Wednesday August 26th, 2026 | | |
Greetings, Growth Alliance Members,
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How amazing has this weather been lately? I hope everyone is having a great week! With kids heading back to school, new routines settling in, and summer somehow already starting to wind down, it’s hard to believe we’re talking about September... But here we are!
And with September comes one of my favorite Growth Alliance traditions, our Annual Golf Outing on Thursday, September 3!
Our team is busy getting everything ready for another great day of golf, networking, relationship-building, and, of course, a whole lot of fun. This has grown into one of the largest golf outings in our region, and I think that says a lot about our business community and how much people genuinely enjoy coming together and connecting.
The good news is, there’s still just enough time to be part of it! We still have a few sponsorship opportunities and team spots available. Whether you want to golf, showcase your business, sponsor part of the day, or simply get out and connect with hundreds of business and community leaders from across the region, we would love to have you join us.
And for those of you who are already sponsoring and playing; a BIG THANK YOU as we are so grateful!
For me, this event really reflects what the Growth Alliance is all about: relationships, collaboration, connections, and doing business together. There may also be a little friendly competition mixed in there… okay, sometimes a lot. 😊 But more than anything, it’s a chance to spend a day together, strengthen relationships, make some new ones, and celebrate the incredible business community we get to work alongside every day.
September 3rd will be here before we know it, so gather your team, grab one of our remaining sponsorships, and come tee it up with us!
As always, thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and support of the Growth Alliance.
We truly couldn’t do what we do without all of you, and we can’t wait to see you on the course!
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Astra Ferris
Astra Ferris, IOM
Chief Executive Officer
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New episode dropped today, take a listen:
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Get your raffle tickets at the Growth Alliance today. Will be available at the Golf Outing. You do not have to be present at time of drawing. Drawing will be held
Thursday, September 3rd at 5PM.
| | Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public! | |
Fireside Chat- Stoneware of Webster County
Stoneware of Webster County Join local expert, Bruce Stottrop, as he shares his vast knowledge of historical stoneware factories that once thrived in Webster County. Learn some of the practical uses of different examples.
✨Thursday, August 27th 6:00PM
📍Camp WaNoKi
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The last Lunch on Central of the summer!
Join us for the final Lunch on Central of 2026. Main Street board members, local volunteers, and business sponsors team up to serve a delicious and affordable meal in the heart of downtown. Enjoy your meal outside at picnic tables, or opt for a convenient to-go meal!
✨Friday, August 28th 11:30AM-1:00PM
📍700 Block of Central Ave between the Courthouse and The Messenger offices
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Practical Magic Movie Night
✨ Practical Magic Movie Night! ✨ Join us Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the Fort Dodge Public Library for a screening of the beloved original Practical Magic starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Revisit the magic before Practical Magic 2 hits theaters! 🍿 Popcorn will be provided!
📋Program for adults 18+
More Info
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Residential Paint Collection Days
Have leftover paint taking up space in your garage or basement? Bring your unwanted latex paint, spray paint, and other household paints to our Residential Paint Collection Days for safe and proper disposal, for free!
✨September 3rd, 4th, 5th
📍2151 Gypsum Hollow RD.
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Reducing Bias In Decision Making with Lorne Epstein
Join us as we welcome Lorne Epstein. Whether you're an HR department of one, new to the profession, or a seasoned HR leader, the Heartland of Iowa SHRM Chapter has something for you. Come see why so many HR professionals across central Iowa call Heartland of Iowa SHRM their professional home. We'd love to welcome you to our next meeting!
✨Wednesday, September 9th
9:00AM
More Info
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United to Save Lives with LifeServe Blood Center
This September marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. In the days and weeks that followed, the country came together in extraordinary ways, including donating blood in record numbers. Every day, thousands of people need lifesaving blood transfusions because of cancer treatments, childbirth complications, surgeries, traumatic injuries, and other medical emergencies. This September 8-12, honor that spirit of service by donating blood. As a thank-you, all donors at a LifeServe donor center or mobile blood drive will receive our exclusive patriotic trucker hats – back by popular demand!
More Info
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Iowa Master Woodland Steward Program Helps Landowners Build Healthy, Resilient Forests
Starting September 8, participants will visit locations in Webster, Hamilton and Boone counties including Don Williams, Ledges, Dolliver, Dayton Oaks and private locations. Register soon as spots are filling up fast. Cost $125. Program will be held on Tuesdays, September 8, 15, 22, 29 and October 6, 13, and 20 from 6-9 p.m.
Register Here
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Wine Your Way Out
Get lost in our corn maze, while taste testing an assortment of wine, beer, and hard ciders. Meal and live music with Evan Pratt is included. Tickets are $30/person.
5:30PM-9:00PM
✨Saturday, September 12th
Evan Pratt
✨Saturday, September 26th
Spencer Suchan
📍Community Orchard
Tickets Here
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The Dirt Road Fun Run 5K
🍎 Lace up your shoes and join us for the Dirt Road Fun Run 5K at The Community Orchard!🏃🏽
Whether you want to run OR walk, come enjoy a fun fall morning on the dirt roads through the orchard! 🌳🍎
✨Saturday, September 26
Race Starts at 8:00 AM
📍The Community Orchard
2237 160th St.
Fort Dodge, IA
🍎Your Registration Includes:
👕 Official Dirt Road Run T-shirt
🏅 Finisher’s Medal
🍩A donut & apple cider at the finish line
🥂(21+)Entry into our Wine Your Way Out event that evening
🌳A fun and unique experience at The Community Orchard
📋Registration:
Under 20: $30
21+: $45 (includes entry into Wine Your Way Out)
Whether you’re an experienced runner, a casual walker, or just looking for a fun way to enjoy a fall morning, we’d love to have you join us!
Bring your friends, bring the family, and come run OR walk the Dirt Road Run!
We can’t wait to see you at the starting line—and at the finish line for donuts and cider!
Register Here
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Fall Career Fair
The Career Fair is a great opportunity to connect with students who are seeking full-time, part-time, internship, and seasonal employment opportunities. Whether you're looking to fill current openings or build connections, this event is an excellent way to meet motivated candidates from a variety of academic programs.
The registration fee is $100, which includes:
- Employer booth space
- Lunch for your representatives
- The opportunity to network with hundreds of students and job seekers
Register Here
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For a list of all events,
click here.
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Friendship Haven Golden Hour Podcast #6 - Judy O'Leary & Joan Doster
The Golden Hour Judy O'Leary and Joan Doster are sisters and the last two siblings in their immediate family. They discuss why they enjoy aging well, their viewpoints on beauty standards for aging women, their amazement at technology, what they have learned about each other as they have aged, and more.
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From Farming to Entrepreneurship: Inside Work 'N' Walter Farms
Kadin Walter is an entrepreneur who started Work 'N' Walter Farms. We discuss how he became interested in the farming industry, how Work 'N' Walter Farms started, what Work 'N' Walter Farms does, the rapid growth, pushing sales from online platforms, and more! Available wherever you enjoy podcasts! #DigitalMarketing #Podcast #FortDodge #WEinWEbster #DelightfulDodge #DodgeTheOrdinary #ThisIsFortDodge #Iowa #IowaPodcast #MarketingSuccess #MarketingMonday
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