Wednesday March 18th, 2026 | | Greetings Growth Alliance Members, | | |
Last week, a few members of our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Membership & Revenue Development Conference in Des Moines. It was packed with the brightest minds in the industry all focused on one goal, finding innovative ways to better serve our business community. We spent three intensive days diving into advanced strategies for member engagement, and growth! Our mission is to always be your greatest advocate.
Today, with our Jr. Leadership program, we are celebrating the future of our community, the completion of this year's program! Watching these young leaders engage with the business community over the past few months has been a powerful reminder of the talent and passion within our local schools. These students are the future CEOs, small business owners, and community advocates who will keep our region thriving. I can't wait to see the mark they leave on the world!
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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:
| | Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public! | |
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
✨Now 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!
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Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop
Join Dr. Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Fruit Production at Iowa State University, for hands-on workshops designed to teach proper pruning techniques for fruit trees. great opportunity for fruit tree owners, gardeners, citizen volunteers, community forestry and park staff, tree care professionals, utility company representatives, county conservation board, and enthusiasts to learn from an expert about the best practices for pruning to maintain healthy and productive trees.
✨March 24th
River Valley Orchards & Winery, Humboldt 1-3; or Webster County Extension Office 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Register for Humboldt
Register for Webster County
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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.
More Info
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Money Smart Virtual Series
As spring approaches, many people find themselves facing extra expenses or lingering debt. However, research shows that “Money Smart,” a financial education workshop, delivers proven steps on how to take charge of your financial future. Beginning March 24, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host “Money Smart: Prioritizing Bills, Credit and Debt,” a no-fee, three-part virtual series providing practical tools to help you regain control, reduce stress and set yourself up for success.
✨Begins Tuesday, March 24th
12:00PM or 5:00PM
Register Here
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Pancake Breakfast
Join Leo Lion & Thumper Bunny for photos, fun & breakfast! Hosted by Fort Dodge Lions Club!
✨Saturday, March 28th
7AM-11AM
📍KandiLand Daycare Center
821 South 25th Street
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Spring has Sprung Vendor Market
Celebrate spring at the Fort Opera House March 28th! The annual spring vendor market will be open at 9am showcasing a variety of vendors. The easter bunny is visiting and we'll have an Easter Egg Hunt!
✨9AM-4PM
💲No admission. Please bring 2 pet items for Almost Home to show your support!
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Legacy Banquet
Enjoy an evening of fellowship, dinner, and a silent auction as we gather to support the mission and ministry of Community Christian School. We are excited to welcome Scott Larsen from the Legacy Coalition as our guest speaker for the evening. Free will donations will be received for the meal, and all proceeds from the silent auction will benefit Community Christian School.
✨March 29, 2026. Doors open at 4:30
Register Here
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Babysitting Clinic
ISU Extension and Outreach Webster County is sponsoring a babysitting clinic for students in grades 4th-8th. In this clinic students will cover various topics of babysitting from the fundamentals, safe and healthy cooking skills, what to do in an emergency and much more!
✨Friday, April 3rd
9:00AM-3:00PM
💲$25 4-H members
$30 Non 4-H members
Includes Snacks, Lunch & Resources
📣Class size is limited please sign-up by March 27th
📞Please contact Kristyn with any questions
515-576-2119
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A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease
To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Webster County Extension, along with Iowa State’s Department of Kinesiology, and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach are sponsoring the series in Fort Dodge
📍 Friendship Haven
✨beginning April 6, 2026 5PM-6PM
Register Here
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Career Fair
Mark your calendars for the spring Career Fair.
✨Wednesday, April 8th
10:00AM-1:00PM
📍Career Education Building Fort Dodge Campus
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Aced Cornhole League Iowa State ACL State Championships
Aced Cornhole League Iowa ACL State Championships! Full slate of events for men and women of all ages and different skill levels. Sponsorship opportunities available! Contact Jeb at acedcornhole@gmail.com for more information.
✨April 17-18th
📍Lizard Creek Ranch
Timber Hall
More Info
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Community Health Center 20th Anniversary
Community Health Center of Fort Dodge will hold its annual fundraising event on Saturday, April 11, at 5:30 PM at The Laramar, celebrating 20 years of service to the community. The evening will feature dinner, live and online auctions, and musical entertainment by Scott Kirkhart. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown significantly, expanding from 3,000 patients in 2008 to nearly 18,000 patients last year across multiple locations while providing nearly 60,000 visits in 2025. This year’s fundraiser will support expanding access to breast cancer screenings by bringing mammogram services on-site. Raffle and event tickets are available HERE or at Community Health Center of Fort Dodge.
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Low-Carbon Ethanol Update
Join Summit Carbon Solutions to learn about low-carbon ethanol and its impact on Iowa's agriculture market!
Lunch will be served.
✨April 21st 12:00PM
📍Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance - 24 N 9th St.
Register Here
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For a list of all events,
click here.
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From the Peace Corps to Politics to Public Service
Jerry Fitzgerald sits down to share portions of his life story, including his time with the Peace Corps, his time in politics, his time as a lobbyist, and his time in public service.
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Kevin Bailey
Dodger Download Kevin Bailey is the Technology Director for the Fort Dodge Community School District. We discuss the robust computer network at FDCSD, recent updates to the security cameras, the switch to Apple products for some students and staff, and more!
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New and Improved Syntex Industries Website
Designed and developed by Spin Markket team, the new Syntex Industry site features a modern design, improved navigation, and easier access to the information our customers and partners need. Take a look and explore what’s new:
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How Neale Adams and Iowa Central Community College Prepare Students for the Future
The Spin Markket Report Neale Adams is the Associate VP of Instruction at Iowa Central Community College. We discuss his journey to Iowa Central as a student athlete, his return to Iowa Central as a coach, his work as an administrator, and more!
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How to Money with Cole & Baileigh "How Ordinary Families Become Millionaires (And Why Some Don't)
How to Money with Cole & Baileigh Ordinary families can become millionaires too! This week, we discuss why some families become millionaires, and why some don't.
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