BUSINESS
business CONNECTION
Terry Christensen PUBLISHER tchristensen@messengernews.net
Bill Shea EDITOR bshea@messengernews.net
Leanne Darr MARKETING DIRECTOR ldarr@messengernews.net
Jody Kayser SALES MANAGER jkayser@messengernews.net
ADDRESS: PHONE: 713 Central Ave. (515) 573-2141 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 FAX: (515) 571-4529
Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is published monthly by The Messenger in cooperation with The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.
All rights reserved. Copyright 2025. Reproduction in part or in whole without the expressed written permission of Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage. Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, artwork or manuscripts. The opinions expressed in editorial material are not necessarily the opinions of Fort Dodge Business Connection.
OCTOBER 2025
Our mission is to unify and coordinate accountable economic and community development to enhance the quality of life in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the region.
24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Staff
• Astra Ferris - CEO astra@greaterfortdodge.com
• Jill Nelson - Vice President jill@greaterfortdodge.com
• Jefferson Fosbender - Economic Development Director jefferson@greaterfortdodge.com
• Katy Grobe - Marketing Specialist katy@greaterfortdodge.com
• Emily Mikos - Operations Coordinator emily@greaterfortdodge.com
• Kamisha Mosley - Administrative Assistant kamisha@greaterfortdodge.com
OCTOBER 23, 2025, 4 P.M. Ribbon Cutting with Plamor 710 1st Ave N, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
OCTOBER 28, 2025, 4:30 P.M. Ribbon Cutting with South Side Martial Arts
935 S 22nd St, Fort Dodge, IA, 50501 Open House from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
OCTOBER 28, 2025, 8:00 TO 9:30 A.M. SSBCI Workshop
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Community Room
NOVEMBER 5, 2025. 4 P.M. TO 5 P.M. Diamond Mobile Ribbon Cutting Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Office
NOVEMBER 18, 2025, 5:00 TO 6:30 P.M. Small Business Task Force Educational Session Contingency Planning
NOVEMBER 20, 2025, 12:00 TO 1:00 P.M. Member Meet & Eat with Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer Iowa Central Community College, Triton Café Conference Room
DON’T MISS OUT
At the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, our events are more than just gatherings—they’re opportunities to connect, collaborate, and elevate our community. Whether it’s networking at a Meet & Eat, celebrating new businesses with ribbon cuttings, or engaging in professional development through programs like Leading Ladies and Leadership Fort Dodge, each event strengthens our local economy and fosters meaningful relationships. By participating, you gain visibility, forge partnerships, and stay informed about the latest initiatives shaping our region. Join us in making Fort Dodge a thriving place to live and do business!
INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST MEMBER TO THE GROWTH ALLIANCE
1028 S 22nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA (515) 571-1352
Southside Martial Arts offers a comprehensive range of programs tailored for all ages and skill levels. Their services include:
KICKBOXING:
Dynamic classes focusing on fitness and self-defense.
YOUTH KICKBOXING:
Engaging sessions designed for children to develop discipline and confidence.
GI JIU JITSU:
Traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emphasizing technique and control.
YOUTH GI JIU JITSU:
Kid-friendly classes teaching self-defense and respect.
NO-GI JIU JITSU:
Grappling without the traditional gi, focusing on modern techniques.
OPEN MAT:
Flexible sessions for additional practice and skill refinement.
Each program is led by experienced instructors dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, Southside Martial Arts provides quality instruction to help you achieve your goals.
WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF THE GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE?
1.
BUSINESS GROWTH AND ECONOMIC VITALITY
Your membership is an investment to support our mission of community growth and prosperity.
2.
MAKE CONNECTIONS
We offer a variety of programming and opportunities to foster networking and relationship building such as our member lunches, Leadership Fort Dodge, and our Leading Ladies program.
3.
VISIBILTY FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Included in your membership are promotional & marketing tools to increase your advertising reach and assist in growing your business.
4.
WORKFORCE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION TOOLS
From roundtable discussions, a job openings board, and a personalized community concierge program for new community members, we offer a veriety of tools to assist you in finding and retaining the best employees.
5.
ADVOCACY
Collaboration is the name of our game. We work closely with local, state & federal officials to make our region an excellent place to do business, coordinating economic growth for business of all sizes.
NOTE FROM THE CEO
Finishing Strong and Focused on What’s Next For the 4th Quarter
As we step into the fourth quarter, there’s a certain buzz in the air — a mix of reflection, anticipation, and forward motion. This time of year always brings both a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come and to focus on what’s next for our region.
Here at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, our mission remains steady and strategic — to unify economic and community development efforts that strengthen quality of life for everyone who lives, works, and invests here. That purpose continues to shape everything we do, from business retention and workforce development to housing, leadership, and placemaking initiatives that elevate Fort Dodge and the Webster County region.
This fall, we’ve seen that mission come to life in so many ways. The Leadership Fort Dodge and Junior Leadership programs are well underway, and it was great to kick off 20 years of our Leadership program. We love playing a part in inspiring the next generation of local leaders. Through our Business Connection publication, we’re proud to continue highlighting the people, projects, and stories that make this region thrive.
Looking ahead, we’re already laying the foundation for 2026. That means strengthening collaboration with local governments and employers, expanding opportunities for engagement, and continuing to share the story of why Fort Dodge is a place where progress and possibility meet.
