Our Story 2018 by GateHouse Media Iowa

OUR STORY 2018

YOUR GUIDE TO LOCAL

BUSINESSES,

ORGANIZATIONS AND EVENTS

AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE

Y R O T S R U O AMES FORD LINCOLN Since Ames Ford Lincoln first set up shop on the corner of Airport Road and Duff Avenue in November 2012, it has served the Ames community and more than doubled in size. Nick Johnson, General Manager and Owner with Casey Johnson, said the dealership started with 18 employees and around 140 vehicles and now manages over 60 employees and around 400 vehicles. The burgeoning car dealership offers a variety of new Ford and Lincoln models, pre-owned vehicles, a complete service department, parts, and tires. Ames Ford Lincoln competes with other dealerships with its “Best Price” policy, its pre-owned vehicle return guarantees, and their overall sales experience. Johnson said that all vehicles are priced to eliminate the need for negotiating and level the playing field for buyers. He called this the “Best Price” policy. “We put our best price up front and in writing,” Johnson said. The business also sets itself apart from the rest of the pack by insuring its pre-owned vehicles with a 7-Day Like it or Return it Policy and a 30-Day Exchange Policy. If a customer is unhappy with their vehicle purchase for any reason, they can simply return the vehicle within 7 days for a 100% refund, no questions asked. If within 30 days of purchase a customer is unhappy with the vehicle, they can apply the full purchase price to any other vehicle on the lot. Johnson said that shopping for a used vehicle is often times filled with uncertainty and stress for buyers and that Ames Ford Lincoln works hard to provide a relaxed shopping experience. Unlike some dealerships, Ames Ford Lincoln pays its Sales Consultants based on customer satisfaction instead of on commission. He explained that this practice helps ensure that Sales Consultants focus on what buyers want instead of steering them toward the most expensive cars on the lot. In regards to the Service Department, he added that at Ames Ford Lincoln all tires are sold at $5 over their cost, and that 2018 model year loaner vehicles are provided free of charge for service customers. They also have a complimentary shuttle service and provide free pick-up and drop-off. He added that it is very important for Ames Ford Lincoln to be actively involved in the community and local charities. Ames Ford Lincoln has partnered with local events like American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, St. Cecilia Gala, and started the “Wheels for Work” program in partnership with United Way providing vehicles to single parents in need of transportation.

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AMES SILVERSMITHING

Founded in 1976, Ames Silversmithing is a truly unique jewelry store offering a wide selection of fine jewelry in sterling silver, gold and platinum. Located in downtown Ames, this family owned store offers perhaps the widest and finest selection of diamonds as well as precious and semi-precious stones and cultured pearls in central Iowa. Owner Gary Youngberg opened Ames Silversmithing with his wife, Karen, after attending college for two years before dropping out to pursue a career in the jewelry industry. At first, Gary taught himself how to design and create jewelry, displaying his pieces at various art fairs around the area, which eventually led to opening their own store. Originally, Gary worked in silver and semi-precious stones, producing his one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. As business grew, both Gary and Karen received their diamond training through the Gemological Institute of America, the leading gemological

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laboratory in the world. Soon, Gary was working in gold, platinum, diamonds as well as an extensive selection of precious and semiprecious colored gemstones. Since then, Ames Silversmithing has gone through four expansions and currently employs nine people, including both of Gary and Karen’s sons, Kirk and Kyle, Kyle’s wife Katie, long time employees Dave Anderson and Scott Sorem, as well as Katie Sutton, Isaac Prior and Cassie Underwood. With the design and creative skills of Gary, Kirk, Dave, Scott and Katie, the experienced team at Ames Silversmithing brings a wide range of ability to the design and creation processes. All Ames Silversmithing employees are trained through the Gemological Institute of America and are always happy to share their knowledge with their customers to ensure they make an intelligent, well-informed decision during the jewelry selection process. “Buying a diamond is easy,” said Gary. “Knowing what you bought is not. We encourage our customers to ask questions so they can put themselves at ease during their shopping experience” The cornerstone of Ames Silversmithing has always been to treat their customers with honesty and respect and to offer great value day in and day out while never resorting to “ mark it up to mark it down” marketing strategies so common in the jewelry industry. “We strive to offer competitive prices and our regular prices typically beat the other stores 50 to 60 percent off prices.” said Karen. Stop in today and see why Ames Silversmithing was once again voted “Best Jewelry Store in Story County” for the 18th consecutive year as well as “Best local business.” Also, be sure to visit their website, amessilversmithing.com, for a cross section of the wonderful treasures to be found at Ames best jewelry store!

