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August 27th, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

The weather this week has been fantastic, and it's crazy that we are just one week away from teeing off at our annual Golf Outing — and we couldn’t be more excited!

With 46 teams already signed up, this year’s outing is shaping up to be one of our best yet. Thank you to everyone who has registered and continues to make this event such a cornerstone of connection and camaraderie.

If you’ve been on the fence, now is the perfect time to jump in! We have a few team spots still available, and we’d love to fill them with both familiar faces and new ones. Whether you’re coming to compete, network, or simply enjoy a great day outdoors, this event is for you.

Looking for a unique way to showcase your business? Hole sponsorships are still open! It’s a creative, high-visibility opportunity to align your brand with one of our most anticipated community gatherings. 2025 Golf Outing

And if you haven’t had a chance yet, tune in to the most recent episode of The Alliance Connection! Matt Johnson, Kamisha, and I walk through everything you need to know about this year’s outing — from what to expect on the course to how to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or brand-new, it’s the perfect way to get a taste of the fun and community spirit that make this day so special.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring this event to life. We can’t wait to see you on the course for an unforgettable day of golf, connection, and celebration.

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.

Alliance Connection

New episode dropped today, take a listen:

ALLIANCE UPDATES

Stop into the Growth Alliance and get your raffle tickets today!!!

Golf Outing Registration and Sponsorship

Member Benefit

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

ISU Extension and Outreach The Science of Parenting

The Science of Parenting team from Iowa State University has scheduled virtual workshops to help caregivers learn about various parenting strategies. These workshops all focus on sharing research-based information that fits each family’s own reality. These workshops are funded by Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach for ALL participants, but you are asked to register ahead of time at scienceofparenting.org for each workshop you plan to attend to receive the class link and materials.

More Info

Overdose Awareness

Join us to honor all the lives of Central Iowa that we have lost. We encourage you to bring a photo to display as we recognize those impacted by overdose.

📅Thursday, August 28th

5:00PM-7:00PM

📍424 Central Ave

*Overdose Education and Naloxone distribution training. Prior to event

2:00PM-3:15PM (Fort Dodge CFR)

The Last Lunch On Central Of The Summer

Lunch on Central is a special community-driven fundraising and outreach event is hosted by Main Street Fort Dodge. Business sponsors and local volunteers team up to serve a delicious and affordable meal in the heart of downtown. Every Lunch on Central meal purchase in August comes with the chance to win $20 in Downtown Dollars

📅Friday, August 29th

11:00AM-1:00PM

RAIN ☔OR SHINE ☀️

Kingsgate Insurance to Celebrate 35 Years of Service with Community Event

Kingsgate Insurance is excited to celebrate 35 years of service with a community event on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at its Fort Dodge office. Founded in 1990, Kingsgate has grown to serve individuals, families, and businesses across Iowa with a full range of insurance solutions, most recently expanding through the acquisition of Calvert & Johnson Insurance Services. The anniversary celebration will feature food, entertainment, giveaways, and raffles benefiting local charities. All are invited to join in an evening of celebration, connection, and gratitude.

More Info

Ritchie Lee & The Fabulous 50's

Join us in remembrance of the infamous day the music died on Buddy Holly's birthday. Ritchie Lee & The Fabulous 5's will be performing live at the Laramar Ballroom.

📅Sunday, September 7th

Starts at 3PM

📍710 1st Ave N

🎟️Tickets in advance $15 or $20 at the Door

For a list of all events,

click here.

Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

North Central Iowa Regional Solid Waste Agency

🌎 Don’t toss it—recycle it! Our Household Hazardous Materials Collection Center gives you a safe way to get rid of those hazardous items, keeping them out of the landfill and protecting our community!

⏰ We’re open Tuesday–Friday, 8 AM–2 PM. Households can drop in anytime—businesses need an appointment.

Mikos & Matt Furniture

Labor Day is the perfect time to Treat Yourself with a La-Z-Boy recliner. Come pick one out Today at Mikos & Matt's La-Z-Boy Labor Day Sale!

📅Now- September 8th

📍3336 5th Ave South

More Info

Our Family Homestead

Our Family Homestead will be at the Fort Dodge Farmers Market! Stop out and see us, Now Accepting Venmo!

📅Wednesday Afternoons: 1PM-5:30PM

Saturday Mornings: 9AM-1PM

*Sweet Corn still available

Fort Dodge Farmers Market

📅Wednesday Afternoons: 1PM-5:30PM

Saturday Mornings: 9AM-1PM

Come see us!

Pharmacy Technician

🎓 Become a Pharmacy Technician! FREE for Those Who Qualify! 📅 Dates: September 15 – December 11, 2025 🕕 Class Time: Mondays & Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Iowa Central – Fort Dodge, East Campus 💻 Additional online coursework required outside of class time 💰 Tuition: $2,399 – FREE for eligible students! ⭐ Must be 18 years or older to qualify 🔹 Start your career in the growing healthcare field 🔹 Hands-on training with experienced instructors 🔹 Industry-recognized certification opportunity 📞 Call now to learn more: 515-574-1293 📧 Email: noncredit@iowacentral.edu 🚀 Spots are limited – Apply today!

Apply Here

Dog Training Classes

🐾 Dog Training Classes – Fort Dodge Build a better bond with your dog – start training today! Join our AKC-certified dog training programs designed to teach your pup essential skills, boost confidence, and improve behavior—all while having fun!

🐶 S.T.A.R. Puppy Class ⏰ 5:30 – 6:15 PM For puppies 2 – 6 months old. Help your puppy get the best start with socialization, basic obedience, and communication training. ✅ Requirements: Proof of rabies & distemper vaccinations. No dog-aggressive behavior. 🐕 Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Class ⏰ 6:30 – 7:15 PM For dogs 6 months and older. This comprehensive AKC program teaches good manners and includes a 10-skill test to ensure your dog behaves in real-world situations. ✅ Requirements: Proof of rabies & distemper vaccinations. No dog-aggressive behavior.

📅 Class Schedule:

September 8 – October 27, 2025 (Mondays) 📍 Location: Fort Dodge

Diffusing Tense Situations

Identify key triggers and signs of escalating tension in workplace interactions. Demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to manage difficult conversations. Evaluate conflict resolution strategies to determine the most appropriate response in various high-stakes situations.

📍Webster City Campus

📅9/30/2025

2:00PM-4:00PM

📩noncredit@iowacentral.edu

📞515-574-1293

🔗Contact us for more information