Growth doesn’t just happen — it’s built intentionally through vision, trust, and teamwork.
As we wrap up the end of this delightful year, let’s keep our eyes on the horizon. Let’s finish strong, celebrate our wins, and continue moving forward — together. Here’s to a successful Q4 and an even stronger year ahead for the Greater Fort Dodge region.
ASTRA FERRIS,
IOM
Chief Executive Officer, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
HAVE YOU LISTENED TO OUR PODCAST YET?
UPCOMING EVENTS
TASK FORCE WORKSHOP
November
SMALL
Meet Me At The Plamor:
FORT DODGE'S NEWEST HIDDEN GEM
Step through the doors of the Laramar Ballroom, climb the stairs just past the echoes of decades past, and you’ll discover Fort Dodge’s newest hidden gem — The Plamor Lounge.
Tucked above the historic ballroom, the Plamor Lounge isn’t your typical night out. It’s a modern-day speakeasy where membership means more — more atmosphere, more craftsmanship, and more connection. And come October 23rd, the Fort Dodge community will officially raise a glass as this exclusive new addition celebrates its Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting with the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.
A Nod to the Past, Elevated for Today
The name “Plamor” carries more than a little local history. Over the years, this building has worn many hats — and names — from the Laramar Ballroom to the Plamor Ballroom to the Twilight Ballroom, and back again. Originally built in 1904 as a National Guard armory, it evolved into one of the Midwest’s most iconic dance halls by the 1930s.
The Plamor Lounge doesn’t just honor that history — it embodies it. Many of the booths inside the lounge are the original Laramar Ballroom booths, lovingly restored to their mid-century glory. It’s part museum, part modern masterpiece
Plamor Lounge
Exclusive, But Not Excluding
The Plamor Lounge is a membership-only experience, designed for those who appreciate a quieter, more refined atmosphere. Think of it as Fort Dodge’s version of a secret club, but with better cocktails and friendlier company.
Members receive a sleek titanium membership card and key fob that grant private access to the lounge and its rotating lineup of curated experiences. Inside, Head Bar Manager Isaiah Degen has elevated mixology to an art form, crafting signature cocktails that are as creative as they are stunning. Whether you’re sipping a classic old-fashioned or something entirely new, every drink comes with a story — and probably a photo-worthy garnish.
Something New Every Week
While the atmosphere feels timeless, the lineup is anything but static. The Plamor hosts specialty theme nights each week, ensuring there’s always something fresh to look forward to. From whiskey tastings and live music to themed cocktail nights that celebrate the changing seasons, it’s a place designed to surprise and delight.
And because the lounge is built around
“ My only wish at The Plamor is to give people a fresh experience. Whether it’s their tastebuds or the atmosphere, nothing excites me more than being a safe space for others to be themselves and relax.”
-Isaiah O'Neal Degen Manager and bartender at The Plamor Lounge
Carrying the Tradition Forward
In many ways, the Plamor Lounge feels like the natural next chapter in Laramar’s long and storied life. Where generations once gathered to dance under the ballroom lights, today’s members gather above — still connected by a shared love of music, laughter, and Fort Dodge’s enduring sense of community.
The Laramar has always been a place for people to come together. The Plamor Lounge adds a new layer of sophistication, a space where history meets hospitality and where every pour is a toast to Fort Dodge’s past, present, and future.
Whether the allure of local history draws you, the promise of an unforgettable cocktail, or the appeal of being part of something truly exclusive, the Plamor Lounge is calling. Raise your glass, Fort Dodge. The legend lives on, just a floor above.
Welcome to the Plamor Lounge –Where Membership Means More.
Enjoy all the benefits of Plamor Lounge access with an individual membership. This plan features a convenient recurring monthly payment to maintain your membership in good standing, ensuring uninterrupted access and exclusive member perks. This includes (1) complimentary drink per month. You will receive your membership card upon your first arrival. Further instructions on how to gain entry and lounge rules will be included in a future email.
Single Membership - $35 to Learn More about corporate Memberships:
Dual Membership - $55
Enjoy all the benefits of Plamor Lounge access with (2) memberships to share with your partner/spouse/companion. This plan features a convenient recurring monthly payment to maintain your membership in good standing, ensuring uninterrupted access and exclusive member perks. This includes (4) complimentary drinks per month. You will receive your membership card upon your first arrival. Further instructions on how to gain entry and lounge rules will be included in a future email.
Email: theplamorlounge@gmail.com
All corporate memberships will go towards the new Laramar Legacy Foundation.
Be Heard! Your Experience Powers Better Support
12 Minutes = Big impact for your business & community.
WHY YOUR RESPONSE MATTERS
• Helps the Federal Reserve, policy makers and service providers understand real business needs.
• If 50 business owners from our area respond, The Growth Alliance will receive a tailored regional report.
• That report = better programs, more informed advocacy, smarter resource allocation for local businesses.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE & CONFIDENTIALITY
• Any for profit business owner or key financial decision maker.
• Open to operations currently active, recently closed, or about to launch.
• 100% Confidential
WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION WILL THEY ASK
• How (or if) you use debt or credit.
• Current financial pressures & conditions.
• Your outlook on hiring, growth, or profitability.
Q&A
Elizabeth Stanek Executive Director Linking Families and Communities
with ELIZABETH STANEK
2025 United Way Chairperson
What is your position with your organization?