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Y R O T S R U O THE CORNUCOPIA The Cornucopia is Blossoming with Possibilities Graham Watkins and his wife Ruth moved from the United Kingdom to Central Iowa nine years ago when Graham was working for Cycle Force Group in Ames. Since then they have welcomed three children and now have adopted a new edition to the family: The Cornucopia at 6008 Lincoln Way in West Ames, the previous location of The Broiler. “My wife and I used to work behind a bar years and years ago,” said Graham. “That’s how we met, and we always enjoyed the social side of that. My wife loves to bake so we wanted to do something with food, and we always have an interest in furniture and home furnishings.” After 12 months of developing their vision, they opened the doors on June 1st. How is it going so far? “Surprisingly well,” Graham said with a laugh. “You never know how it’s going to be perceived. I’d say the people who have come in thus far have given very, very positive feedback which is great to hear.” Like its name implies, The Cornucopia is many things. It is a coffee bar, bakery, café, pub, furniture and décor store, a supplier of Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan , and a workshop for cooking and painting. And that’s just for starters. “It’s a new venture we wanted to try and see if we can expand on it. As time goes, we’re looking at many different things,” said Graham. The current menu offers salads, soups, sandwiches, and a flat bread. They also offer baked goods, a variety of coffee and cocktails including a popular pineapple hard cider. Graham said they will expand the offerings as they learn more about their patrons. “It’s a project that has grown over months, years of thinking about and planning, so we were looking for something unique in the area. This building became available and thought it would work well because we wanted to create a warm and inviting environment for people to come in and also give them multiple reasons to travel out here to see us.” The thing that surprised Graham is that there are a lot of groups out there that meet for coffee or lunch, and they are looking for somewhere new to go, he said. So far, they have hosted a wine club, a book club, and a retirement community outing. “It’s a real mix of ages with a surprising similar response,” he said. The Watkins have not purchased much advertising just yet because they want to use, “word of mouth to build our brand for us. We want people to come in and see what we’re doing … and experience it for themselves.” Experience The Cornucopia from 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday and 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday. For more information, check their Facebook page or call 515-450-5874. Their website can be found at https://TheCornucopia.com/.

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GE-ANGELO’S

When Ames resident Mitch Saienga took over Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge in March 2014, he knew very well from experience what he was getting into. Mitch is a graduate from Iowa State University in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management. His resume includes General Manager at Chips in Ankeny and Manager at PF Chang’s in West Des Moines. His life includes his wife, Lisa, and their three children ages 3, 6, and 8. Tired of commuting, he chose to take control of his path and purchased Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge, which is tucked into a comfy corner at 823 Wheeler Street. “We’re a hidden little gem,” he said. Ames Tribune readers agreed. Ge-Angelo’s was voted best Italian in Story County in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017 and 2018. Ge-Angelo’s Italian Restaurant & Lounge offers appetizers,

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salads, pizzas, sandwiches, signature dishes, pastas, desserts, and a full service bar. “It’s a family atmosphere, nice and cozy,” he said. To create the best possible experience, Mitch carefully gathers the best ingredients to create something fresh and delicious for his customers. Every day Mitch’s efforts are aimed at making the freshest foods. The process of making the red sauce is a labor of love. “It’s almost a two-day process to make our red sauce,” he said. The lasagna, tiramisu, cannoli, pizza, salad dressings, and ravioli are all made on site. “We make our fresh mozzarella in house,” he added. Seasonal specials are also offered. Some of the guest favorite specials are: Steak de Burgo, spicy cavatelli, prosciuttowrapped salmon and an assortment of risottos. “We’re kid friendly, as well,” he added. “Kids come in, and they get some pizza dough to play with while waiting for food to come.” The menu is available for carry out. Delivery is possible for a small additional fee from a third-party delivery service. New private banquet room is available for groups of up to 30 people. Catering for large or small groups is available, weddings, graduations, formal dinners, athletic team meals, is only a call away. Ge-Angelo’s is located in the Northern Lights Center north of Wal-Mart and the North Grand Mall. It’s open from 4- 9 pm Sunday to Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 4-10 pm. For more information, call (515) 233-0959 or email info@ geangelos.com

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GREEN HILLS RETIREMENT

Green Hills is a 55+ Life Plan Community in Ames, Iowa, that offers residents true quality of care, comfort, and community. At Green Hills, we believe in easy living, less worry, and great comfort. Residential living at Green Hills offers a wealth of services, a host of recreational activities, and wellness programs to promote your healthy independent lifestyle. “When most people hear the word ‘wellness,’ they tend to think only of physical exercise,” said Brett, the wellness coordinator and personal trainer at Green Hills. “There are so many more dimensions to wellness.” Brett pictures these as a “wellness wheel.” This holistic approach rolls smoothly and

