Last season, attendance surged, with more than 8,000 visitors in a single market day, highlighting the strong demand for the downtown market experience. For years, the market has also maintained a waiting list of vendors eager to participate. The additional block will create new opportunities for vendors and small businesses to join the market while giving visitors more space to explore.

The 2026 season marks the 16th season of the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market and will feature approximately 95 vendors each week.

“The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market has grown into one of the most popular gatherings in our community,” said Lojean Petersen, Market Manager. “Expanding into the 200 block allows us to welcome more vendors and create an even better experience for the thousands of people who come downtown on Saturday mornings. It’s exciting to see the market continue to evolve while supporting local growers, makers, and entrepreneurs.”

The market is an affiliate program of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, which works to support economic vitality and quality of life throughout the region.

“The Farmers’ Market is one of the best examples of what makes Downtown Ames special,” said Dan Culhane, President and CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Its growth reflects the strength of our local producers, the enthusiasm of our community, and the important role that vibrant public spaces play in supporting local business and regional economic development.”

The expanded market will continue to offer fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, handmade items, live music and family activities throughout the season. The additional space will help accommodate growing demand while enhancing the walkable atmosphere that has made the market a cornerstone of Downtown Ames.

The 2026 season will open on May 2^nd and run weekly through October. Additional details about the 2026 season, including vendor listings, special events, and opening day information, will be announced on the Farmers’ Market website and social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram).

2026 Mentorship Pairings: (Mentee – Mentor)

• Aditya Jawalikar (Kingland Systems) – Iacovos Zachariades (Global Reach Internet Productions)

• Aidan Shervheim (Skroot Laboratory, Inc.) – Mike Espeset (Story Construction)

• Alissa Millard (VisionBank) – Amy Lang (MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union)

• Andy Moore (Discover Ames) – Kevin Brooks (Brooks Consulting Service)

• Ashley Stone (Iowa State University Foundation) – Alison Doyle (Digital Ag Innovation Lab)

• Beth Murray (RES Properties) – Nicolle Hornberg (Kruck Plumbing & Heating)

• Bridget Good (b.e.good) – Ellyn Grimm (Dog-Eared Books)

• Cole Benton (10Fold Architecture + Engineering) – Dylan Kline (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)

• David Nelson (First National Bank) – Tyler Farner (Farner Storage)

• Fran Stoline (AgCertain Industries) – Michelle Vogel (Sigler Companies, Inc.)

• Grace Hillock (Iowa League of Cities) – Greg Piklapp (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)

• Grace Larkey (Chevron) – Renee Hansen (Sukup Manufacturing Co.)

• Hannah Feilmeier (Mary Greeley Medical Center) – Katie Shively (Danfoss Power Solutions)

• Isaac Jarnagin (Integrity Grove) – Dan McClanahan (McClanahan Studio)

• Jimmy Driskell (Hy-Vee) – Mitch Anderson (Story Construction)

• Josh Stoddard (10Fold Architecture + Engineering) – Kent Rotert (Colorbiotics)

• Josiah O’Polka (Haverkamp Group) – Doug Ragaller (Northwest Bank)

• Jozie Porter (Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.) – Anne Taylor (Dogtown University and A&R Marketing, Inc.)

• Justin Thiele (Discover Ames) – Shamaree Brown (Iowa State University Athletics)

• Kate Espinoza (Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County) – Melissa McGarry (Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation)

• Leilani Stopko (Complete Connection Chiropractic) – Dan Culhane (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)

• Lucia Carlson (Ames Public Library Friends Foundation) – Sarina Flathers (Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County)

• Maddie Flack (Todd & Sargent) – Angie Strotman (Iowa State University)

• Matea Gordon (Global Reach Internet Productions) – Chris Sievers (John Deere)

• Morgan Brons (Northcrest Community) – Judi Eyles (Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship)

• Morgan Dalbeck (Saltech Systems) – Michelle Cassabaum (21st Century Rehab)

