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April 24th, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Greetings!

As the spring season kicks into full swing, so does the spirit of service in our community. I’m proud to share that over 50 volunteers have stepped up to make a difference during our F.O.D. Walk Community Clean-Up Day. Your commitment to keeping Fort Dodge beautiful speaks volumes about the pride we all share in our community. Thank you for showing up, stepping up, and cleaning up!

There’s also plenty of exciting news at the Growth Alliance. Our brand-new podcast, The Alliance Connection, is now streaming on all major platforms! Each episode highlights the voices and stories of our members—be sure to tune in every first and third Wednesday wherever you listen to podcasts.

The latest issue of The Business Connection is also live! You won’t want to miss our feature with Dr. David Heck, Director of the Bio Fuels Testing Lab, who sat down with us for an insightful Q&A. Plus, we shine a spotlight on Koch Fertilizer, and our Fort Dodge Junior Leadership class. You can access the full issue and all our content through the links below.

And don’t forget—next week we’ll be celebrating The Webster County Historical Society’s 50th Anniversary with a ribbon cutting and special presentation. It’s happening on April 28 at 4:30 PM at the Fort Dodge Public Library. This event honors the Society’s commitment to preserving the rich history of our county. Join us to hear from Jeanine Nemitz and Steve Kersten about their incredible archival work. Refreshments will be served—we’d love to see you there!

Spring is a season of renewal, and thanks to all of you, Fort Dodge continues to grow and thrive. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Thanks,

Astra Ferris

Astra Ferris, IOM

Chief Executive Officer

Are you up to date on the latest episode of The Alliance Connection? You can catch up anywhere you listen to podcasts or watch the episodes at the link below.

Alliance Connection

ALLIANCE UPDATES

Member Benefit

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Fireside Chat

Join us to celebrate Earth Day, share fun hiking stories, learn safety and preparation skills and a nice hike on the trail. A series of Fireside Chats are held on the last Thursday of each month.

📅Thursday April 24th 6:00PM

📌Camp WaNoKi

Prescription Drug Take Back

Safely dispose of your unused or expired prescription medications!

📅Saturday, April 26th

10:00AM-Noon

Daniel Pharmacy

Worker's Comp Symposium

Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics is hosting a Worker's Comp Symposium. There will be presentations with various topics.

📅Tuesday, April 29th

8:30AM-3:00PM

Registration is required

Annual May Day Luncheon

The 19th Annual May Day Luncheon will be held at Crossroads Inn & Event Center. Raffle and Door prizes. To benefit the Fighting Angels Abreast Dragon Boat Team.

📅Thursday, May 1st

11:30AM-1:30PM

Please RSVP to Barb Vonsak or email

FightingAngelsBCS@gmail.com

IowaWorks Resource Fair

Over 30 local organizations will be coming together to offer our community FREE support, services, and resources. From job training, housing help, mental health care and youth programs will all be present. Get connected!

📅Friday, May 2nd 11:00AM-2:00PM

3 Triton Circle

Master Conservation Program

Join this 7week program on the history and current opportunities for conservation in Iowa highlighting Iowa's landform, forests, prairies, wetlands and rivers in our area. This program pairs in-person demonstrations and discussions led by local conservation leaders and educators with online lessons from ISU experts.

📅Registration ends May 1st

Mother's Day Downtown

Shop, Eat, and Experience Downtown Fort Dodge! Treat all of the special women in your life with a gift they will love!

*Vendors, crafts, food trucks, activities, and much more

📅Saturday, May 3rd

Starting at 10:00AM

Spring into Medicare

Are you unsure about what to do when you become eligible for Medicare? Join us for our educational Medicare 101 event!

📅Thursday, May 8th 5:30PM

Fort Dodge session: Crossroads Hotel & Event Center

*Reserve your seat by April 25th

RSVP

Make It OK Day

Come join us and many local mental health resources to show your support for reducing the mental health stigma. Wear green, take a stroll around the square, grab lunch and chat with local resources.

📅Thursday, May 15th 11:30AM-1:30PM

City Square Fort Dodge

Fort Dodge Invites You

Visitor Vision to help the Iowa Tourism Office promote your business/event with Stephanie Neppl.

📅Wednesday, May 21st

12PM-1PM

Growth Alliance Community Room

RSVP by May 15th

Soldier Creek Winery

April's calendar is packed full of events at Soldier Creek Winery. Click the link to check it out.

Calendar

VDA Powerstars Summer Camps

Free Vision Exams

In partnership with Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation, Prevent Blindness Iowa, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, and Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, a free two-day vision clinic will be held at Butler Elementary School in June.

This event will provide free eye exams and glasses to adults and children who may not otherwise have access to vision care.

📅June 19th & 20th

Pre-register for your appointment

515-576-6500

More Info

For a list of all events,

click here.

Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Bridging Gaps in Healthcare: The Mission of Community Health Center

Regina Suhrbier, Kaley Feser, and Ann Feser join us from Community Health Center in Fort Dodge to discuss the mission of Community Health Center, how the healthcare industry has changed, the multitude of services that are offered, why they each love to go to work, upcoming events, and much more!

Listen Here

Mental Health Awarness Month

Help us "Chalk The Town Green" this May! Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics, on behalf of Make It Ok and the Healthiest State Initiative of Iowa, invites your community to participate with us in this year’s awareness campaign for the month of May.

More Info

From Clicks to Conversions: The Psychology Behind Persuasive Digital Marketing

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, capturing user attention is only the first step. The ultimate goal is to convert that attention into meaningful action—whether it be a purchase, a sign-up, or any other valuable engagement. Understanding the psychology behind persuasive digital marketing is key to optimizing conversion rates and ensuring sustainable business growth.

Iowa Central Community College Upcoming Courses