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September 10th, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Greetings, Growth Alliance Members!


This past week has been a shining example of what makes Fort Dodge and Webster County so strong—collaboration, celebration, and connection.


We were thrilled to officially welcome Dairy Queen Grill & Chill to our community with a ribbon-cutting. The turnout was incredible, and it reminded me once again that when we show up for each other, we don’t just support a new business—we build momentum for continued growth.


Our Member Meet & Eat was another highlight. A heartfelt thank you to Leah Glasgo, CEO of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge, for sharing her leadership and insight. The conversations sparked in that room reinforced how powerful it is when we work together to elevate this region, we all call home.

And we’re just getting started! Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and engage:

  • Leading Ladies
  • September 30, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:30 PM
  • Tompkins Celebration Center at Friendship Haven, 420 Kenyon Rd.
  • Employment Law Update
  • October 1, 2025 | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
  • Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Community Room
  • Community Election Forum
  • October 15, 2025 | 6:00 – 6:45 PM
  • BHS Auditorium, Iowa Central Community College
  • Coffee & Connect
  • October 22, 2025 | 8:30 – 10:00 AM
  • 24 N 9th St A, Fort Dodge


These moments of gathering—whether to celebrate, learn, or share ideas—are how we continue to strengthen both our economy and our sense of community.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Together, we are truly elevating our community.

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

Coffee & Conservation


Come to listen and learn about: upcoming trail initiatives, events, and a take home message of the importance of trails to a community.


📅Saturday September 13th

Starts 10:00AM

📍River's Edge Discovery Center

20 N 1st Street


Paws On The Patio


Paws on the Patio – A Fundraiser for Almost Home

Hosted by Community Tap & Pizza

Join us for a tail-wagging good time! September 8th – 14th

$2 from every large pizza sold will be donated to Almost Home. Every pizza helps save a life!

Special Adoption Event

📍Community Tap & Pizza Deck

📅Sunday, September 14th

11 AM – 2 PM

Come meet adorable, adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes!

Make sure to grab a pie, and support a paws-itively amazing cause.


Sip & Cycle


Join us for Sip & Cycle with Fort Dodge Young Professionals

📅Thursday, September 19th at 5:30pm! 🚴‍♀️🍷 We’ll bike together from📍 Rosedale Rapids to Soldier Creek Winery, where you can enjoy wine, live music, and great company before heading back. It’s the perfect chance to get active, connect with others, and unwind with a fun evening ride. Don’t miss it—grab your bike and join the ride!

Live Bats


Learn more about bats and see LIVE bats on-hand! Bats are not blind or dirty animals, they are super beneficial to everyone. This presentation will help you understand and appreciate this misunderstood creature.



📅Saturday, September 27th

10:00AM

📍20 N 1st street

Social Security Event


Open Seminar- Social Security Education

📅Thursday, October 9th

6:00PM-7:30PM

📍Crossroads Hotel & Events

1518 3rd Ave NW



More Info

Daybreak Rotary Chili Supper


Daybreak Rotary Annual Drive thru Chili Supper tickets are available now for $10. Get your tickets in advance so you don't miss out!



📅Saturday, October 11th

3:30PM-6:30PM

📍1111 5th Avenue N

First Presbyterian Church

2nd Annual Angel Ride Save The Tatas Side-by-Side Ride


Join us with your Side-by-Side at our Angel Ride Save The Tatas Side-by-Side Ride.



📅Saturday, October 18th

Registration 9:00AM-10:30AM

📍Rides Bar & Grill Fort Dodge

💲$15 for Drivers $5 for Passengers

🎟️50/50 Raffle

THIS YEARS ROUTE:

-Rides Bar & Grill

-Knuckleheads

-Rails

-American Tap

-Stumpy's


For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

USG Names Ashley Little As Plant Manager Of Fort Dodge, Iowa Facility


USG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of high-quality building materials and innovative solutions, has named Ashley Little as plant manager of its facility in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Little whom earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Texas Tech University, was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers during her time in school. She is currently a member of the Women in Manufacturing Association.

As one of USG’s original manufacturing sites, the Fort Dodge plant is where wallboard was first invented by a USG employee in 1918. USG and its employees are deeply involved in the Fort Dodge community, supporting events and organizations.

Marketing Moves Fast — Stay Faster with AI. Spinning the Conversation on Digital Marketing


In this rerun of Let’s Spin the Marketing Conversation, we revisit the big shifts shaping today’s marketing landscape — from emerging trends and evolving content strategies to social media, paid advertising, and community building. Discover how AI and automation can streamline your workflow, boost ROI, and help small businesses stay ahead of the curve in a constantly changing digital world.

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

Come try our smoked brisket sandwiches! 🍔

Fort Dodge Farmers Market


📅Wednesday Afternoons: 1PM-5:30PM

Saturday Mornings: 9AM-1PM

Come see us!

Dog Training Classes


🐶 Ready to transform your dog into a well-mannered companion? Click Here : Join our Dog Training Classes at Iowa Central – only $99 each! ✨ Whether you're starting with a playful pup or refining your dog’s manners, we’ve got you covered with: ✅ S.T.A.R. Puppy Class (ages 2–6 months) ✅ Canine Good Citizen Class (6+ months) 📅 Tuesdays | 9/16/25–11/18/25 📍 Fort Dodge – East Campus, Shop Bldg #3 📞 Contact us today: noncredit@iowacentral.edu | 515-574-1293

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

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