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July 23rd, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Hello Growth Alliance Members!


The past week has been a whirlwind—and I mean that in the best way possible.


Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Minnesota with Governor Kim Reynolds and Director Debi Durham for a visit to Cargill Headquarters. It was a meaningful chance to sit down face-to-face with some of their top decision-makers. We discussed Fort Dodge’s vital role in their operations, explored future possibilities, and ensured they know we’re not just ready—we’re eager for continued investment and growth in our region.


Conversations like these are never just about one company or one moment—they’re about keeping the lines of communication open, reinforcing partnerships, and advocating for Fort Dodge as a place where big things happen.


Today, I am traveling with Mayor Bemrich to St. Louis for a full day of tours at Nestle Purina Headquarters tomorrow. From learning more about their pet food innovation to catching up with the team behind Friskies—a brand close to our community’s heart it’s another excellent opportunity to strengthen connections with major players who already believe in Fort Dodge.


But let’s not forget—we’ve got exciting things happening right here at home.

Lunch on Central is back this Friday, and it’s always a crowd favorite. Come for the food, stay for the community spirit. And speaking of coming together, mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 7th, our Community Clean-Up. We want downtown looking its absolute best before Downtown Country Jam takes over Central Avenue that weekend. Registration for community clean-up is below.


We are officially 42 days away from one of the most significant networking events in our region. Showcase your business by becoming a hole sponsor. Or if you are more interested in playing, sign up for a team of 4 for this fun-filled day on the course. The registration links for the 56th Annual Golf Outing are below.



Whether you’re showing up downtown, on the golf course, or in the boardroom—thank you for being part of Fort Dodge’s story.


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 Benefit

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Lunch On Central


Join us for Lunch on Central, a special community-driven fundraising and outreach event hosted by Main Street Fort Dodge. On the last Friday of July, and August, Main Street board members, local volunteers, and business sponsors team up to serve a delicious and affordable meal in the heart of downtown—right along Central Avenue between the Courthouse and The Messenger offices.

📅Friday, July 25th

11:30-1:00PM


EpIc Rummage Sale


You’re invited to our 9th annual EP!C Rummage $ale! Opening Day will be busy! Come and shop early for the best selection!


Check out our pre-sale items on Fonda Nelson’s FB Marketplace!


If you can’t make it for day/weekend 1…no worries, we got you for weekend 2 with extra EP!C deals on our FINALE day July 26 from 8-12 pm — 1/2 price tagged items and $5 Fill a bag with untagged items!


See you in the Community Christian Gym!

Best Practices For Food Entrepreneurs


Learn how to sell your homemade food! Join this workshop and learn how to:

Do your own batch testing

Label products correctly

Understand Iowa's Cottage Food Law

Build a compliant home food business

Whether you're just starting or ready to sell, this workshop gives you the tools and confidence to take the next step.

📅Monday, July 28th

5:30PM-7:30PM

822 Central Ave Ste 102


More Info



Garden Academy


Coming September 2025 from the Master Gardeners Program. This updated flexible training is designed for boh aspiring Iowa Master Gardener Volunteers and Passionate Iowa Home Gardeners.

Apply July 14th-Aug 15th



More Info

Back to School Sale Aug. 1st & 2nd at Goodwill of the Great Plains


Goodwill of the Great Plains invites you to shop our Back to School Sale on📅 Friday, Aug. 1st and Saturday, Aug. 2nd. All pants will be $2.99, all shirts will be $1.99 and all kids clothes will be priced at only $.99!

📍The Fort Dodge Goodwill is located at 2735 5th Ave. S. in Fort Dodge.

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

Back To School Block Party


Community Health Center of Fort Dodge partnering with Upper Des Moines Opportunity is inviting families to the annual Back to School Block Party. This event is par of National Health Center Week, providing essential back to school healthcare services, school supplies, a free meal, and family friendly activities.


📅Tuesday, August 5th

5:00PM-8:00PM

126 N 10th St



More Info

Carwash Fundraiser


Join us for Community Christian School's Carwas Fundraiser. All proceeds will go towards the school.

📅Saturday, August 16th

10:00AM-3:00PM

*Free will Donation

📍3126 5th Ave S


For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Dodger Download #3 Staci Laird & Brandon Ruffridge


This episode, Josh Porter is joined by Staci Laird (Principal at Fort Dodge Senior High) and Brandon Ruffridge (Athletic and Activities Director at Fort Dodge Senior High) to discuss how Fort Dodge Community School District shapes students for life after High School, recent improvements at the Senior High, upcoming improvemets in the works, and more!

Is Your Well Well


Webster County participates in the Iowa Private Well Grant Program, a program designed to protect one of Iowa's most valuable resources, our groundwater.

If you rely off a private water well for your primary drinking water and have not had it tested recently, take advantage of this grant program for your FREE well water test.

Complete a Well Test Request form HERE

Dodger Download #4 LJ Maehl & Erin Gerlich


This week, Josh Porter is joined by LJ Maehl (Incoming FDSH Senior and IAGHSAU Student Athletic Advisory Committee) and Erin Gerlich (Director of the IAGHSAU) to discuss how the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union empowers women, the importance of community within high school sports, how being on the advisory committee impacted LJ Maehl, and more!

Online, On Campus, & Across Iowa: BVU's Mission in Action


Jen Stockdall and Laura Todd discuss Buena Vista University's Strategic Partnerships with businesses, having satellite locations across the state, Online Undergraduate programs, new programs being offered, the recently built apartment-style dorms, and more!

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

Award-Winning Leadership, Unmatched Results: Spin Markket & Cutting Edge Success Team Up


Spin Markket and Cutting Edge Success have joined forces to provide innovative, results-driven marketing and business growth solutions for companies across Iowa and beyond. This powerful partnership combines award-winning leadership with proven strategies to help businesses thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Read more about Kimberly's Business Record’s 2025 Woman of Influence ISU Ivy College of Business Woman Business Owner of the Year and Cutting Edge Success partnership.

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

Buena Vista University


Interested in earning your Bachelors Degree? You can get your degree online. Apply today! Classes start August 25.

Customer Service Training Series


This 6 session course equips participants with the skills to deliver exceptional customer service. Focuses on effective communication, managing difficult customers, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. It aims to exceed customer expectations, create brand advocates, and turn every interaction into opportunities for loyalty and growth.

📅Starts 9/3/2025-11/12/2025

Every other Wednesday

9:00AM-11:00AM


📩noncredit@iowacentral.edu

📞515-574-1293


🔗Contact us for more information

 

Iowa Central Community College | Catalog



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