Eric Smidt has joined the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission as vice president of marketing and communications. Smidt, who began his new duties on Aug. 15, joins the Ames Chamber after spending five years as director of communications for the Ames school district. In that role, Smidt coordinated the communication strategy behind the successful campaign for a $110 million bond referendum to build a new high school. He also launched several new communication channels, including the “Amazing” magazine that has a quarterly distribution of 12,000 copies across the Ames community, and the district’s award-winning “Amazing Education Podcast.” In his new role, Smidt will oversee the overall marketing and communications strategies for the Ames Chamber and Economic Development Commission.