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gains momentum from eight integrated dimensions of wellness, including: 1. Emotional 2. Intellectual 3. Physical 4. Social 5. Spiritual 6. Environmental (enjoying nature) 7. Health services 8. Vocational (including volunteering and hobbies) All of these dimensions are essential to a well-rounded, balanced, vibrant life. Best of all, Green Hills promotes each dimension of the wellness wheel to help you get the most from each day. “We have a Yes2HealthyLife Committee comprised of residents who understand the importance of active aging,” said Brett, Green Hills Wellness Coordinator “We work together to focus on every dimension of wellness as we plan our activity calendar.” Each month you can sample as much or as little as you want from a wide range of activities, including coffee groups, Iowa State University (ISU) sporting events, card games (from bridge to Skip-Bo), movies, sing-alongs, strength and balance classes, warm water aquatic therapy, day trips, continuing education opportunities and more. Call 515-357-5000 or visit GreenHillsRC.com to learn more.

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OUR STORY THE IOWA STATER RESTAURANT Taste Iowa’s best, at The IowaStater Restaurant

Whether it’s unwinding with a refreshing craft

cocktail at their “Friday After Business” or enjoying the very popular, classic weekend breakfast brunch, The IowaStater Restaurant at the Gateway Hotel and Conference Center serves up food and drinks that are expertly made, locally sourced, and Iowainspired in a polished, yet casual, atmosphere. Gateway Hotel and Conference Center came into being in 1978 due to the vision, dedication, and contributions of alumni and friends of Iowa State University. When acquired, the friends were determined to make the Gateway compatible with the dignity of the University and the beauty of the newly built Iowa State Center. Gateway Hotel is presently independently owned and operated. Gateway Hotel has always featured unique dining experiences, but in 2010, The IowaStater Restaurant opened. The IowaStater was to feature a more prominent bar and private dining area. Today, patrons can imbibe an Iowa craft beer on tap from Iowa breweries such as Mistress Brewing Company, Confluence, Peace Tree, and Firetrucker. “We use a lot of local spirits as well,” said Case. “The IowaStater and Gateway Hotel are a hub for returning alumni and people visiting the university to get that Iowa State experience.” said Stephen Hueholt, Restaurant Manager. The visual interest came in the form of a fireplace and panoramic windows featuring the natural landscape. “Window adjacent seating is definitely a favorite among our guests,” said Hueholt. Jim Heemstra photographs featured in his book “Seasons of Iowa State University” adorn the interior walls. Outside the windows, mature aspen and evergreens frame the view of the rolling campus. JULY 29, 2018

While The IowaStater underwent a visual transformation, the menu underwent a makeover as well. The MVP of this ISU inspired eatery is the food. Executive Chef Robert Bruno and his team making the menu feel Iowa. In May 2018, The IowaStater Burger ranked among the top ten burgers in the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council Best Burger contest. The IowaStater Burger comes on a brioche roll with Prairie Breeze Cheddar and sweet and spicy Stater house-glazed bacon from Beeler’s Farms. “We are proud to feature Niman Ranch beef and pork; it’s a very high-quality product,” said Hueholt. “Their practices are responsible, sustainable and all of their products are hormone and antibiotic-free. It’s a really great product to start with.” He added, “We definitely support Iowa producers and our menu includes items that speak to the Iowa cuisine.” The IowaStater Restaurant offers private dining for 26 people. Case and Hueholt said they host many rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, holiday parties, family reunions, and other special occasions. “It’s a great option in town for private dining,” Hueholt said. Reservations are accepted for parties large and small. The IowaStater Restaurant serves breakfast from 6:30-11 am daily. The breakfast buffet is served until 10 am on weekdays, until noon on Saturday, and 1 pm on Sunday. Lunch is served daily from 11 am to 4 pm with dinner from 4 to 10 pm. Those who stay in one of the 187 guest rooms can order room service. Travel down the Iowa State Gallery Hallway and you’ll find Gateway features just over 17,000 square feet of conference and meeting space. The conference center consists of 10 meeting rooms including a ballroom and 2 medium spaces that can be transformed into 7 smaller rooms. Several meeting rooms on site are equipped with professional audio and video technology, and inhouse catering is available. For more information, check their website theiowastaterrestaurant.com, visit them on Facebook or call 515-268-2238.

