Ankeny Business & Industry Collaborative Recognizes Local Leaders and Businesses at Salute to Industry Event
Written by Mackenzie Cowden, Ankeny Chamber’s Director of Marketing
ANKENY, Iowa — Local business and community leaders gathered Tuesday, October 7, on the DMACC Ankeny Campus for the Ankeny Business & Industry Collaborative’s (ABIC) annual Salute to Industry celebration. This event recognizes innovation, leadership, and partnership across Ankeny’s growing business community.
Founded in 1966 as the Ankeny Industrial Development Corporation, ABIC was established to promote the welfare and growth of businesses and the broader community. Nearly 60 years later, the organization continues that mission by honoring companies and individuals driving progress in Ankeny’s economy.
Board Chair Jason Mortvedt opened the evening by reflecting on the city’s remarkable growth and the industries fueling it.
“Member companies have been and continue to be at the heart of this progress,” Mortvedt said. “Your investments, your innovations, and your commitment to this community have created jobs, strengthened families, and elevated quality of life. Tonight is about honoring that.”
This year’s Salute to Industry recognized several Ankeny Chamber members and community partners for their contributions:
- Innovative Company of the Year: Kreg Tool
- Community Impact of the Year: Uptown Ankeny Association
- Environmental Impact of the Year: Ankeny Sanitation
- Public/Private Partnership Award: City of Ankeny and Polk County
- CEO of the Year: Tanner Kinzler, Kinzler Corporation
- Person of the Year (Posthumous): Carl Moyer, Karl Chevrolet
Executive Director Kim Schaaf acknowledged the collaborative’s longtime investors and sponsors, including Casey’s, John Deere Des Moines Works, and the Polk County Board of Supervisors, noting their ongoing commitment to supporting economic growth in Ankeny.
The evening also included a special tribute to Rob Denson, president of Des Moines Area Community College, who was honored for his years of leadership as he prepares for retirement. Denson, who received ABIC’s Person of Vision Award in 2013, thanked the community for its partnership.
“Being part of Ankeny’s growth story has been one of the great honors of my career,” Denson said. “This community understands the power of education, business, and collaboration.” Denson also delighted guests with personal stories and a minute of showing off his signing abilities.
Mortvedt closed the ceremony by reaffirming ABIC’s mission to continue fostering innovation and partnership.
“The individuals and organizations we honor tonight are taking bold steps that shape Ankeny’s future,” he said. “Their confidence and investment ensure our community will remain a thriving place to do business for generations to come.”
The Ankeny Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a community partner with ABIC and congratulates our members on their continued service to the Ankeny Community.