Like many, Rosalind Fox, plant manager of John Deere Des Moines Works, came to Ankeny for a career opportunity. Once here, she discovered a vibrant community of professionals. “It truly is a great place to work and live,” Fox says. “That helps us retain current employees as well as attract new talent. That’s why I think it is important to celebrate what makes this a great business community.”
As Chair of Ankeny Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), Fox presided over the recognition event honoring the projects and people that have had a direct impact on the success of Ankeny. They included three headquarter expansions, two public/private partnerships, multiple new businesses and a special person of vision.
Expanding Headquarters
To support their expanding geographic footprint over 16 states and additional products and services in existing locations, Casey’s General Stores is renovating their existing headquarters in the Metro North business park and adding 74,000sf of additional office space.
With residential and commercial services going far beyond Ankeny, Ankeny Sanitation is building a 27,000sf facility on 19 acres off SE Delaware. The total project is estimated at $7.5 million and will include a multi-level office space and state-of-the-art service bays.
Albaugh, LLC just completed a 7,000sf addition to their World Headquarters on NE 36th Street. This addition was needed to accommodate their growing staff.
Public/Private Partnerships
Orbis students from Ankeny, North Polk and Saydel helped Dr. Jill Urich accept the partnership award on behalf of Ankeny Community School District. Each student shared with the room full of professionals one thing they have gained from this project-based program.
Karl Chevrolet and DMACC also received an award for their efforts to expand and enhance the training opportunities in the automotive industry. The Automotive Technology Center on DMACC’s Ankeny campus will be renovated and expanded to include more vehicle bays and new classrooms.
New Commercial Businesses
UnityPoint Health – Des Moines opened a state-of-the-art pathology lab this summer adding to an impressive list of labs in the area. Carrie Beck accepted the Commercial Investment Award on behalf of the 120 employees at the new facility on SE Convenience Blvd.
Mistress Brewing Company was both host and awardee for the annual Salute to Industry event. In addition to providing a great venue guests were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of their new brewing facility.
Person of Vision
Ted Rapp of DRA Properties was recognized as the 2019 Person of Vision for his years of behind-the-scenes development work with key community projects like Miracle League Park and Prairie Trail.
