2022 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Name + Website
Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce
Elected leader for 2022
Rob Grove, 2022 Board Chair
Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber
Michael Bartos, President & CEO
Number of Members
331 Members
How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?
Businesses and individuals can join the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce through our website at waukeechamber.com, by calling our office at (515) 978-7115, or by emailing us at info@waukeechamber.com.
Businesses interested in becoming a part of the Waukee business community can schedule a meeting to learn more by emailing Michael Bartos at michael@waukeechamber.com.
What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?
After getting settled in Waukee, I knew this was a community that I wanted to get involved with. I was invited to a Waukee Wake Up Coffee Hour which is hosted by the Waukee Young Professionals. I was able to develop relationships with others in our business community who inspired me to join two Chamber committees.
What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?
The Chamber’s Annual Economic Development Bus Tour is held annually in September. The event, held in partnership with the City of Waukee, provides an opportunity for Chamber members and the Waukee community at large to learn more about new businesses, civic projects and other opportunities coming to Waukee. We also offer access to our exclusive online community, Mighty Networks. Available exclusively for our Chamber members, it’s a virtual hub to seek support, celebrate wins and connect with fellow members growing businesses in the Waukee area.
What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?
2022 has been a year of growth for the Waukee business community and for the Chamber itself. We were excited to bring back all of our signature and monthly events for our membership and added multiple new events for our membership. The biggest highlight of the year however is the addition of Kelly Troxel as our Marketing & Communications Coordinator. Kelly has been an instant help in serving our mission and promoting our membership’s events, accomplishments and news.
What Initiative/Project Are You Looking Forward to in the Upcoming Year?
Following the launch of our new website and branding earlier this year, we look forward to finding new ways to best serve our members and continuing to build on our outstanding signature events and monthly events including business luncheons, morning and evening networking opportunities and Waukee YP coffees and socials.
What Partnership Tools/Resources Have Been Most Beneficial to Your Chamber Members?
The Partnership has been a great resource for our members, providing a proven source of information for local businesses. The Partnership staff has been amazing this year speaking at luncheons, moderating candidate forums and providing guidance for our Chamber. As we look forward to 2023, The Partnership’s regional and small business events (like the Top Five for Small Business seminars) and business directory will continue to benefit our members.
What Are Your Upcoming Events?
Find out more details at: waukeechamber.com/en/calendar.
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the fourth largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about Partnership Affiliate Chambers, browse the Membership Directory and read additional Affiliate Chamber spotlights.
Michael Bartos
Michael Bartos is the President & CEO of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. Michael helps local businesses of all sizes thrive by serving as their guide, connector and cheerleader so they can grow faster with the Waukee community on their side.