I serve as the executive director of Linking Families and Communities. My organization is focused on supportive services for families with children ages 0 to 5. We are the local partner of the Early Childhood Iowa initiative and are committed to the promotion of the health, development, and overall wellbeing of children in our region. Our mission is to ensure every child has the foundation to grow into a thriving, healthy and successful adult. One of our top priorities is addressing the shortage of quality and affordable childcare.
How does your organization partner with United Way?
Our two organizations are aligned in our mission to support children and families facing the challenges of poverty. United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is dedicated to helping children of all ages overcome the obstacles that poverty creates—because when those barriers are removed, kids have a far better chance to grow,
succeed, and reach their full potential. Linking Families and Communities shares this commitment. That’s why we’ve joined forces with United Way to launch a THRIVE Iowa pilot project, which delivers emergency assistance to low-income families. This initiative helps prevent homelessness, ensures access to basic necessities, and empowers families to work toward longterm stability. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when organizations come together with a shared purpose and a spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
Why are you serving as the campaign chairperson for United Way?
When Randy Kuhlman invited me to take on the role of campaign chairperson for this year’s United Way effort, I felt truly honored. I’ve personally witnessed the incredible impact United Way has on families and senior citizens in our community who are facing difficult circumstances and need support. Their work is both vital and inspiring.
What is the Focus this year for the 2025 campaign?
This year’s campaign is dedicated to raising funds that directly support families with
children who are living at, below, or near the poverty line. These contributions provide critical aid to families experiencing urgent crises—whether they’re at risk of homelessness, facing utility shutoffs, or struggling to afford essentials like food, clothing, and medical care. Every dollar helps stabilize lives.
How can individuals and business partner with The United way organization to help the community?
Businesses and individuals can support United Way by contributing to this year’s campaign. Every dollar given to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge stays in our community and provides a helping hand for those in need.
From your perspective, why is it important for citizens to support United Way?
United Way embodies the true spirit of community— neighbors helping neighbors in times of need. In the greater Fort Dodge area, hundreds of families with children are living at or below the poverty line, facing struggles that can feel insurmountable. Whether it’s putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, or finding safe shelter, these challenges are real and urgent.
Thankfully, United Way of Fort Dodge is stepping in with vital support—offering not just temporary relief, but long-term hope. Their programs and staff are making a life-changing difference for families and children, helping them move from crisis to stability. But this work depends on all of us. Strong charitable support from individuals, businesses, and organizations is what fuels these efforts. When we give, we’re not just donating—we’re investing in a stronger, more compassionate community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Help our Less Fortunate Working Hard to
A top priority for the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is providing support for children in low-income families dealing with a number of challenges and barriers to healthy development and positive academic achievement. The number of children in low income and even poverty level families is increasing across our nation, our state and in Fort Dodge.
The percentage of children living in single-parent households today is at the highest point since this data has been collected. Today, approximately 40 percent of all children in the United States live in single parent households and in Webster County this figure is 42%. In Fort Dodge, 25% of children and adolescents are living in poverty or close to the poverty-level. The 2025 Federal poverty level for a family of four is $32,500. Many families that contact United Way seeking assistance have annual incomes less than $20,000. A single mother with three children living at that income level, combined with today’s inflation, finds herself in financial desperation that includes facing homelessness, not be able to pay her water or electricity bills, and not being able to properly feed and clothe her children.
To be clear, single mothers could be considered heroes because of what it takes for them to house, feed and effectively support and provide for their children on a single income. These women are dealing with challenges and are coping with financial crises and instability. Many children living in poverty-stricken families must deal with the challenges and social ills that often accompany pov-
erty including homelessness, hunger, depression, lack of self-esteem, and educational decline. United Way is working diligently to offer them a “helping hand” so these kids have a real chance of reaching their potential and having a much more hopeful future.
United Way also helps our low-income senior citizens of which many are living on small Social Security stipends. Inflation has been devastating for many of our senior citizens living on small, fixed incomes. United Way helps our seniors who are facing financial crises that put them at risk of becoming homeless or going without heat, electricity, or water in their homes, or lacking nutritious food, medicine and other basic living needs.
It is because of the generous and altruistic financial donations from individuals and companies that United Way can help our youth and our seniors. We can all become agents for positive change and make an important difference in their lives by contributing to this year’s campaign.
Be it in your place of work or if you receive a campaign letter asking for your support, I hope you will consider donating. Every charitable dollar helps, and one hundred (100) percent of every dollar donated to the United Way campaign stays right here in our community. These dollars are used efficiently and in ways that make the greatest impact. Your donation can help touch the lives of so many in need.
Donations can be made payable to the United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, 24 North 9th Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501. Or you can donate online by accessing United Way’s website at: www. unitedwayfd.org. For questions about the campaign, please call United Way’s office at 515-573-3171.
Randy Kuhlman, C.E.O.
United Way and Community Foundation of Greater Fort Dodge
of United Way The Purpose
As the C.E.O. of United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, I sometimes get asked why United Way is important for our community. Here are five key reasons.
