Site Selector

Why Choose Ames?
The Ames Economic Development Commission is the primary resource for information about the Ames community.  In addition to the data available here, the AEDC can provide custom data or site/building specific information.  Ames has a history of successful economic development projects and we welcome the opportunity to bring your project to fruition in Ames.  To request additional confidential information, please contact the AEDC today. 

Location
Many companies have located in Ames because of its superior geographic location.  Near the crossroads of the nation, where I-35 and I-80 intersect, Ames is centrally located to all points north, south, east, and west.  Interstate road systems place Ames less than a day's drive from Omaha, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Sioux Falls, Chicago, and St. Louis.  Des Moines, Iowa's capitol city, is only 40 minutes away.  View maps...

Business Climate
In Ames, industry is offered an ideal environment designed to secure solid footing for business growth in the new economy.  Policy makers are finding ways to keep the road clear for business development by helping control costs.  Through tax policy, job training initiatives, and attractive financial incentives, Ames and the state of Iowa have advantages for businesses that lower expenses, keeping revenues working for growth.  Read more about the advantages Ames and Iowa have to offer businesses...

Workforce
Attracting a suitable workforce is critically important and a recent labor report clearly illustrates that Ames has the workforce capable of efficiently operating any sized project.  Consider these facts: the local laborshed (an area defined by where a community draws their workforce) is nearly 407,500 workers. Of those 407,500 workers over 109,500 said in a recent survey that they are willing to change place of employment based upon wages and benefits (Iowa Workforce Development Research & Strategic Initiatives Unit, August 2009). View more workforce information...

World Class Companies
Ames is home to the renowned research institution of Iowa State University, world class companies including 3M, Barilla, Becker Underwood, Sauer-Danfoss, and Syngenta, as well as the National Animal Disease Center and a Federal Department of Energy Lab.  Diverse housing options and cultural amenities make Ames the right place for recruiting workforce talent and there are numerous companies in the community that provide testimony to this fact every day.  View a list of major employers in Ames... 

Community
A vibrant circle of university, community, and opportunity, Ames is a first class community of over 52,000 people (City of Ames, 2004) located in the heart of the Midwest and Iowa.  Designated as 53rd Best Place to Live in America by Money Magazine (2008), Ames offers a charming small town atmosphere, with all the amenities of a big city, making it an ideal place to locate a business.  The community's commitment to excellence is contagious.  Read  more about the quality of life Ames has to offer...

Available Buildings & Sites
View information on a number of available buildings and sites in Ames through the LocationOne Information Systems (LOIS).  More...

Financial Assistance
Read information about local and state programs offering financial assistance to new or expanding businesses.  More...

Ames Profile
Find details about the Ames Community for everything from history to demographics and from the cost of living to local retail statistics.  More...