Thai Consulate Visit to Ankeny, IA
Written by Sharlyn Estrem, Ankeny Area Chamber Office Manager and Sue Hudson, Owner of IV Nutrition
Estrem: What a privilege to have the Thai Consulate visit Ankeny, Iowa on September 18 and 19, 2024. The Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the visitation with scheduled tours of local businesses. The Thai Consulate consisted of Mrs. Katanawadee Kalayanamit, Consul-General; Mrs. Natnapang Damrongsoontornchai, Deputy Consul-General; and Mr. Nanthapol Sudbanthad, Director. They were accompanied by Mr. Anawat Chuyllasewok, Investment Promotion Officer, Mr. Anuthep Meelertsom, Assistant, and Mr. Surose Chantana, Assistant. For the first day of their visit, a representative from the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Sharlyn Estrem, went on the tours for introductions and connections.
The members of the Thai Consulate arrived on Wednesday the 18th of September to begin their tour and enjoyed lunch with the Honorable Mayor Mark Holm of the City of Ankeny and local business owners Sue Hudson of IV Nutrition along with her father, Sansonthi Boonyothayan. Following lunch, the tour traveled to Ames, IA to the PowerPollen plant. Jason Cope of PowerPollen along with his team showed a presentation about their unique, patented method of collecting and preserving pollen from Iowa corn plants. They demonstrated the efficiency of their pollen sprayer system on both a large field scale as well as a handheld model for smaller pollination efforts. The also shared a viewing of their patented machinery and vibrant Iowa fields adjacent to their building.
Next the group traveled to Bayer, located in Ankeny. The sophisticated tour of the Bayer plant included an introduction to their company by Valerie Terrill. She and her team accompanied the group through their building to view their unique machinery and skilled engineering staff as they applied their techniques of agricultural expertise. This included seed sorting and testing completed by many of their patented machines and professional operators who provide unique services to seed production companies throughout the world. They explained many processes performed by Bayer that are unique to their company and only done in Ankeny, IA.
The final stop on Wednesday brought the group to the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce office in The District. It was after hours, but the group posed for a few photos there before enjoying dinner in the area. After a full afternoon on their feet, they enjoyed a quieter evening accompanied by Thai speaking business owners who helped them feel right at home in the thriving mid-west suburb of Ankeny. The small-town feel was a welcoming environment to the Thai Consulate delegates and their companions.
The following day, on Thursday, the CEO/President of the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce, Melisa Cox, accompanied the Thai Consulate on their continued visit.
Hudson: When I received a call from The Royal Thai Consulate General, informing me that they would like to visit Iowa for the first time to strengthen ties and explore opportunities for expanding economic and academic cooperation between Thailand and Iowa, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It was an honor to be approached for such a significant visit, but I wasn’t quite sure how I would help coordinate it. However, as a member of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, I knew I wasn’t alone. The Chamber has always provided invaluable support, and this was no exception.
My first step was to reach out to Melisa, a key figure within the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce, to ask for assistance. I sent her an email outlining the visit’s purpose and the desire to connect the delegation with local businesses, academic institutions, and organizations that could foster potential partnerships. To my amazement, within just a few days, Melisa and the team had not only embraced the challenge but had also mobilized the Chamber to put together an impressive itinerary.
The Royal Thai Consulate General’s visit, thanks to the Chamber’s efforts, became a showcase of Iowa’s thriving business community. The delegation visited energy companies, agricultural seed companies, and even had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Each of these visits was thoughtfully organized, allowing the Thai officials to gain valuable insights into Iowa’s economy and explore potential collaborations. It was incredible to witness how seamlessly the Chamber facilitated these connections, ensuring that the delegation had a well-rounded and impactful experience.
Looking back, I am beyond grateful for the tireless work and dedication of the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce. Their ability to bring together key stakeholders and coordinate such a high-level visit in such a short time was nothing short of remarkable. I have always known that being a part of this organization comes with benefits, but this experience truly highlighted the incredible network and support the Chamber provides. This was, without a doubt, one of the most impressive and successful initiatives I have ever been a part of, and I am deeply thankful for the Chamber’s role in making it happen.