1. Helping our Youth Thrive: The quality of a community is often measured by its commitment to helping its youth thrive. United Way of Greater Fort Dodge supports this commitment by providing charitable funds to support services to children in need. Our youth are precious assets and unfortunately, so many are born into very difficult poverty situations. Children living in poverty are often accompanied by many social ills such as homelessness, hunger, depression, low self-esteem and even abuse. These vulnerable children have no choice in their circumstances. Poverty can build a seemingly insurmountable barrier for children to grow, develop and reach their full potential. United Way is here to offer impoverished youth help with their basic needs for food, clothing, water and electricity in their home and other needs so they can have a chance to reach their full potential.
2. Preventing Youth Homelessness: 1 out of 5 children in Fort Dodge live in households that are at risk of becoming homeless, i.e., they are just one unpaid rent payment from eviction. Today, there are many children who are experiencing homelessness. They often sleep in a different place almost every night because they have no home – be it a friend’s apartment or a relative’s house, these children have to sleep in a chair, a couch or on the floor. Some even sleep in a car with their parent and other siblings. It is estimated that 300 or more children are homeless in Fort Dodge at some time during the year and many more are at risk of becoming homeless. This year, these numbers will be even higher. Homelessness may be for a few weeks, a few months, and for some, a year or longer. Most of these children only have their mother in their lives and their single parent family is destitute. United Way helps these families in financial crisis with temporary housing and emergency financial assistance. And we help them find affordable housing, so the children are no longer homeless and can live in a safe home and stable environment.
3. Emergency Support: When a family loses its home to a fire, when a parent dies in an accident or a child has a very serious illness or injury, the costs for dealing with emergencies are expensive and often overwhelming, especially for lower-income families with little or no savings or disposable income. Not only are these families coping with a family crisis that is extremely emotional, but
they also must deal with an immediate financial crisis. Our United Way helps families and senior citizens that are coping with an emergency and need immediate help for housing, food, clothing, transportation, and other critical needs.
4. Support for our Senior Citizens: In Webster County, hundreds of our seniors are living on small Social Security stipends. Due to inflation over the past three years, many low-income seniors are struggling to make ends meet. United Way is committed to helping our senior citizens that may need a helping hand when facing a financial crisis that might put them at risk of homelessness, having their utilities disconnected or need food or other assistance for basic needs. Our senior citizens, of which many have served our country or contributed to our community’s workforce over the years, deserve our support.
United Way is all About Community – meaning that we ask for our community’s support and we in turn use this support to address critical social issues impacting our youth, their families and our frail-elderly citizens. In all our work, we diligently strive to work with our partners in a collaborative way and use our donated resources in the most efficient and effective way possible. As a United Way, we remain focused on how we can work together to ensure that every child in our community has a chance to grow up healthy, happy and capable of living a productive life with a hopeful future. An old axiom remains true today, “our youth are 20% of our population and 100% of our future.” A small investment in our youth today can be a significant investment in our community’s future.
Let’s Keep their
Water On
United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is working to address a community issue that is impacting many children living in poverty-stricken households. These children face many hurdles and must fight an uphill battle every day to overcome the challenges of poverty. United Way’s top priority is to help these kids work through these hard situations and still reach their full potential.
The harsh reality in our community is that some of these children and their families are LIVING IN HOMES WITHOUT WATER. Today, we estimate that hundreds of children in our community are at risk of having their water shut off and many are living in homes without water for several weeks.
When homes have their water turned off, families really suffer. Without water, children go without drinking water, home cooked food, bathing, laundry, cleaning and the use of toilets in their homes. It is an unimaginable hardship. Many kids refuse to go to school because they haven’t bathed in some time and are embarrassed by their body odor or their clothes that smell.
No doubt, inflation has impacted all of us, but for lower income families inflation has been devastating. For many families, paying their rent, food and utility bills has become extremely difficult. The families United Way helps are single parent families with children, headed by the mother trying to raise her family on one income. Usually, these moms are working service jobs making $10 to $15 an hour. Some are working two jobs and putting forth every effort to make ends meet.
The goal of our “Let’s Keep Their Water On” initiative is to raise $30,000 to help families keep their water on in their homes. These funds will help turn the water back on for 100 families. United Way assistance can make a real difference in the lives of children.
United Way can only help these children and their families through the kind generosity of our community. Every dollar donated will be used to help families keep their water on so their children can be clean and healthy.
Every dollar donated to this initiative will be used to assist families who have fallen behind on their water bills and need a one-time “helping hand” to turn the water back on in their homes.
To donate to the “Let’s Keep Their Water On” initiative, checks can be made payable to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge/ Let’s Keep Their Water On Fund. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, 24 North 9th Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501. Donors can also donate online by accessing our website at https://unitedwayfd.org.
Beds for Kids
A Meaningful Way to Touch the Life of a Child
Twenty (20) percent of our youth in Fort Dodge and Webster County live in poverty-stricken households. Many are sleeping on the floor at night because they do not have a bed. We all know that a good night’s sleep in a warm bed can make all the difference in the world for a child.
United Way provides beds for children that are sleeping on floors every night because their family doesn’t a have bed for them to sleep in. Since 2012, United Way has given over 1,500 beds to children in need so they will have a warm bed to sleep in, and they can get a good night’s sleep.
The National Institute of Health suggests that children and adolescents need at least 8-9 hours of sleep daily. Quality sleep plays an important role in a child’s physical health. If they cannot get restful sleep, their bodies do not have a chance to rest and recuperate properly. Sleep deficiency can alter activity in some parts of the developing brain, and in young, growing children, this can have a profound effect on their learning and development. If a child is sleep deficient, he or she may have trouble making decisions, solving problems, controlling their emotions and their behavior.
