑to‑face class on March 4th at the Fort Dodge main campus.

💊 Tuition: $450

Participants must be sponsored by their facility.

If you’re looking to expand your skills, advance in your role, or open new opportunities in patient care, this is a great next step!

📞Call Brenda Larsen to learn more: 515‑574‑1330

📧 larsen@iowacentral.edu

Don’t wait—spots fill fast! ✨

The Best and Worst of AI for Businesses

The Spin Markket Report This week, we are sitting down with Spin Markket graphic designer Megan Anderson to discuss the best and worst business applications for AI. Sometimes AI can save a lot of time, but letting it go unchecked can create issues that take time to fix.