• Morganne Dennis (Iowa State University Research Park) – Jill Janes (Boone Community School District)

• Rachel Junck (Chevron) – Jeff Harris (RMH Architects)

• Shannon Thiele (Ames Regional Economic Alliance) – Amber Deardorff (Mary Greeley Medical Center)

• Sidney Hansen (Ames Regional Economic Alliance) – Amanda Thompson (Studio A Designs)

• Taryn Johnston (Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship) – Ashley Thompson (United Way of Story County)

• Taylor Wickman (AgCertain Industries) – Buffy Clatt (Ames National Corporation)

• Whitney Spencer (Iowa Home Consulting) – Jenna Fitch (Furman Corporation)

“Expanding from 15 to 33 mentorship pairings in just the second year of this program speaks volumes about the value of investing in the next generation of leaders in our region” said Shannon Thiele, Vice President of Affiliate Programming at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “The AREA YP Mentorship Program creates opportunities for our members to learn from experienced leaders, build confidence, and develop lasting relationships that strengthen both their careers and our broader business community.”

For more information about the AREA YP Mentorship Program, visit their website.

https://areayoungprofessionals.com/mentorship-program/

Home Kneads, LLC is a locally owned sourdough bakery dedicated to crafting artisan loaves made with 100% organic, premium ingredients — freshly milled flour, water, and ancient sea salt. Their mission is to inspire people to choose real food by producing the most sought-after sourdough in Iowa.

They currently operate as an in-home bakery producing more than 500 loaves per week. Due to strong and consistent growth, including an expanding wholesale partnership with Fareway they wish to make the move to a dedicated production facility while also establishing a retail store front to serve the local and broader community on weekends.   

“Slater is thrilled to welcome Home Kneads Bakery to Main Street! Mike and Nina Harris are wonderful people, and we’re excited to have them as part of our community. We’re all looking forward to the amazing aroma of fresh sourdough drifting through town”, explains Taylor Christensen, Slater Mayor.

The new sourdough bakery storefront will also allow the owners to expand their existing sourdough classes, which currently draw students from across the state each month and consistently books out 2 months in advance. Last year they taught 500 people how to make real bread, which clearly shows a growing demand for people to make their own bread using traditional techniques and simple ingredients. 

Michael and Nina Harris, owners of Home Kneads, LLC explain, “We are committed to investing in Slater’s historic downtown, contributing to local economic development, and creating a welcoming space that brings both residents and visitors to Main Street.  We appreciate the support of the City of Slater and the opportunity to continue growing our business within this community.”

Home Kneads LLC is expected to open before Slater’s 4th of July celebration.

In Nevada, multiple projects illustrate how layered that strategy must be. OakPark Estates is breathing new life into the former Oak Park Academy campus, blending history with modern need through townhomes, single-family homes, and preserved brick buildings converted to rentals. Just across town, NorthView is carving out 33 new single-family lots designed for entry-level buyers ready to plant roots. And Sierra Heights is scaling rental options in a community where thousands commute in daily for work, delivering 138 townhomes that support workforce retention and long-term economic competitiveness. Together, they demonstrate that no single product type solves a housing challenge.

Smaller communities are proving that impact is not defined by size. In Maxwell, Rock Creek Ridge marks the first new speculative housing development in more than two decades. Through collaboration between developers, builders, the city, and county partners, the project shows how even a handful of homes, supported by workforce housing tax credits and creative financing, can signal momentum and confidence.

That same spirit of reinvestment is visible in Jefferson. The Jeffersonian Middle School Housing Renovation Project is transforming a vacant 1921 school into 25 downtown apartments, leveraging historic and workforce housing tax credits alongside local support. Nearby infill projects by Origin Homes are delivering energy-efficient residences that fit seamlessly into established neighborhoods. One reimagines the past; the other builds for the future. Both reinforce that housing is central to community vitality.