Educators have stated that too many students come to school tired, irritable, and unable to focus and think clearly. They often have a hard time concentrating, following directions, paying attention and participating. This obviously impacts their ability to achieve in school and learn to their full potential.
United Way’s Beds for Kids program provides beds for children who need a warm bed to sleep in. Our local school and partner agencies contact us when they find out that a child is in need of a bed. United Way funds are used to purchase twin (single) beds, and we also provide bedding for the beds. Local churches provide us with quilts so the kids will stay warm at night.
Donors can support the Beds for Kids program by donating to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge. Our goal for this program is to raise $20,000 which will provide 80 beds this year for kids in need. Please help us give a child a warm bed and a good night’s sleep.
Donors can make their charitable contributions by check payable to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, 24 North 9th Street, Suite B. Fort Dodge, Iowa, 50501. Donations can also be made online at the United Way website: www.unitedwayfd.org.
Ten United Way Programs That Help the Less Fortunate
Beds for Kids
Over the past 15 years, United Way has distributed over 1,500 beds to children who lack a bed and were sleeping on couches or drafty floors.
Bridging the Gap
United Way accepts gently used furniture and household items and distributes them to families in need to help make their apartment a home.
Women’s Support Services
United Way offers guidance and mentoring for women that need direction and support to help them become self-sufficient and financially stable.
Preventing Homelessness for Women and Children
United Way helps homeless women and their children with temporary housing and then works with them to find affordable, long-term, stable housing.
Hope for Healing Fund
United Way helps low-income families with transportation assistance to get seriously ill children to Iowa City, Des Moines or Rochester.
Personal Needs
For children that lack important staples of life, United Way helps meet these needs. Be it coats, shoes and other clothing items, eyeglasses, or personal hygiene items, United Way helps.
Food Assistance
United Way helps food insecure families by supporting our local food pantries and helping individual families in immediate need of food.
Wheels for Work Program
United Way accepts donated vehicles and gives them to families with children in desperate need of a car for work, to get their children to school, and to run family errands.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels provides daily nutritious meals and safety checks to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities who lack the ability to cook nutritious meals for themselves.
United Way of Greater Fort Dodge: Helping Families Find Hope and Stability
The United Way of Greater Fort Dodge continues to make a profound impact in the community by helping families overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges. Through partnerships with local agencies, programs, and community leaders, United Way provides critical support and stability for those facing homelessness, financial hardship, and personal loss.
One local mother recently shared how the organization’s assistance changed her life. After experiencing the loss of her brother, becoming homeless with a young daughter, and struggling to find a safe and stable home for her children, she reached out to United Way for help. The organization connected her with the support she needed—not only to secure housing but also to regain peace of mind and a sense of hope for the future.
She wrote, “When I first connected with United Way, I was going through one of the hardest times in my life. Everything felt heavy, and my children and I were bouncing around, just trying to find somewhere safe to land. Working with the United Way team changed everything. They helped me find stability, peace, and a fresh start.”
The mother expressed special gratitude for the compassion and dedication shown by United Way staff and partners. “The United Way staff helped me with my appeal for the townhouse and never made me feel like I was alone in it,” she said. “They showed me what genuine care and patience look like, and I’ll never forget that.”
Now settled in her new home, she reflects on how far she has come: “It finally feels like me and my baby girl can breathe again. We’ve got our own space, our own peace, and a chance to rebuild. That means more than words can say.”
This mother may not realize it, but her gratitude is felt by the United Way team. Not just because she expressed it through her letter, but because she has taken the opportunity to continue to improve her and her child’s lives by enrolling at ICCC and getting her daughter into Youth Head Start. She has embodied the United Way’s goal of not simply being a hand-out, but being a hand up.
Her story is just one example of many on how United Way of Greater Fort Dodge transforms lives by providing practical resources, guidance, and heartfelt support. Whether helping a family attain housing, assisting individuals in crisis, or providing residents with essential services, United Way’s mission remains clear—to build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Through community giving and partnership, United Way continues to bring hope to those in Webster County who need it most—proving that when people come together, real change happens.
CITY CONNECTION
Fort Dodge Projects Awarded $1.8 Million in Workforce Housing Tax Credits
The City of Fort Dodge has received a major boost for housing development through the latest round of Iowa’s Workforce Housing Tax Credits, awarded jointly by the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Two Fort Dodge projects were selected, combining for nearly $1.8 million in total tax credits, supporting the construction of 73 new workforce housing units.
SUPPORTING IOWA’S WORKFORCE
The Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program is designed to encourage the development of affordable rental housing for working Iowans. Administered through the IFA and IEDA, the program helps bridge the financial gap in new construction and rehabilitation projects that serve middle-income households—residents who earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but still struggle with rising market rents and housing costs.
Developers who receive these tax credits can use them directly or sell them to investors to raise private equity, making their projects financially viable. This model has been successful across Iowa, allowing cities like Fort Dodge to attract new development that aligns with the needs of their local workforce.
FORT DODGE’S TWO AWARDED PROJECTS
Two major developments in Fort Dodge were recognized in this year’s awards:
Project: District 29 Apartments III, LLC
Tax Credits Awarded: $1,000,000
Scope: 49 units
Location / Description: South of the existing District 29 complex near Dodger Drive and 29th Street. Plans include five and six-unit multifamily townhomes, each featuring three bedrooms, an attached two-car garage, and two additional driveway parking spaces.
