Ames EDC

Board Member Spotlight: Justin Witek

Posted on October 25, 2021 at 8:00 AM by Steven Lawrence

Name:

Justin Witek

 

What is your hometown?

LaSalle, IL

 

Occupation and company you work for?

Market President at Great Western Bank. I oversee the Ames, Nevada and Story City Branches managing the commercial loan portfolio while seeking out new loan opportunities.  My home office is located in Ames on 316 S. Duff Ave. 

 

What is a fun fact about your business or something you’re doing at your business that you’re excited about?

We focus on building long-term relationships with clients in the community and actively participate in public events and charity organizations.  It feels great to take part in making our area a better place to work and live.  We are passionate about our consultative relationship with our commercial customers to take their business to the next level.  There is also great satisfaction in assisting a borrower with the purchase of a new home to make memories with family.  Everyone you know has probably had the need for financing some major purchase in their lives and banking allows those dreams to come to fruition.

We have also been remodeling our bank with fresh paint, carpeting and furniture.  The Commercial Loan Department is in the process of moving into the front section of the Bank that we previously leased.  This has allowed our Retail Bank personnel to move from cubicles into offices and will create space for growth.

 

What is your role with the AEDC, and how long have you been involved?

I am new to the AEDC and will attend my first meeting this month.

 

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about local economic development by being involved in the AEDC?

I moved from LaSalle, Illinois to Ames in August of this year with my wife and 2 children that attend Gilbert Middle School in 6th and 7th grade.  We enjoy the big town amenities with the small town vibe.  I am interested in learning more about the AEDC and its members. 

 

Why do you continue to be involved in local economic development? Why is this an important issue for you?

I look forward to contributing to the organization and making the community an even more desired place to conduct business and live.  This is important because I believe no matter where you are from or what area you are coming to you should always leave the community a little better than you found it.  Creating an environment that is enjoyable to work and live in not only enhances the quality of life for individuals right now but hopefully inspires future leaders to continue the tradition and strive for progressive development.

 

What other involvements do you have in the local community/county?

I am getting acclimated to the community but I am finding the Ames Chamber of Commerce a valuable resource for networking and learning about events and new businesses in the area.

 

What are your favorite pastimes/hobbies?

I like spending time with my family and taking long walks with our dog, Ozzy.  I enjoy riding my bike at Ada Hayden and all of the other great trails in Ames.  When I have free time between work and my kids school activities, I enjoy golfing.  Even if I have a bad day on the golf course, it’s still a great day to be out in the fresh air with friends. 

 

Who are the members of your family?

My family members are my wife Kathi, son Landon, and daughter Ava.  We also have a double doodle named Ozzy.  What is a double doodle, you ask?  It is a mix of a Labradoodle (Lab and Poodle) and Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever and Poodle).

 

If you had only one hour a week to watch TV, what would you watch?

Since I moved to Ames, I have not had much time to watch TV.  However, before I go to bed I put on Everyone Loves Raymond on the TV Land Station.  The family style comedy rings true on so many levels.  It’s just a good show! 

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