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July 2nd, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

As we step into a hot July, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible momentum we’re building together across the Greater Fort Dodge region.


Yesterday, we gathered with over 60 powerhouse women for our Leading Ladies event — and what an afternoon it was! The room was filled with meaningful connection, reflection, and growth. Afton Holt, founder of CornerPost, delivered a keynote that struck a chord. With grit, grace, and humor, she reminded us that growth is born in the hard places — that showing up, especially when it’s tough, is a win worth celebrating. It was a timely and empowering message for every stage of life and leadership.


Meanwhile, our Director of Economic Development, Jefferson Fosbender, spent last week in Great Falls, Montana, attending the IEDC’s Rural Retreat: Rural Recharged – New Energy, New Possibilities. He came back energized and inspired, with fresh ideas and innovative tools we’re excited to integrate into our economic development strategies moving forward.

Just a heads-up — our office will be closed on Thursday, July 4, as we pause to celebrate Independence Day. We wish you a day filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of freedom! 


Looking ahead, don’t miss our Coffee & Connection on Monday, July 15, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. This free networking event is a great chance to recharge your connections — and your coffee cup. Registration is encouraged so we can plan accordingly.


And we’re closing out the week on a high note in the podcast world! A brand-new episode of The Alliance Connection featuring Debi Durham is now live, full of bold insights and big-picture thinking. Plus, Jefferson joined the Spin Markket podcast earlier this week to discuss rural vitality and the future of our economy. Both episodes are packed with value — be sure to tune in.


Thank you for your continued partnership, belief in our work, and dedication to progress. Let’s keep this momentum going and make July one to remember.


With gratitude,

Astra Ferris

Astra Ferris, IOM

Chief Executive Officer

New episode dropped today, take a listen:

ALLIANCE UPDATES

Opportunity Ahead: How Fort Dodge is Building Its Economic Future


Jefferson Fosbender is the Economic Development Director at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. We discuss the impact the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance has on the development of Fort Dodge, how consumer and industrial needs differ, the process of bringing new businesses to town, Home Base Iowa, and more! 

Member Benefit

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Local Independence Day Celebrations

Happenings For The Week At Webster County Conservation


Toddler Time-

Children ages 1-3, Join our naturalist for activities & a short hike. $5 per child

📅Thursday, July 3rd

9:30AM-11:00AM

📍Camp WaNoki


Nature Story Hour-

Come down the the River's Edge Discovery Center for a story hour featuring Diary of A Spider, and a fun activity.

📅Thursday, July 3rd

9:00AM-10:00AM

📍Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center- meeting in the children's classroom.

FDYP Summer Deck Party


🔴⚫Join the Fort Dodge Young Professionals on Friday, July 11th @ 6:00pm for the FDYP Summer☀️ Deck Party!

Grab your friends and come on down to Amigos for a fun night of cold beer🍻, delicious pizza🍕, music🎶, and networking🔗.

We hope to see you there!


More Info

19th Annual Fun Run Angel Ride


Join us for the 19th Annual Angel Ride to "Save the Ta Tas"


📅Saturday, July 12th

🕛Registration 9AM-11AM

📍Amigo's Fort Dodge



*$20/person

Party Bus Available

Silent Auction all day

Live Auction starts 6PM

Brunch with Bickford


Come have brunch with us! We at Bickford Assisted Living invite you to brunch!


📅Wednesday, July 16th 1PM-3PM

📍Bickford of Fort Dodge 1536 20th Ave N



RSVP: Family Advocate Mercedes Anderson

515-571-5492

Webster County Fair Entries


Open Quilt Show

📅July 16th-19th

Entry form and rules can be found on the Webster County Fair website.

Drop off quilts and entry form at Tillie's Quilts

📅Entry Deadline is Friday June 27th by 4PM


Open Photography Call

Enjoy taking photos? Would you like to have them displayed at the fair? All skill levels welcome! Submit your photos to the open photography class during the 2025 County Fair. Will be displayed July 16th-July 20th.

📅Submissions will be accepted in person between June 20th-July 3rd.

Bring your mounted or matted photos to the Webster County Extension Office.

Each entry $1



More Info

Tee'd Off Against Violence


Join us for our 9th Annual Tee'd Off Against Violence Golf Tournament. Benefits the Homicide and other violent crimes program. 4 person Best Ball tournament. Get your team registered today! $300 Team entry, shirt sizes are needed by July 1st.


📅August 2nd, 2025 9:00AM

📍Fort Dodge Country Club


Call Jamie for questions 515-269-0016


For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Exciting News For Kingsgate Insurance


Kingsgate Insurance is proud to announce our acquisition of Calvert-Johnson Insurance Services! This partnership strengthens our ability to serve clients across the Midwest while maintaining the trusted, personalized service both agencies are known for.

We’re thrilled to welcome them to the Kingsgate family!

Red, White, & Blue Mattress Sale


Catch some serious ZZZs and sizzling savings!

Don’t miss Mikos & Matt’s Red, White & Blue Mattress Sale—with queen mattresses starting as low as $429, 12 month interest-free financing, and full-service delivery. Hurry—these deals won’t last long!




Children's Forest Storywalk


📖Take a Story Walk

A new book is featured in our Children's Forest. Our StoryWalk combines reading with a walk in nature.

➡️Follow the story posted along the loop gravel trail and enjoy the great outdoors.🌳

📍Located on the NW side of Badger Lake at Kennedy Park


Our Family Homestead


Our Family Homestead will be at the Fort Dodge Farmers Market! Stop out and see us and grab a jar of our delicious peach salsa!


📅Wednesday Afternoons: 1PM-5:30PM

Saturday Mornings: 9AM-1PM

Fort Dodge Farmers Market

📍We are located in the same location, across the street east of Kemna Auto or just north of the Graham Collision Building.



📅Wednesday Afternoons: 1PM-5:30PM

Saturday Mornings: 9AM-1PM

Iowa Central Community College Mind Edge Summer Sale


Summer Sale is Here☀️

Level up your skills anytime, anywhere with online classes from MindEdge — trusted since 1998 and created by Harvard and MIT educators.

🧠Flexible. Affordable. Career-focused.


Whether you're reskilling, upskilling, or exploring something new, there's a course for you.


💻Online Classes Available 24/7

🎓Certificates & Professional Development

💸Use code SUMMER20 at checkout for 20% off!


📩noncredit@iowacentral.edu

📞515-574-1293


🔗Contact us for more information

 

Iowa Central Community College | Catalog


Don’t miss your chance to invest in you this summer!

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