The Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) envisioned a bold new initiative, Live In Ames, to attract new residents and showcase everything the region has to offer. From world-class career opportunities to vibrant cultural life, they wanted to highlight why Ames isn’t just a place to work, but a place to truly live and thrive.
We partnered with AREA to create a full visual brand and a dynamic new website that captures the spirit of the city. The result is a vibrant, user-friendly platform that’s fun, welcoming, and packed with resources, whether you’re job hunting, exploring neighborhoods, or looking to connect with local ambassadors. With features like an integrated job board, interactive content, and connectors ready to help newcomers, the Live In Ames site is designed to turn interest into action.
As a brand-new initiative, Live In Ames needed to make a bold first impression. The Ames Regional Economic Alliance wanted a platform that could both capture the vibrant energy of the Ames community and provide real value to those considering a move to the region. Without an existing brand, site, or content to build from, the challenge was twofold: develop a compelling identity from the ground up and create a website that could serve as a welcoming, informative hub for prospective residents.
It had to strike the right balance—professional yet playful, informative yet inspiring—while offering practical tools like job listings and community connectors that would turn curiosity into commitment.
The vision behind Live In Ames was to celebrate all the reasons people choose to call Ames home—from career opportunities and education to family life, culture, and connection. AREA set out to create a fun, approachable brand and digital experience that reflects the spirit of the community while helping newcomers explore life in the region.
They envisioned a bright, modern, and interactive website that would bring the brand to life—highlighting everything from local events and neighborhood vibes to volunteer ambassadors ready to welcome new residents. Every design and content choice aimed to make Ames feel not just like a great place to live—but the right place to belong.
To bring the Live In Ames brand to life, our team crafted a fun, vibrant visual identity that reflects the energy and personality of the Ames community. From the bold, lively color palette to the use of playful icons and organic shapes, every design choice was made to feel inviting and dynamic. The site’s aesthetic captures what it feels like to live, work, and play in Ames—modern, colorful, and full of opportunity.
We built the brand from the ground up, developing a logo, typography system, and brand elements that extend seamlessly across both the site and other campaign materials. The result is a visual identity that is both professional and approachable, perfectly positioned to attract individuals and families exploring a move to the area.
More than just a beautiful website, Live In Ames needed to be a practical, easy-to-use resource. We focused on building an intuitive structure that helps users quickly access what they’re looking for—from local job opportunities to ways to connect with volunteer ambassadors. Clear pathways, minimal click depth, and mobile-first responsiveness ensure the experience is smooth on any device.
Interactive touches—like a searchable job board and community connectors—help make the site feel alive, while thoughtful content organization ensures that both new and returning visitors can navigate with ease. The final product is a welcoming, accessible platform that encourages exploration and connection, whether you’re across the country or across the street.
Partnering with AREA, we worked closely with their team to tackle these challenges through thoughtful project coordination and clear communication. By aligning our expertise with their vision, we delivered a website and brand identity that not only reflects their updated brand but also enhances user experience, accessibility, and engagement across the board. Our goal was to support their bold new initiative, Live In Ames, designed to attract new residents and showcase everything the region has to offer.
In addition to our work with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, we collaborated closely with several of their affiliated organizations to ensure each had a cohesive, user-friendly website tailored to their unique contributions to their individual communities.
We partnered with Ames Main Street to design a website that reflects its role as the cultural and entertainment heart of Downtown Ames. The site highlights the district’s vibrant atmosphere, showcasing local arts, dining, and events while providing an easy-to-navigate platform for residents and visitors alike.
With an average attendance of over 3,000 visitors each Saturday, the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market is a cherished community event that brings together residents from Ames and the surrounding areas. We crafted a website that reflects the market’s vibrant spirit and showcases the bounty of locally grown produce, live music and engaging activities as well as made the website user-friendly and inviting for website visitors.
The Ames Chamber of Commerce, driven by a bold vision for economic growth and business development, had outgrown its city-focused identity. With over 750 members spanning Story, Boone, and Hamilton Counties, the organization needed a brand that truly embodied its far-reaching impact and commitment to regional partnerships. This led to a full-scale transformation.
With over 160 members and more than 20 events each year, AREA Young Professionals (formerly FUEL Story County) is dedicated to making impactful connections and fostering community involvement in Central Iowa. At Saltech Systems, we designed a website that encapsulates their mission to be transformative leaders, enhancing the quality of life through a focus on leadership, growth, philanthropy, and social engagement. The new platform serves as a dynamic forum for networking, professional development, and community partnerships, showcasing the businesses, attractions, and events that make Central Iowa a vibrant place to live, work, and play
The Boone County Economic Growth Corporation (BCEGC) has a long-standing commitment to supporting both large and small businesses in this vibrant area, which is home to 11 communities and over 26,000 residents. We recently revamped the BCEGC website to provide a modern design that simplifies maintenance and updates, ensuring that it effectively showcases the region’s diverse economic base and educated workforce.
The Nevada Economic Development Council (NEDC) is committed to creating a thriving business environment in Nevada, Iowa, a community strategically located for growth. Following a brand refresh, NEDC approached us for a new website that captures their renewed identity. Our team designed a modern, inviting website that not only showcases the advantages of doing business in Nevada but also provides vital resources for companies seeking to establish themselves in this vibrant community.
Since 1975, The Ames Foundation has been dedicated to enhancing community spirit and resources in Ames, Iowa, through fundraising, project curation, and volunteer organization. They approached Saltech Systems to help modernize their brand, aiming to reflect the diverse range of projects they support while emphasizing their commitment to bettering the community. Our solution involved creating a new logo and website that ties back to the organization’s roots, drawing inspiration from one of their original projects. The four columns in the logo evoke the familiar Ames Signage seen upon entering the city from I-35 and Highway 30, symbolizing both legacy and progress as the Foundation continues its important work in the community.
