AEDC News

Students from four school districts, five colleges and one trade school participated in the Student Shark Tank competition held on Martin Luther King Day. Funded by a Polk County Community Betterment grant, a total of $5,000 was awarded to eight young entrepreneurs and community leaders.

Business ideas varied from a patented product created in a high school CAD class to a business service to help other businesses. Other ideas included apparel sales and high-tech tracking systems.

Students jumped into the shark tank earlier this year to raise money for their businesses and passion projects. They came out with sizable checks to fund the projects they pitched.

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.

Contest for ages 16-24 to win a one-on-one meeting with a top official at the organization of their choice. 

2018 Salute to Industry event recognizes area business leaders and growing businesses in the Ankeny area.