A Flair for Business in Ames, IA
Whether a company excels in HVAC systems or cloud computing, the outlook for business in Ames is strong and steady. Located just 40 minutes from the state capital of Des Moines, Ames and the western corridor of Story County, adjacent to Interstate 35, have become an especially rewarding site for both established and incoming businesses.
“As Des Moines has continued to grow, our community has also thrived,” says Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission.
Over the past decade, the region has experienced a 12% increase in its population, according to Culhane, not to mention its job growth has been equally robust.
Perks of a University Town
“We’re seeing a lot of new activity in plant science and animal health – biotechnology,” says Culhane, noting the presence of Iowa State University. “In fact, we see a lot of industries come in that tie directly to the disciplines taught at the university, such as life sciences, agriculture and engineering. Iowa State is the economic engine for our region, not only for company spinoffs but also talent and investment capital.”
Michelle Vogel, president and CEO of commercial printing and design firm Sigler, has been on hand to help the private legacy firm grow and expand over the past few years, with two acquisitions and the development of a storage and fulfillment arm of the business, a niche that is growing as the rest of the country runs out of space, Vogel points out.
Founded in 1958 to make custom rubber stamps, the company now occupies 150,000 square feet of production, office and storage space near Ames Municipal Airport and produces marketing materials ranging from company polo shirts to retail websites, trade-show signs, and magazine and book printing.
“If you need something for your business with your brand on it, we do it,” Vogel says.
Ready Workforce
With the expansion, Sigler now has about 140 workers on the payroll. “Our employees come from all around the region; the influx of talent is really encouraging,” Vogel says.
As outgoing chair of the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Vogel also believes the university town culture is a draw for residents and businesses.
Culhane agrees, saying the convenient neighborhoods, extensive greenways and a bustling yet walkable downtown give Ames an urban flair. “It’s a great university town, and we are working to create even more lifestyle amenities,” he says.
Among civic initiatives underway is Walk Bike Roll Ames, a project to develop a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plan.
Education, Careers & Opportunity
Discover a Land of Opportunity in the Ames Region
Ames is abundant with opportunities. From treating respiratory patients to crafting decadent charcuterie storefronts and launching elite music academies, central Iowa makers are proving that small passions build big legacies.
Wide Open Opportunities
Several international companies have locations in Ames, including 3M, Barilla, BASF, Boehringer Ingelheim and Danfoss. Midsize and local businesses also thrive.
Chevron Renewable Energy Group is both a local and global company, as it is headquartered in Ames but conducts business on the world stage. Chevron produces and supplies cleaner fuels.
Dakota Supply Group, North Dakota maker of trailers for transportation and storage, recently broke ground on a 30,000-square-foot facility in Ames.
Prairie View Industrial Center sits on 617 acres just east of Interstate 35, providing space for manufacturing and other large-scale operations. Nearby, Iowa State University Research Park provides technical and research support for up to 90 business tenants.
“There’s a nice balance here in our market. Even though we are a university community, people generally understand the importance of growing business and employment opportunitiesfor people,” Culhane adds.
Chad Houston with Kruck Plumbing and Heating also offers an upbeat assessment. The Ames economy has remained “steady to good” for the 83-year-old company.
“We do a lot of things, but we specialize in public projects, particularly schools, and the outlook there is healthy,” he says. “There’s always a need to keep up with growth and bring updates to aging buildings.”
However, commercial construction could become a concern if interest rates remain high. That’s where a good reputation developed over decades can come in handy, Houston says.
“It’s all about the relationships we build with our customers, our clients and general contractors,” he says.
Get to Know Ames
Want to learn more about living and working in Ames, IA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Ames, Iowa, And The Greater Boone & Story County Region.