The Ames Chamber of Commerce has launched Traction, a quarterly magazine that highlights the businesses and people in Story and Boone counties. In a note to readers in the first edition, Eric Smidt, senior vice president of marketing and communications, said the magazine is designed to inform the community about “notable projects [and] amazing businesses.” In his note, Smidt said the chamber hopes the awareness created by the magazine creates “pride and traction in the communities we are all building together.” He said the idea for the magazine came, in part, from conversations with member businesses during various chamber programs and events. He said officials at the chamber began asking how those stories they heard from members could be shared more widely. “Social media is great, but it can never have the appeal that a collection of stories in print can offer.” Image provided by the Ames Chamber of Commerce.