Project: 24WF River District (Hoppe Development)
Tax Credits Awarded: $874,440
Scope: 24 units
Location / Description: Third Avenue Northwest, within the River District. The project will feature one- to four-bedroom apartments designed for working households.
Together, these projects represent a $1.87 million investment in tax credits, which will leverage additional private and local investment to create much-needed affordable rental options in Fort Dodge.
In addition to the state tax credits, the River District project was also awarded approximately $1.2 million in Federal Housing Tax Credits to support 40 affordable housing units, further strengthening the project’s financial foundation and community impact.
MEETING A GROWING LOCAL NEED
Fort Dodge, like many Iowa communities, has experienced a growing demand for quality rental housing that remains within reach for working residents. “Workforce housing” specifically targets individuals and families employed in essential but often modest-paying professions—teachers, nurses, health aides, first responders, construction workers, retail staff, and tradespeople.
These residents typically earn too much to qualify for traditional low-income housing yet find it increasingly difficult to afford market-rate rents or save for homeownership. The addition of new, modern rental units provides stability and flexibility, allowing residents to live closer to where they work and participate more fully in the community.
The newly awarded projects aim to fill that gap by offering affordable, quality housing options that reflect modern standards in design, efficiency, and comfort. Both projects qualify under program requirements that include new construction on greenfield sites and the inclusion of at least one multi-family building containing three or more units. To ensure projects remain financially responsible and aligned with workforce affordability, the state also imposes a per-unit cost cap of $250,000.
MODERN, SUSTAINABLE HOUSING FOR A CHANGING MARKET
Newly constructed workforce housing offers more than just additional units—it delivers homes that meet the expectations and needs of today’s residents. Energy efficiency, modern layouts, and updated materials not only improve livability but also reduce ongoing maintenance and utility costs for both tenants and owners. In Fort Dodge, both awarded developments are expected to elevate neighborhood appeal and contribute to local reinvestment efforts. The District 29 III expansion continues a successful model already established near Dodger Drive, providing proximity to schools,
shopping, and major employers. Meanwhile, the River District project supports broader redevelopment goals along Third Avenue Northwest, transforming underused areas into vibrant residential corridors.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Beyond the immediate benefit of new housing options, workforce housing investments have a ripple effect across the community. Construction itself supports local jobs, from tradespeople to suppliers, while the completed developments expand the city’s tax base and help attract additional business investment.
By ensuring that people who work in Fort Dodge can also afford to live there, the city strengthens its ability to retain talent and maintain a stable local economy. Affordable, quality rental housing provides a critical bridge for those transitioning between renting and homeownership or for those seeking flexible, long-term rental options in a competitive housing market.
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Under state program requirements, the awarded projects must be completed within three years of receiving their awards. Once finished, the District 29 III and River District developments will collectively add more than 70 high-quality rental units to Fort Dodge’s housing inventory—a significant step toward addressing local housing challenges.
As Iowa communities continue to focus on workforce development and economic growth, ensuring access to affordable housing remains a top priority. Programs like the Workforce Housing Tax Credit demonstrate how strategic public investment can catalyze private development and deliver tangible benefits to residents.
A PATH TO STABILITY AND GROWTH
The $1.8 million in housing tax credits awarded to Fort Dodge symbolizes more than financial support—it represents an investment in people. Teachers, nurses, first responders, and service workers form the backbone of the city’s workforce, and they deserve safe, modern, and affordable places to live.
By supporting projects like District 29 III and the River District Apartments, Fort Dodge is taking meaningful steps to meet the evolving needs of its residents while building a stronger, more resilient community for the future.
FUTURE Investing In Our
Bond Renewal for Iowa Central Community College
This fall, Iowa Central Community College will turn to the community for support in renewing its existing General Obligation bond — a measure that has funded major educational and workforce initiatives across the region for years. The renewal would not raise the current property tax rate, but it would continue to provide
resources for programs and facilities that shape the area’s future workforce, at just $2.08 per month for the average homeowner in our nine-county region. The proposal includes expanding healthcare and skilled trades training, constructing a new Center for Ag-Science, and maintaining career programs that serve more than 2,000 high school students annually. It would also fund repairs and upgrades to aging campus facilities, ensuring spaces remain functional and cost-effective long-term. Iowa Central President Dr. Jesse Ulrich said the renewal is about preparing the region for what’s ahead. “By investing in our facilities and programs, we’re investing in the people who will keep our communities strong,” he said. With more than 6,000 students enrolled and about 1,200 employees, Iowa Central is one of the area’s largest education providers and employers. Leaders say continuing this bond allows the College to keep pace with the growing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, trades, and agriculture — industries vital to the region’s economy.
“We are incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at Iowa Central to train tomorrow’s workforce. This bond renewal is a critical investment in the future of our students and our community.
DR. JESSE ULRICH, PRESIDENT IOWA CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The new Center for Ag-Science would be built at: Corner of US 169 and Business Hwy 20.
One of the highlights of the bond renewal is the new Center for Ag-Science, a facility designed to be both a hub for innovation and a welcoming gateway into Fort Dodge. More than just classrooms and labs, the center is envisioned as a space where tradition meets technology — where students can study animal science or crop production one day and explore the latest in precision agriculture the next. The center aims to give students a front-row seat to the future of farming.
