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February 20th, 2025

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CEO's Corner

Happy Thursday Members!



Tuesday was our first Small Business Task Force Session of the year. Thank you to everyone who bared the cold weather and attended! If you missed this session, be on the lookout for the next one to learn ways to create a thriving environment for your business! 


There is still time to register for our annual dinner! Next Thursday February 27th doors open at 5:00PM. The Growth Alliance's Annual Dinner is the premiere networking event of the year. Whether you need an individual ticket or a table of 8, everyone is welcome! Log onto our website and find out more information or register today! 

 

I can't believe March is almost here and coming faster than we could have even imagined! With that in a nutshell, Our first Leading ladies of the year is March 25th 

Hosted out at The Crossroads Event Center, featuring Fort Dodge's very own TikTok star Jennifer Brown. Jen will be sharing her amazing journey and obstacles to overcome and achieve where she is today! Come hear Jen's story and enjoy lunch! Registration is open! 


Astra Ferris

Astra Ferris, IOM

Chief Executive Officer

ALLIANCE UPDATES

Member Benefit

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Wednesday, February 26th


Tuesday, March 4th


Our ribbon cuttings are open to the public!

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Fort Dodge Young Professionals

Caffeine Connections

☕Looking to make more connections while doing something fun? 

Come join the Fort Dodge Young Professionals for our Caffeine Connections event at Ardys Mae on 2/22/25, 10AM-12PM! We welcome anyone who is interested in making genuine connections & opportunities to network with professionals from all the different industries our community offers, including self-employed & any career field you're in!

🔷NO AGE RESTRICTIONS 😊- YOUNG AND YOUNG AT HEART ARE WELCOME🔷


Shed Antler Showcase


Show off your shed collection. Learn all about antlers, get tips on hunting for dropped antlers and hear about the deer population concerns.


📅Saturday, February 22nd 2025

Starting at 10:00AM

Fort Dodge Community Schools Kindergarten Round-up


Kindergarten Round-Up registration is open now until February 28!

Visit Central Office during regular business hours to sign up!

Kindergarten Round-Up is March 3 at Early Childhood Center. This is an excellent opportunity for students and adults to meet Kindergarten teachers and learn more about Kindergarten at the ECC!


ISU Extension Babysitting Clinic


ISU Extension and Outreach Webster County is sponsoring a babysitting clinic for 4th-8th grade students. Great topics will be discussed during the clinic.

📅Thursday, March 13th

Registration Begins at 8:45AM


Contact Kristyn with any questions

515-576-2119

ServSafe Food Safety Training


Certification for foodservice managers and workers ServSafe food safety training which meets the Certified Food Protection Manager requirements held by Iowa State University Extension.


📅Next session Thursday, March 24th

Register by March 3rd

Soldier Creek Winery


March 2nd Bingo supporting Pups & Paws Pound 3pm-5pm

Bingo! Bring your friends, family, neighbors for a *good cause* and some fun! Select Sundays from 3-5PM. We are partnering with Pups & Paws Pound to help fulfill their wish list, bring items off their list in exchange for Bingo cards

March 6th Craft Night: DIY Earrings with Roo + Loo Artistry 6:30-8:30PM $40

Join us for a fun-filled evening of earrings, painting, friendships, and wine! We’ve invited the ever-talented Kara with Roo + Loo Artistry back for another Craft Night. Create your own beautiful earrings- hand painted by YOU!

✨ What’s included:

🍷2 glasses of wine (or drink of your choice)

🌿 All materials for your project

🌟Expert guidance from Kara with Roo + Loo Artistry

🎁Your unique creations

👯‍♀️ A fun evening with friends!

Don’t miss out on this perfect opportunity to get creative and enjoy some wine! Spots are limited—sign up today!

March 7th Brad & Kate 6-8PM

Vineyard Vibrations: Brad & Kate

Join us for an intimate evening of live music at Soldier Creek Winery featuring Brad & Kate! This talented husband and wife duo, Kate Myers and Brad Myers, deliver a unique blend of pop and folk that will warm your heart. Their performance includes catchy originals and heartfelt covers, creating a relaxed and memorable atmosphere.

Bring your friends, family, or that special someone and enjoy a night filled with great tunes and even better company. As you sip your favorite wine, enjoy a curated charcuterie box from the Winifred's Munchies line.

https://www.soldiercreekwinery.com/eventcalendar/pop-folk-music-night-at-vineyard-vibrations-brad-kate/


For a list of all events,

click here.

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Check out our Community Calendar for Events

MEMBER TO MEMBER

Slam Dunk Against Hunger


Who: This online auction helps seniors who are food insecure.

What: Elderbridge Slam Dunk Against Hunger Online Auction

Where: 32Auctions - https://www.32auctions.com/elderbridegnutrition2025

When: March 2, 2025 – March 9, 2025 (ending at 8:00 pm CST with extended bidding)

Why: Continued support to seniors to prevent malnutrition. 


Fort Frenzy Corporate Group Rates


We've recently created a fantastic new Corporate package for Team Building events or simply a day of Fun, available Monday through Thursday. Groups can reserve a spot and enjoy a two-hour pass for all attractions – perfect for staff and their families!


 Retirement Derailments: What You Need to Know to Stay on Track


Cole and Baileigh discuss common mistakes and events that can derail a retirement. 

 On today's episode: 🏥 Unexpected Life Events 📊 Market Volatility 🎈 Inflation 🏈 Go Chiefs 

  ** Asset allocation does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss. 

 ** A Roth IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings in the account. Qualified withdrawals of earnings from the account are tax-free. Withdrawals of earnings prior to age 59 ½ or prior to the account being opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may result in a 10% IRS penalty tax. Limitations and restrictions may apply. 


** At Full Swing Financial Planning, we are here to empower you to take control of your plan, your way, for your financial future!


Listen Here

Annual Customer Appreciation Sale


Party Productions Customer Appreciation Sale going on now!


📅From Now until March 1st, 2025

Building the Future: How USG's Fort Dodge Plant Shapes the Industry


It's National Engineers week! Michael Ensminger (Plant Manager) and Geoff Astor (Project Engineer) stopped by from USG - United States Gypsum Co. this week. We discussed how USG is at the forefront of innovation in their industry, the importance of focusing on the end user, marketing products to industries that utilize their products, USG's commitment to the community, and more!

Listen Here

Community Health Center Launches New Facebook Pages for Better Community Connection


In an effort to better connect with each of our communities, Community Health Center of Fort Dodge, Inc., which operates locations in Fort Dodge, Dayton, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Mason City, and soon-to-be in Spencer, Iowa, is excited to announce the launch of new, dedicated Facebook pages for each location. 

View our Website

The Importance of Learning: Early Childhood Education Matters


Jenn Becker is the Program Director of Fort Dodge Play & Learn Center. She discusses how the Fort Dodge Play & Learn Center was formed, what types of activities are available, the benefits of early childhood development, future plans, and much more!

Listen Here

Iowa Central Community College


Get registered for the ICCC Career Fair!


📅March 19th 10:00AM-1:00PM


Register Here






Buena Vista University Introduces A New Program


Buena Vista University now introduces Social Work to the online learning programs. Learn more today!


More Info

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