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MARY GREELEY

Mary Greeley Medical Center has provided quality patient care for the people of central Iowa for more than a century. The hospital grown with the region by continually expanding the skills of its staff, adding advanced technology and enhancing facilities. The medical center’s facilities have expanded over the years. A $130 capital project resulted in a new six-story patient tower and an expanded emergency department. The hospital is now actively pursuing an expansion of its inpatient adult behavioral health services. Major medical equipment supporting healthcare delivery include a cardiac CT, 1.5 tesla MRI, High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation therapy, TruBeam linear accelerator technology, large bore CT simulator with respiratory gaiting treatment planning, operating room navigation systems for ENT, neurosurgical and orthopedics, two interventional cardiac catheterization labs, and an electrophysiology lab. The hospital has two surgical robots to support its busy robotic-

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assisted surgery program. Mary Greeley was one of the first hospitals in Iowa to offer single-site general surgery and thoracic surgery in its robotic-assisted surgery program. Mary Greeley partners several area healthcare organizations, including McFarland Clinic, Doran Clinic for Women, Iowa Heart Center, Wolfe Eye Clinic, Iowa State University Student Health, Primary Health Care, and Ames Foot Clinic. Mary Greeley consistently earns recognition for the quality of its care, including: • Five-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid’s (CMS) Hospital Compare website. Mary Greeley was one of only four hospitals in Iowa to receive a 5-star rating. The rating is based on quality measures in seven key areas: Mortality, Safety of Care, Readmission, Patient Experience, Effectiveness of Care, Timeliness of Care and Efficient Use of Medical Imaging. Mary Greeley routinely reports data related to these areas to CMS. • Most Wired Hospital status, four years in a row. • Iowa Recognition for Performance Excellence (IRPE) Gold Recognition, which recognizes achievements in systematic processes and results in several areas, including leadership, strategic planning and customer focus. Mary Greeley is the first two-time Gold recipient in the IRPE program. • Top Performer on Key Quality Measures from the Joint Commission. • Baby-Friendly Designation by Baby Friendly USA, Inc. Mary Greeley is the second and largest hospital in Iowa to earn this distinction.

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OUR STORY MOORMAN CLOTHIERS The Moorman Clothiers story begins on April 1st, 1993 when Scott and Susan Moorman opened for business in downtown Mason City. Following Scott’s dream of owning a clothing store, Moorman Clothiers quickly became a fixture in Mason City’s retail community. On September 1st, 2005, the Moormans opened their second store in Ames after purchasing the Durlam and Durlam clothing store at 226 Main Street. A proven location and a need for a men’s clothing store with a small women’s boutique matched the Moorman Clothiers plan. Ames provided a great audience along with the close proximity to Des Moines and all of Central Iowa. Minor changes to the building and an updated variety of men’s and women’s clothing lines lead to immediate success and acceptance. Interior changes as well as a new façade to the building in 2012 have given Moorman Clothiers a strong presence in Ames. Being a part of the Downtown Ames is vitally important to Moorman Clothiers. Ames is lucky to offer such a potpourri of businesses that cater to a large number of consumer wants and needs. A full service men’s clothing store offering men’s suiting, dress shirts and ties, as well as casual apparel, tuxedos and Big and Tall is a perfect fit for Ames. Add a women’s boutique to that and it’s a match made in heaven! Customer service has always been a driving force behind the Moorman Clothiers experience. A combined 125 plus years of expertise between the 2 stores promises a proper style and superior product. Moorman Clothiers staffs a full time tailor to ensure a “custom” quality fit. Alterations are free of charge for the life of the garment. A customers complete satisfaction is our number one goal. Moorman Clothiers is a proud supporter of Cyclone athletics and prides itself on the growing relationship we have with Iowa State University. Our extensive selection of Iowa State Apparel for men and women is the finest anywhere in Iowa. We provide apparel for various sports and academic groups; we also visit fraternities to present programs about how to dress professionally. The Moorman Clothiers story continues with a strong commitment to providing the finest selection of men’s and women’s apparel. Scott and Susan Moorman, along with their son Justin, will continue the high level of customer service they have provided for the past twenty-five years. Moorman Clothiers wants to be the only men’s and women’s store you’ll ever need! JULY 29, 2018