That future is already taking shape at Iowa Central. Students in the college’s ag programs gain hands-on experience at the campus farm and through partnerships with some of the Midwest’s largest agricultural businesses. Their coursework blends practical skills like farm management and marketing with a broad-based understanding of agri-business, preparing graduates for everything from running a family farm to pursuing careers in finance, sales, or ag technology. The new center will expand on those opportunities, serving as both a launchpad for the next generation of agricultural leaders and a visible beacon of progress as visitors enter the Fort Dodge community.
NO INCREASE IN PROPERTY TAX RATE
ONLY $2.08 PER MONTH FOR THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER HEALTHCARE + WORKFORCE PROGRAMS EXPANDED, MODERNIZED
COUNTY CONNECTION
Your Guide to Key Resources
Living in Webster County means having access to a network of services designed to help you and your family thrive. From mental health support to disability services and community resources, knowing where to start can make a big difference. Here’s a personal guide to some of the most important contacts and resources in our community.
Central Iowa Community Services (CICS)
If you’re navigating mental health or disability services, CICS is your go-to hub. They coordinate services for mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and more making the system more straightforward to access.
• Contact: 5155136870
• Local Office: 308 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed 12–12:30 p.m.)
• Website:
CICS staff help with applications, service plans, and even connect you with funding options if eligible. They also link residents to 24/7 crisis support via Your Life Iowa (855-581-8111) or 988 Lifeline.
Webster County Community Services
Located in the same Fort Dodge building as CICS, the county office is the local touchpoint for mental health and disability services. Think of them as your neighborhood guide for navigating supports.
• Contact: 515-955-6353
• Office: 308 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge
Additional Local Supports
Here’s a short list of other key resources:
• Iowa DHS (Webster County): Public assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, child & family programs
• 330 1st Ave. N, Fort Dodge | 515-955-6353
• LifeWorks Community Services & OneVision: Residential, vocational, and support services for people with disabilities
• Catholic Charities of Fort Dodge: Mental health counseling, family therapy, no one turned away for inability to pay
• Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center (D/SAOC): Crisis support and advocacy
• Hotline: 8883562006 | Office: 515-955-2273
• Berryhill Center of Mental Health (UniversityPoint Health): Counseling for individuals, couples, and families
Quick Tips for Residents
• Start with CICS or Webster County Community Services—they are your gateway to local services.
• Use crisis lines if you need immediate help: Your Life Iowa (855-581-8111) or 988 Lifeline.
• Call ahead before visiting offices, especially for walk-in navigator hours.
• Keep proof of residency, diagnosis, and income handy for service eligibility.
We hope you will join us by purchasing a ticket or bringing a team to the “Meals On Wheels Trivia Night.” The event will be held Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Laramar Ballroom. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and Trivia begins at 7:00 p.m. Teams of four to six can enter in the Trivia contest. Tickets are $50 each and include generous appetizers and a live and silent auction.
artistspotlight
Michael Richardson
What role did music and the arts play in your childhood growing up?
Music was probably the biggest part of my childhood and its involvement in my life only increased as I got older. I enjoyed playing sports but given the choice between sports or music (which was what it seemed like at most times), music won out a very good chunk of the time.
What is your earliest memory of music/art?
The earliest memory of music or art that I can recall is my mom singing to my sister and I before bed. I’m not sure what age it would have been because she sang to us and with us all the time.
At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career educating students in music?
This is an interesting question, because I am not exactly sure how to answer that. I always felt like I would be a performer - not necessarily a teacher. I may have started my college career as a Music Ed. major but it quickly turned into a performance track. Being where I am now, doing what I do was not exactly part of the plan, but I am grateful for the opportunity to pass on what I know so early on and still being able to perform.
What was your college music experience like?
College was great musically! I was in multiple instrumental ensembles throughout my Iowa college tenure. At Iowa Central I was able to be in the concert band as both a trombonist and
Age: 34 • Hometown: Fort Dodge, IA
College: James Madison University; Buena Vista University; Iowa Central CC Profession: Elementary Music Teacher @ St. Edmond; Singer
clarinetist, a brass choir as trombone, and jazz band as a trombone. At Morningside I played trombone in concert band. At Buena Vista I played trombone as well.
I was fortunate enough to be in at least two choirs at each college I went to aside from James Madison University: Morningside (College Choir (T2), Singing Men(B1), Vocal Jazz (B2) (though short-lived), and Phi Mu Alpha (T1)); Iowa Central CC (Concert Choir (B2), Vocal Jazz (T2, B1, B2); Western Iowa Tech (Concert Choir (B1), WITness (B2); and Buena Vista (Concert Choir (B2), Harmonious Beavers (T, B)).
James Madison University introduced me to the world of opera - and I loved it. More on that later though!
What was the biggest lesson you have learned while working in music education?
Don’t take yourself too seriously, have funloosen up. You know the stuff, it is just a matter of getting it to the students in a way that they understand.
What do you most enjoy about the music & arts scene in our community?
I like that there is live music almost every weekend or there is always or almost always artsrelated activities.
Tell us about some of your music/ arts related accomplishments.
