The Ames Regional Economic Alliance is continuing to expand its regional economic development work with a new partnership with the Greene County Development Corporation.

Today’s announcement comes a year after the then Ames Chamber of Commerce rebranded itself to better represent the regional focus of its work and announced a partnership with Hamilton County.

Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Alliance, said the new partnership with Greene County Development Corporation is another step toward expanding the Alliance’s economic development across Central Iowa.

“Greene County plays an important role in our regional economy, with strong community assets and a commitment to grow,” Culhane said in a news release. “Its proximity to U.S. Highway 30 and alignment with our broader regional efforts make this partnership both strategic and timely.”

Under the new partnership, the GCDC will work with the Alliance to enhance services and support for Greene County communities. The Alliance will provide organizational administration and expertise in workforce development, business retention and expansion, housing initiative, communications, website development and media support, the release stated.

Michelle Book, interim executive director of the Greene County Development Corporation, said “being a stand-alone county doesn’t make sense,” today when it comes to economic development.

“GCDC is well positioned to use our recent success and momentum to boost local economic development efforts; joining a successful Alliance will amplify the impact,” she said in the release.

The GCDC board and the Alliance board approved the partnership earlier this month.

The partnership expands the Alliance’s work across four counties, that includes Boone, Hamilton and Story counties.

Greg Piklapp, director of economic development and outreach and government relations at the Alliance, has been named the new executive director of GCDC.

In the release, he said the partnership will help build on the momentum already happening in Greene County.

“By working together regionally, we can amplify the strengths of our communities and create even more opportunities for growth, investment, and quality of life,” Piklapp said.