In Boone, thoughtful neighborhood planning is shaping growth. Oak Park, a 53-lot custom home community adjacent to McHose Park, blends natural amenities with intentional design. Prairie Place adds townhomes and apartments near Highway 30, schools, and recreation, strengthening workforce housing options through public-private partnership. These developments underscore that location, connectivity, and collaboration matter as much as the homes themselves.

Meanwhile in Huxley, The Republic at Anthem represents the first residential phase of a larger mixed-use vision. As the city grows, modern market-rate apartments help retain residents locally while laying the groundwork for integrated, long-term development. 

And in Ames, the Baker Subdivision is transforming a long-vacant school site into new single-family homes, including seven built by Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa. The project demonstrates how community-driven housing can expand opportunity while revitalizing underutilized land.

Behind these projects stand strong partners and builders. Prairieland Homes, named Builder of the Year, has set a standard for quality and energy-efficient construction for more than five decades. Howell Investment Finance, led by Denny Howell, is recognized as Housing Partner of the Year for assembling complex financing packages that make transformative projects possible.

Together, this year’s award recipients tell a powerful story: housing is not a single project or policy. It is a regional commitment. And when communities align vision, investment, and partnership, they create more than homes, they build the foundation for sustained economic vitality.

When you stay in a role this long, focus and consistency are essential. Just as important, however, is the willingness to evolve—to try new things, turn ideas on their head, and resist becoming comfortable or predictable. I take pride in changing things up because the Alliance cannot afford to be stale. When I arrived, we were a team of five, me included. Today, we are twenty employees strong, operating as a four-county regional community and economic development organization. That growth is a source of immense pride—for the work we do, the people I get to do it with, and the dozens of business and community leaders across our region who stand with us every day.

Throughout my tenure, I have tried to be consistent in one core belief: we must think bigger. I was recently refreshed to hear those same words echoed by the CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, who shared with me, “As a state, we must think bigger. It is not R or D—it is we. We, as the people of Iowa, must think bigger.”

That philosophy is central to the Alliance. Thinking bigger is not about adding staff or expanding our geographic footprint. It is about looking at opportunities for community growth and asking, why not? As Secretary Vilsack put it, “good enough” is not good enough. We must do better. That means building more homes, attracting more retail, creating more jobs, and supporting meaningful employment that strengthens families and communities. If we want to attract and retain the people our businesses, schools, grocery stores, and human service agencies depend on, our communities must continue to improve and grow.

Thank you for a great 20 years. Whether I am here another five or another twenty, rest assured: the Alliance and I will continue to think big—and push for it—every single day.

The Barilla plant in Ames opened in 1998—the company’s first production site in the United States—and has since become one of its largest and most advanced facilities worldwide. Situated on 125 acres, the Ames site is a unique operation: it’s the only Barilla location in the U.S. that houses both a milling operation and pasta production under one roof. Today, the plant produces roughly 1.2 million boxes of pasta every single day, processing more than 700 tons of wheat in the process.

“It’s incredible to think about the scale of what happens here in Ames,” said Dustin Moffitt, Plant Director at Barilla America. “We’re taking raw wheat grown across the Midwest and transforming it into a product that reaches dinner tables all over the country. That’s something our team takes a lot of pride in.”

A Local Leader with Global Vision

For Moffitt, that pride runs deep. An Iowa native, he began his Barilla journey in 2002 as a production operator on the floor. Over the years, his steady rise through the company reflects both his dedication and the company’s philosophy of investing in people. From Processing Technologist to Mill Manager, then Production Manager, and now Plant Director, his career has mirrored the growth and innovation of the Ames facility itself.

“I’ve literally grown up with this plant,” Moffitt said with a smile. “What’s made Barilla special to me is the opportunity to keep learning, keep improving, and work with people who genuinely care about what they do. The team here in Ames is world-class.”

Under his leadership, the plant continues to play a vital role in Barilla’s North American operations. With approximately 260 employees, the facility not only sustains a strong local workforce but also contributes significantly to the regional economy. Barilla maintains a 35% market share in the United States pasta industry, and Ames is a key piece of that success.

