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AREA Young Professionals, formerly FUEL Story County, was founded in 2002 as an affiliate organization of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. Our mission is to be transformative leaders enhancing quality of life through a community focused on leadership, growth, philanthropy, and social engagement.

AREA YP provides a forum for networking, professional development, and community partnerships. We seek to promote and preserve the businesses, attractions, and events that make our Central Iowa communities a great place to live, work, and play. We are committed to creating an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in our area.

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2023 - FUEL 4 Under 40 Award Winners

AREA 4 Under 40


The '4 Under 40' Award recognizes extraordinary young professionals in the Central Iowa community who take the AREA YP mission to heart. These young professionals have demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and positive community impact.

2024 Winners:

  • Melissa Muschick (Discover Ames)
  • Steven Lawrence (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)
  • Abigail Miller (AgCertain Industries)
  • Mindy Bergstrom (Nook and Nest, Z.W. Mercantile, Cook's Emporium & The Recipe)

We are now taking nominations for 2025 winners! If you know someone who is deserving of this award, please take a moment and nominate them!

Deadline for nominations is Friday, October 11.

'4 Under 40' Award Nomination Form 

Our Mission

"To be transformative leaders enhancing quality of life through a community focused on leadership, growth, philanthropy, and social engagement."
Leadership &
Growth
Philanthropy
Social
Engagement
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Our Mission

To be transformative leaders enhancing quality of life through a community focused on leadership, growth, philanthropy, and social engagement.

Leadership & Growth

Philanthropy

Social Engagement

Get Involved in Our Community!

Upcoming Events


AREA YP offers a range of volunteering opportunities, develops the next generation of leaders, and connects young professionals together.
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Shout Out To Our Sponsors!

We couldn’t do this without them.


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