Hello Ames Jaycees!

Ames Jaycees — I hope you’re all coming to Friday’s pub crawl because we have A LOT to celebrate!! I got a call from Iowa Jaycees President Mark Lowry late last night and ….. For the first half of the year — January through June — the Ames Jaycees was the NO. 1 CHAPTER IN THE NATION!!!!.

This is a HUGE accomplishment and I’m proud of each and every one of you. It’s because of our active members that we are a strong and balanced chapter.

Additionally, the Red Region, to which we belong, was the No. 1 Region in the Nation! Go Red!

If you haven’t RSVP’d to Grace to attend the pub crawl, please do so soon. The more the merrier — and friends are invited!

Here is your update for the week of Oct. 27.

This week:
Pub Crawl
Friday, Oct. 31 – Meet at 7 p.m. behind Olde Main Brewery. Look for the big green bus. Cost is $20 and includes transportation and a t-shirt. Costumes optional. We’ll be hitting some rural areas and meeting up with the Nevada Jaycees. Questions? Contact Grace at halloweenpubcrawl@amesjaycees.com.

Upcoming events:
Membership meeting
Thursday, Nov. 6 – 7 p.m. at Buford’s at the Quality Inn and Suites, 2601 E 13th
Membership meetings are a great way to learn about upcoming events, meet new people and socialize. Additionally, this is the last week nominations for the 2009 board of directions will be held. For more info, contact Peggy at pres@amesjaycees.com.
Elections for the 2009 Board of Directors
Thursday, Nov. 8 – Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. at Prairie Moon Winery. Elections will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Attire is business casual. Light snacks and wine will be furnished. For more info, contact Peggy at pres@amesjaycees.com.

Ames Chamber news

As a member of the Ames Jaycees, you are also a member of the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Therefore, please take advantage of the following activities!

Business After Hours — Hosted by Gateway Insurance Services and First National Bank on Tuesday, OCTOBER 28th at First National Bank’s 405 5th Street Office from 5-7 p.m.

Vote Your Voice: October 27, 7:00 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers
October 27 | 7:00 p.m. | Story County Candidate Forum | City Hall Council Chambers

Vote Your Voice and Reap Rewards on November 4th!
Tuesday, November 4 is the day! Now that the debates, forums, endorsements, speeches and (thank goodness) advertising is winding down, it’s time to get out to the polls and VOTE YOUR VOICE, Ames!
And this year voting is sweeter than ever! Not only do you have the convenience of same-day voter registration (eliminating any excuse not to vote!), the Ames Chamber has partnered with some of our members to REWARD faithful citizens exercising their right and privilege to vote in this general election.
SWEET Rewards: On November 4, show up with your “I Voted” sticker at Cold Stone Creamery (1310 South Duff Avenue) and get a FREE ice cream creation! Every voter deserves a treat like this after a long election season! Offer good for registered voters (18 and older) only.
Enjoy the Show: After you’ve voted and the work day is done, watch the election results pour in with the Young Professionals of Ames at Olde Main Brewing Company as they extend their happy hour specials for those showing up with their “I Voted” sticker. All Chamber members welcome!
All the regular polling locations will be open 7:00 am. – 9:00 p.m. For a complete list of candidates, polling locations, sample copies of the ballot for your district and other voter information, please go to the Story County Auditor’s website: www.storycounty.com/auditor.

Disaster Planning Seminar, October 28 & 29, Ankeny Fire Department
The Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Planning Seminar, Understanding and Implementing the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 1600 Standard, is two days of dynamic planning education for businesses of all sizes to better understand and plan for a variety of disasters. By the time participants are done, they will be well versed in:
� Program Management
� Risk Assessment
� Prevention and Mitigation
� Resource Management & Logistics
� Plan Development
� Incident Management
� Training Drills & Exercises
� Reviews, Evaluations & Corrective Actions
To register for this conference, please print the attached PDF file and mail your check or money order to:
Liz Manion
R1-Story County Admin
900 6th Street
Nevada, Iowa 50201

A Passion for Customer Service-Part 2: November 11, 11:30am, ISU Foundation
Tuesday, November 11 (part 2), ISU Foundation, Lepke Community Room, 2505 University Boulevard
Sponsored by: Manpower and ATW Training & Consulting, Inc.
There is only one reason to be in business and that is to have customers. In this program we will draw out what it means to be truly passionate about serving your customers, and we will explore the impact of customer service on growing your business. This program will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and is presented by November guest speaker Tom Gard, Hy-Vee.
Registration for Part 2 of the program is $15 for Chamber members ($25 for non-members) and includes lunch. To register, click here.

Business Improvement Forum: November 20, 7:30am, Somerset Clubhouse
Sponsored by QualityOne Commercial Cleaning
Mark your calendars and join us for the concluding forum of this popular series. It will be held November 20 at 7:30am at Somerset Clubhouse. The final session in our third module is designed to increase your ability to generate interest in your business’s services-in short, how to generate more sales! The forum will be presented by Mike Day, general manager of Dale Carnegie Training. Continental breakfast is provided. Please register no later than November 19, by clicking here.

Get Involved! Business Improvement Council
GET INVOLVED! Ames Chamber of Commerce Business Improvement Council
The mission of the Business Improvement Council is to provide support and resources for the area businesses and organizations as they strive for continuous improvement in their organizations. The Business Improvement Council is responsible for selecting the curriculum for the Business Improvement Forum Series, annual Business Improvement Seminar, and Professional Development Series.
The Business Improvement Council meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30am at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. To get involved with this committee or if you would like more information, please contact Crystal Davis(crystal@ameschamber.com) or call at 515-232-2310.

Quotable.
Meeting people halfway is the most significant trip we can take. We don’t work for each other…we work with each other. – Anonymous

Peggy Nitchals
77th president
Ames Junior Chamber
Better yourself. Better your community.