Young Professionals

Make Connections. Get Involved.

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.

Good things come to
those who network

What our members have to say

"Working in the nonprofit industry for almost a decade, I was content and fulfilled serving the community through my day-to-day job. Five years into my career journey, I felt pulled to serve on a larger scale and knew I needed to step out of my comfort zone to change. That’s when I joined AREA YP."

- Sarina F.

"Joining AREA YP was the catalyst to growing my personal brand out in the community"

- Mitch A.

"I’ve met so many great people through AREA YP which has expanded my professional network and given me an even greater appreciation for the people who live and work in the Ames region."

- Nate K.

"I believe we have a responsibility to be great stewards for the future and make our communities a better place – AREA YP has given me the opportunity to do just that."

- Nick S.

Young Professionals

Make Connections. Get Involved.

Good things come to
those who network

What our members have to say

Social at Inside Golf

Card Making for Non-Profits

Bouquet Carving at Potter's Shoppe

Volunteering at Food at First

Lunch & Learn at Ames Fitness

Lunch & Learn at ISU Research Park

Lunch & Learn with Trice Legacy Foundation

Placemaking Project

Professional Event with Amy Doyle

Social At Della Viti

Social at Wasabi

Women in Leadership Event

YP Iowa Conference

Young Professionals

Make Connections. Get Involved.

Good things come tothose who network

What our members have to say

Social at Inside Golf

Card Making for Non-Profits

Bouquet Carving at Potter's Shoppe

Volunteering at Food at First

Lunch & Learn at Ames Fitness

Lunch & Learn at ISU Research Park

Lunch & Learn with Trice Legacy Foundation

Placemaking Project

Professional Event with Amy Doyle

Social At Della Viti

Social at Wasabi

Women in Leadership Event

YP Iowa Conference

Good things come to
those who network