Investing in Ames and the Future

Barilla’s story in Ames is one of continual investment. In 2019, the company completed a $65 million expansion that increased production capacity and added state-of-the-art technology. The expansion reaffirmed Barilla’s commitment to Ames as its North American production hub.

“This community has supported us since day one,” Moffitt said. “We’re not just operating here—we’re part of Ames. Every expansion, every improvement we make, strengthens that partnership.”

Barilla’s close collaboration with organizations like the Ames Regional Economic Alliance exemplifies the synergy between global business and local development. The plant’s ongoing initiatives align closely with the Alliance’s mission to foster innovation, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth.

“Partnerships like ours with Barilla demonstrate the long-term benefits of investing in this region,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Their growth has ripple effects throughout the community—from agriculture to logistics to workforce training.”

Beyond the Plate

Barilla’s presence in Ames extends beyond manufacturing. The company emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, reflecting its global mission to be “Good for You, Good for the Planet.” Locally, that commitment shows up in efforts to minimize waste, improve energy efficiency, and support local initiatives.

“Our work doesn’t stop when the pasta leaves the line,” Moffitt explained. “We’re constantly looking ahead—how we can be more efficient, how we can give back, and how we can ensure that what we do here continues to have a positive impact on both our people and our planet.”

A Global Brand, an Iowa Story

From its humble beginnings in Italy to its cutting-edge operations in Ames, Barilla represents a blend of tradition and progress. The Ames facility is not just a manufacturing site—it’s a symbol of what happens when global excellence meets Midwestern values. “When you see a box of Barilla pasta on the shelf, there’s a good chance it came from right here in Ames,” Moffitt said. “That’s something this community can be proud of.”

From the beginning, HPC built its reputation on three core values: honor, pride, and commitment. Those words, still featured on the company’s website today, have guided every project and partnership over the past five decades. “Our obligation goes beyond the contract,” the company notes, a principle reflected in the care and detail they bring to every job. What started in a small Ames warehouse has evolved into a full-service operation with skilled carpenters and engineers capable of managing everything from historic renovations to large-scale institutional and commercial projects.

HPC’s portfolio reads like a tour through some of central Iowa’s most recognizable places. Their renovation of Iowa State University’s historic Morrill Hall is a standout as they transformed the 1891 building into a modern, sustainable space while preserving its architectural legacy. The company also played key roles in projects like the Ames Miracle League complex, the Gilbert High School addition and stadium complex, and the new Iowa 60Forward Center building. Beyond Ames, their footprint extends into Ankeny, Boone, Gilbert, Nevada, and Des Moines, with a range of educational, commercial, and community projects that show both versatility and staying power.

Through all this growth, Harold Pike Construction has remained deeply local. The company’s leadership and employees live, work, and invest in the same communities they build for. That local connection, paired with a strong sense of accountability, has earned them a loyal client base and a steady stream of repeat business. Their relationships with Iowa State University and numerous civic partners have helped them stay both relevant and rooted, even as construction technologies and market dynamics have changed dramatically over the years.

As HPC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the milestone is as much about people as it is about projects. It’s a celebration of the generations of tradespeople who have poured their skill and pride into every wall, beam, and foundation; of long-term clients who have trusted the company to bring their visions to life; and of the enduring belief that quality work and integrity never go out of style.

Looking ahead, Harold Pike Construction remains committed to the same values that built its reputation. Whether restoring a historic campus building, expanding a local school, or creating new spaces for businesses to grow, HPC continues to approach every job with the same care and craftsmanship that defined its first fifty years. In a region that continues to evolve, Harold Pike Construction stands as both a builder of structures and a builder of community; proof that doing things the right way, year after year, is the foundation for lasting success.

Founded 15 years ago, All Star Auto Glass was built with a single mission: to deliver fast, friendly, and high-quality auto glass repair and replacement backed by experience and integrity. Today, the company’s team brings more than 65 years of combined expertise to every job. From minor windshield chips to full replacements, they handle it all with a dedication to precision, safety, and customer satisfaction.

