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September 3rd, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Greetings, Growth Alliance Members!

As the crisp air starts to settle in and the first hints of fall color the trees, there’s no denying that a new season is upon us—and with it comes so much to celebrate in our community.

Celebrating 50 Years of Purina in Fort Dodge

This past weekend, we had the privilege of joining Nestlé Purina as they marked a truly remarkable milestone: 50 years in Fort Dodge. The celebration at The Community Orchard was filled with employees, retirees, families, and community members honoring half a century of Purina Pride and Friskies Flavor.

It was inspiring to reflect on what Purina has meant to our region—creating jobs, investing in growth, and supporting generations of families. Even more exciting is what lies ahead. With a $200 million expansion project underway, Purina is paving the way for another 50 years of innovation and impact in Fort Dodge. We are proud to celebrate this milestone with them and even prouder to look ahead to the future together.

Golf Outing — Tomorrow!

Speaking of milestones, our Annual Golf Outing tees off tomorrow! With a full slate of teams ready to hit the course, we’re looking forward to a day filled with friendly competition, fresh air, and lots of laughs. Whether you’re chasing birdies or just enjoying the networking, it’s always one of the highlights of our year.

Member Meet & Eat — September 9 at The Community Orchard

Looking ahead, join us for our Member Meet & Eat on Tuesday, September 9, at The Community Orchard. This special evening will feature Leah Glasgo, President & CEO of UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge, as our panel guest. It’s a wonderful opportunity to hear her perspective, connect with members, and enjoy great food in a beautiful setting.

Leading Ladies Round Table — September 30

To all the powerhouse women in our network, mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 30, at The Friendship Haven Celebration Room. Our Leading Ladies Round Table will be a meaningful, discussion-style gathering where voices are heard, ideas are shared, and connections are deepened. It’s a space to be inspired, empowered, and celebrated.

As always, thank you for being part of what makes Fort Dodge thrive. Together, we’re celebrating milestones, building partnerships, and looking ahead with optimism.

Astra Ferris

Astra Ferris, IOM

Chief Executive Officer

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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

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

Gowrie City Wide Garage Sales

Gowrie City Wide Fall Garage Sales

📅Friday, September 5th

Saturday, September 6th

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

Cub Scout Sign-Up Night

Are you looking for a fun and engaging program for your child(ren) this year? The Cub Scouting program is a youth program for kindergarten through 5th graders, that helps to prepare them to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Your child will want to join though because it's FUN, "a game with a purpose"! Cub Scouts is about having fun, making friends, and doing your best!

📅Monday, September 8th

6:00PM-7:30PM

📍201 Ave H

More Info

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

For a list of all events,

click here.

Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Building a Sustainable Future in Pork Production

The Spin Markket Report Tony Finn is a Sales Account Manager at Wholestone Farms. We discuss their joint venture with Prestage Foods, how the pork production industry has changed, implementing new technology within the facilities to increase environmental protection and sustainability, and more!

Listen Here

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.

Back to School Money Tips: Financial Tools Every Parent Should Know

How to Money with Kole & Cole This week Kole and Baileigh discuss financial tools parents can use to help prepare them for the back-to-school season.

Listen Here

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

50 years of Purina Pride and Friskies Flavor

Celebrating 50 Years of Purina in Fort Dodge! Video of the 50 years of Purina Pride and Friskies Flavor in Fort Dodge, Iowa

Listen Here

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!

100+ Episodes of Celebrating Fort Dodge

Talk Fort Dodge Todd and Jeremiah sit down alone this week to discuss the Downtown Country Jam, upcoming projects in the area, recently opened businesses, and to celebrate over 100 episodes of Talk Fort Dodge!

Listen Here

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