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NORTHCREST COMMUNITY

Northcrest Community is growing and we’re excited to share expansion news with you. The Staff and Board have been working diligently to create a community that will continue to meet the expectations of not only current residents but those of you who will be joining us in the future. You can look forward to 48 new apartments with a sunroom in each apartment and a wellness are on the top floor with expansive views brining in the natural light we so desire. 32 Assisted Living apartments will provide another level of care we previously did not offer at Northcrest. A new Health Center, designed as 2 households will provide the same level of excellence residents have enjoyed for the past 50 years. We are grateful that we were able to preserve the integrity of the existing innovative architectural design in our new building. Plans are under review by the City of Ames and we are anxious to get started…stay tuned as the dream continues. At the Northcrest Community we have been providing exceptional living options to older adults in the Greater Ames Community for over 50 years. Choices include a variety of floor plans in apartments or towns. Locally owned and operated, with decades of successful operation, Northcrest is more than a community – it exudes small town charm. This inviting residential neighborhood location provides easy access to shopping, churches, banks, theaters, restaurants and Iowa State University events. Transportation is available to make attending events as easy as possible with a warm bus in the winter and cool air-conditioning in the summertime. Your friends will all be jealous as they trek across the parking lot to their cars. Northcrest was established by forward thinking individuals whose visionary planning has ensured that retirement years can be more fulfilling than ever imagined. Northcrest continues to be a leader in the advancement of person

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centered care, a concept embraced by our founders before it was the “in” thing to do. Northcrest Community offers a total LifeCare commitment – in fact, it is the only true LifeCare community in Ames. Through this unique approach, residents are guaranteed a home for life – no matter what life brings their way. The team of professionals at Northcrest is deeply committed to maintaining our long standing legacy and reputation as one of Iowa’s premier retirement communities. Home Health Services are available to help residents stay in their apartments or townhomes as long as possible. If or when the need arises, care will be provided in our licensed Health Center where services are available on a short or long term basis. Through this LifeCare program, residents enjoy all the amenities of carefree independent living as well as the ultimate peace of mind and security knowing that even though their individual circumstances and needs may change, Northcrest will always be their home. With protection from rising health care costs in the future, the decision to join the Northcrest Community is comforting to both residents and their families. Many residents have said moving to Northcrest was the best gift they could ever give to their children. As a nonprofit organization, Northcrest opens it community rooms and facilities to other nonprofit organizations. Groups such as the Alzheimer’s Association, NARFFE, OLLI, the Audubon Society, to name a few, plus local churches and service groups utilize Northcrest facilities at no cost. As part of our mission, Northcrest provides financial assistance to those in need of funds when entering and, if the need arises, funds for daily living expenses once they become part of the Community. No one is ever asked to leave Northcrest due to lack of funds. Our Heartwood House provides a special place to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia continue to experience life’s pleasures – no matter what challenges they face. People living in Heartwood House enjoy the highest quality specialized services in a compassionate environment – all designed to promote and preserve human dignity. The environment has been specially designed to support changes in vision, hearing, strength, dexterity and mental competence that residents may experience. Heartwood House is truly a special place where residents feel at home in an atmosphere of dignity, compassion and creativity.

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Y R O T S R U O PERFECT GAMES

Have a Hot Time at Ames’ Coolest Entertainment Center: Perfect Games More than the weather is heating up at 1320 Dickinson Ave. Perfect Games, central Iowa’s premier family entertainment center, has added a new activity to its long list of fun: Mini golf. “We were looking for an additional attraction for Perfect Games. Mini golf fit the area we had available and help met the need for more entertainment option for kids,” said Kelly McPartland, manager of Perfect Games. Mini golf is available Sunday through Wednesday from 11am - 10pm and Thursday through Saturday 11am - 11pm. In addition, Perfect Games will feature new arcade games. “We try to add new games several times a year with Mario

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Carts being our latest addition,” said Kelly. “We will also be making some improvements to our laser tag arena in the future.” Perfect Games continues to offer 24 lanes of state-of-theart bowling, a two-story laser tag arena, huge arcade, full sports bar, meeting rooms with large screens and internet, and full service restaurant, Kingpin Pizza. There are more than 30 TV screens along with 15 giant screens for viewing the big games. Perfect Games also offers several options for special occasions like birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, team building, reunions, lock-ins, and post prom events are a specialty. The party planning team can help create an unforgettable event for every age and every season. “Our business has changed in the last few years. We’ve worked to make Perfect Games a year-round place to go,” said Kelly. He pointed out that bowling is traditionally a three-season sport with little summer play and business followed that tradition. “We’ve worked through marketing and other means and now, with the addition of mini golf to change that, and it is starting to change.” Be a part of the fun and head to the intersection of South Dakota and Mortenson Road. Perfect Games is one block west and south of the intersection overlooking Highway 30. Be sure to check the Facebook page and Twitter feed for updates. For more information, call 515-598-BOWL (2695) or email moreinfo@perfectgamesinc.com. For bowling league questions e-mailLeagues@perfectgamesinc.com.

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