I made OPUS Honor Choir in 8th Grade and I am a 3-time (So, J, S) All-Stater in Choir. I was a featured soloist at the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in 2022 and 2023. I think my biggest music/arts related accomplishment though, is back in 2019 - when I nearly had a clean sweep of NATS (1st in State; 1st in Regionals/Districts; T-1 National Finals.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model was my dad. He taught me, or tried to teach me, as much as he could about life and ‘the real world.’ He died in April last year and I think that is when a lot of the things he had been saying to me all these years started making sense.
What are you most looking forward to as you step into your new Elementary music position at St. Edmond’s?
How to effectively teach so that each student is able to understand music in a fun, engaging way. I’m also looking forward to being able to learn right along with the students to whom are learning from me.
How do you spend your free time?
I like to spend my free time either gaming, doing music-related things (composing, playing, singing) or hanging out with my friends and family.
What would you tell one of your students considering music education as their college major?
Since I only teach up to Grade 5, I would say something like, “Be prepared for a lot of craziness, but that craziness is so SO worth it.”
shiningstar
Jacob Sorenson
Growing up, was your family interested in arts and creativity? If so, how?
Growing up my family was definitely interested in the performing arts more than the visual arts, me and all of my siblings actually took piano lessons and we also loved listening to music.
What is your favorite aspect of photography?
Definitely taking the photos, and getting to interact and build a relationship with clients.
What are your plans after graduating from Iowa Central Community College?
My plan after College is to continue growing my photography business and eventually go full time with it.
Age:18
Hometown: Humboldt Iowa
Professional Aspirations: Wedding and Portrait photographer
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned about the photography world during your first year at Iowa Central Community College?
That taking good photos will only get you so far, you also need to prioritize a good client experience and make sure you are connecting with them.
What motivates you and why?
I love being able to bring the photo that I am envisioning in my head to life, that is a great feeling.
Who inspires you and why?
My instructor Rochelle Green, her knowledge of photography is amazing, and the way she cares for each of her students individually is something I greatly appreciate and aspire to do for other people.
Describe yourself in one word:
I would say creative, I love coming up with new ideas and bringing them to life!
Where do you see yourself in 25 years?
Hopefully running a successful photography business, and I would love to be married with a few kids.
Favorite type of music to listen to and why?
I listen to a lot of different types, but my favorite would have to be worship music.
What’s one thing you’d like to try that you never have? Why?
I have always wanted to go fishing, but have never found the time to or gotten a license to.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fireside Chat at Camp WaNoKi
OCT. 23 OCT. 26 OCT. 31
Trunk or Treat at the Fort
A Haunting in the Village Monster’s Ball at Eagles Ballroom
1 NOV. 8 NOV. 13 NOV. 15
NJCAA National Cross Country Championships
Willow Ridge Haunted Trail Rebecca Foster, Clairvoyant at the Opera House
Midget Mayhem at the Cardiff
Costaki Economopoulos, Comedian at the Cardiff Harvester Shootout at the Pavilion Fall Vendor and Kids Makers Market Show at C2
To find out the most up-to-date and complete information on local events including weekly Bingo, DJ Bingo, Line Dancing, Trivia, and live music, go to www.DodgeTheOrdinary.com/events!
FACES & PLACES
Edward Jones
Over the past few years, we’ve been reminded of just how exposed we are to natural disasters. It’s devastating to see the impact on people’s lives and property. If you’ve been affected by one of these events — whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, flood or fire — what steps should you take to begin the recovery process?
Once you and your loved ones are in a safe place, consider these suggestions:
• Determine if your insurance company can help. If your property was damaged or destroyed, your homeowners/renters and vehicle insurance may help cover part of the losses. Depending on the type of disaster, you might need to rely on flood or earthquake coverage. Go over your policies, and understand what damages will be covered. If you need assistance, your insurance agent or broker can help.
• Review your financial options. Look into whether you have excess cash to cover any costs. If you have established an emergency fund, you may need to tap into it now.
• Seek help from disaster relief organizations. If your home was destroyed or severely damaged, contact the American Red Cross or another relief group for help with temporary housing, food, clothing and other necessities.
• Contact your employer. Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster may affect your ability to work. Contact your employer to explain the situation, though they will likely be familiar with what happened. Depending on where you work, you might even have access to some type of employee assistance program.
• Photograph and document the damage. If it’s possible, and when it’s safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the damage to your home and belongings, and create an inventory of lost or damaged items. You might also have existing photos that can be of use to your insurance company.
• Go through your documents. Your paper documents — bank statements, insurance policies, investment account information — may have been destroyed in a fire or other disaster, but you may still have electronic copies on your computer, and they are likely also available online. Go through these documents to determine what you have and what you need to replace.
• Look for temporary relief measures. In the wake of a destructive fire or other disaster, you may be able to apply for temporary relief measures such as mortgage forbearance, loan deferments or government assistance programs. If you live in a presidentially declared disaster area, you might be eligible for disaster relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
WHAT TO DO AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER
•Evaluate your longer-term financial strategies. Once you have gotten past the short-term emergency period, you may need to review your entire financial picture and long-term strategies. This may involve reallocating your investment dollars, revising your budget or setting new financial goals. If you work with a financial professional, they can help you in this area.
Going through a natural disaster may be one of the most emotionally devastating experiences you will ever encounter. But you don’t have to go through it alone — a team of professionals, including a financial professional, can provide the resources and experience to help put you on the path toward rebuilding your life.