“Our technicians aren’t just installers. They’re certified professionals,” Chriswisser explains. “We use the most advanced materials available and follow strict safety standards, because your windshield is one of the most important safety features on your vehicle.”

That commitment to quality has earned All Star Auto Glass lasting partnerships with major clients such as the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State University, ensuring state vehicles and university fleets are always road-ready. Along with these partnerships, the heart of the company remains local. “We’re not part of a national chain,” Chriswisser says. “When people support us, their money stays here. We’re helping keep jobs and dollars in the Ames community.”

Chriswisser’s personal journey reflects the same dedication. With 30 years in the auto glass industry, working across the U.S. and even in Europe, he’s built a reputation for skill and craftsmanship. In 2006, he represented Iowa at the Auto Glass Olympics in Las Vegas, placing seventh out of 50 competitors. That passion for excellence continues to drive his approach today. “You can’t fake experience,” he says. “Every vehicle, every installation, is a chance to do it right and keep someone safe.”

Beyond the shop, Chriswisser is a family man, married to his wife Megan for 26 years, with two daughters. He’s also a fan of mountain biking and Iowa State Athletics; both reminders, he says, of what makes the Ames community so special. “It’s a town that supports its own,” he reflects. “We’re proud to be one of those local businesses people can count on.”

Whether it’s repairing a single windshield or servicing an entire fleet, All Star Auto Glass stands out for its combination of technical expertise and small-town service. The result is a company that’s earned a loyal customer base and a reputation for reliability; proof that in Ames, clear vision and community focus truly go hand in hand.

The site first became public land when the Iowa Railroad Land Company gifted 2.6 acres to the city with the condition that it be used as a park. In 1909, the city constructed the first concrete bandstand, which served the community for more than two decades before Ames’ growing Municipal Band began to outgrow the space in the early 1930s.

In 1934, with strong community backing from local civic clubs to musicians themselves, the city approved plans for a new bandshell. Architect Grover Pratt of Iowa State designed the structure in a striking Art Deco style, and local contractor Fred Fischer oversaw construction, complete with a copper roof crafted by J. R. Jones. The project cost about $39,000, a significant sum during the Great Depression.

On June 13, 1935, the bandshell was officially dedicated with a grand celebration that featured Karl King’s Fort Dodge band and 13 local ensembles. Since then, the venue has hosted countless concerts, including regular summer performances by the Ames Municipal Band, drawing hundreds each week.

Architecturally, the shell is notable for its cast-in-place concrete, steel framing, and quarter-hemisphere design; ideal for acoustic richness. By the 1990s, however, age and weather had taken their toll, prompting a major restoration in 2005 led by The Ames Foundation.

Today, Bandshell Park remains more than just a beautiful venue. It’s a living piece of Ames’ cultural heritage; a place where history, community, and music come together under the open sky.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the Alliance team,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Her experience supporting small businesses, building strong partnerships, and leading regional initiatives will be a tremendous asset to our region.”

Prior to joining the Alliance, Jennifer played a key role in launching a regional entrepreneurship initiative serving eight counties in West Central Iowa. Through this work, she partnered closely with local economic development organizations, resource providers, and business owners to strengthen local capacity, coordinate resources across county lines, and improve access to business support in rural communities.

Jennifer was selected for the first national cohort of the Economic Recovery Corps, a highly competitive, place-based fellowship led by the International Economic Development Council with 65 sites nationwide. Her work represented the only fellowship placement and project in the state of Iowa, focusing on cross-sector collaboration and strategies related to entrepreneurship, business retention, and workforce-connected growth at a regional scale. She also brings experience in community banking, with a background in real estate lending and related transactions.

In addition to her professional work, Jennifer has served on community boards and supported local organizations through volunteer service and civic involvement.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her family, and staying actively involved in the community.

Luengas-Otto began her position on February 2 and can be reached at [email protected].