Greetings Growth Alliance Members,

This week’s episode of The Alliance Connection features Craig Schlienz, and we’re talking all things Downtown Country Jam! We’re beyond excited to welcome Trace Adkins to Fort Dodge for a sold-out show that promises to be a highlight for our region. If you didn’t snag tickets in time, don’t worry—Craig shares a few insider tips on where you might still find some. 👀🎶

Meanwhile, plans are in full swing for our Annual Golf Outing—one of our biggest and most valuable networking events of the year. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with leaders and decision-makers from across the region in a laid-back, high-impact setting. THANK YOU to those of you who have already registered and/or partnered with sponsorship----and If you’re thinking about becoming a hole sponsor or registering a team, now’s the time. Spots are limited and filling fast!

Register today!



Have a great week!

Back Of The Barn Sale

Shop the Back of the Barn Sale at the Community Orchard! 60% off regular priced items in the back of the barn!

📅August 1st-10th

More Info

7th Annual Flower Festival

Bigger and beautiful as ever! This year you will be stepping into a breathtaking world of vibrant colors as we have added several rows of wildflowers!! Come out and take in all that nature's beauty has to offer!

Festival runs from 10am to 9pm.

📅Aug 2-3, 9-10, & 16-17

More Info

Garden Academy

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

Apply now-Aug 15th

More Info

Farmland Leasing Arrangements

Better leases, make better relationships! In this workshop you will gain knowledge in recent survey trends and market outlook, understand how farmland lease is impacted by a farm estate or succession plan and strengthen tenant and landowner communications.

📅Thursday, August 14th

1:30PM-4PM

Webster County Extension

Register Here

Farm Estate/Succession Planning Workshops

Join this 2 session workshop and learn the Importance of Farm Business Succession Planning Farm Succession Structure Beginning Farmer Tax Credits Working With an Attorney Language of Estate Planning Setting Goals Gift, Estate & Inheritance Taxes Implementing Your Estate Plan.

📅Thursday, August 14th & 21st

Supper starts at 5:30PM

Register Here

Youth Trap Shoot

Sign up online for this free event highlighting the importance of safety, sportsmanship, and skill development. A morning at the shooting range with participants with a common interest. Come have fun and work on your shooting skills.

Participants 12-18 years old

📅Saturday, August 9th

9:00AM-12:00PM

📍ICCC Trap Range

Register

Coffee & Conversation

Join us each month for an informal discussion about a variety of conservation/recreation topics in Webster County. August's topic includes beekeeping and interesting facts about honeybees. Coffee and light snacks will be provided.

📅Saturday, August 9th

10:00AM

📍Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center

Preserve The Taste of Summer 101

Do you love that fresh garden produce but have more than you can eat? Preserve it! it's not difficult, but you do need to follow safe methods on doing so. In this class you will learn how to can, freeze, and dry foods safely at home.

📅Thursday, August 14th

5:00PM-6:30PM

📍Smitty's Garden Center

$20 per person

More Info

One Vision Ice Cream Social

Join One Vision as we celebrate our amazing Fort Dodge community with an evening full of fun, friendship, and delicious food! Reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy a night of community, inclusion, and good times. Bring your family and bring your friends because everyone is welcome!

📅Friday, August 15th

4:00PM-7:00PM

📍1470 21st Ave N

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

We Didn't Forget, 75 Years Since WWII

Join us for a day of honoring the last day of WWII. It will be a recognition of how peoples reaction to the news that the war was over. The relief, the hope and prayers that was moving on to a better future. It will be a time to share memories, view footage of how the soldiers were at war. Veterans are encouraged to come dressed in uniform if they desire but not required.

📅August 16th

9:30AM-12:30PM

📍Large Meeting room at the Fort Dodge Public Library

4th Annual Community Leadership Summit

The 4th Annual Community Empowerment & Leadership Summit is a dynamic two-day gathering focused on strengthening Fort Dodge through collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions. Attendees will explore critical topics like gun violence reduction, financial empowerment, inclusive hiring, and conflict de-escalation—led by nationally recognized experts and community advocates. The summit promotes connection across sectors to inspire long-term change, foster unity, and build more resilient neighborhoods. With sessions designed to spark courageous conversations and real-world action, it’s not just an event—it’s a movement.



📅August 19th & 21st

8:30AM-4:30PM

📍One Triton Circle

More Info

For a list of all events,

click here.

Amidst Policy Changes - Financial Wins Start at Home

How to Money with Kole and Cole #87 - Amidst Policy Changes - Financial Wins Start at Home Kole and Baileigh discuss ways individuals can stay on track amidst the recent policy changes passed by the government. On today's episode: ✂️ Tax Cuts ⬆️ Deduction Increases 🏦 Student Loan Adjustments ⚾️ Ryne Sandberg Quote Available wherever you enjoy podcasts!

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

Our Family Homestead

Our Family Homestead will be at the Fort Dodge Farmers Market! Stop out and see us, WE HAVE SWEET CORN & the Missouri Peaches have finally arrived!

📅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

Come see us!

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

Creating Ownership in Fort Dodge: The Mission Behind Better Way

Talk Fort Dodge Matt Johnson stops by to discuss the Better Way Project, how it was started, what its purpose is, how it can help Fort Dodge create local ownership, how it can instill pride in the community, how you can help out, and more!

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

Dan Touney, ARNP, Joins the Iowa Specialty - Fort Dodge Clinic

We are excited to welcome Dan Touney, ARNP, to our Fort Dodge Clinic! Dan specializes in Family Medicine and is currently accepting new patients!

HorseTech's Ride to the Top: Rod Johnson on Innovation & Growth

The Spin Markket Report Rod Johnson stops by to discuss how HorseTech became a worldwide product in the equine industry. We talk about how HorseTech got started, how new products were added, including PupSup for dogs, company culture, customer service, kindness, and more!