2022 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: FuseDSM

Chamber Name + Website

FuseDSM — Your Chamber of Commerce

Elected Leader for 2022

Carolyn Jenison, CEO, Speak PR

Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber

Trish Flaherty-Barnes, President/CEO

Number of Members

400 Members

How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?

Our members come to us through referrals from existing members, attending an educational program or through an introduction at a networking or social event. From there, our professional staff meet with the new member to ensure we get them connected to the programs and events that will best serve this member.

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

Speak PR’s founder was a member of the “East & South Chamber of Commerce”, so that was my first introduction. My firm had the honor to work with their board and leadership to explore the expansion of their footprint to include the north side of Des Moines. I live in this area that was not yet represented by a chamber. Our firm worked to create a new look and messaging to be inclusive of all members of the chamber and is today “FuseDSM — Your Chamber of Commerce.” After this process, I was hooked by the energy and mission of this chamber and the rest is history

What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?

That's a loaded question, but programming — our regular monthly events, FuseNews, our monthly digital magazine that offers low cost advertising with a big reach and, in 2023, our unique Leadership Academy.

But most notably, what sets us apart as a chamber is our culture, our sense of community and inclusion. We live our Community Statement:

Our Community: We are a community of business owners stimulated by providing explosive business growth opportunities forged from diversity, collaboration, and authentic human interaction. We champion the success of our members with dignity and support one another with pride. Passionate integrity is fused into the very core of our community where hard work, inclusion and meaningful relationships define our past, present, and future.

What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?

We recognized that there are economic development opportunities throughout our footprint that sometimes just need attention. We invited strong partners to help support these projects and opportunities. Our first was Hull Avenue near Grand View on the east side of Des Moines. With the help of our partners, NDC and the City of Des Moines, and our Council Woman Linda Westergaard, commercial redevelopment is beginning within that commercial node.

What Initiative/Project Are You Looking Forward to in the Upcoming Year?

Our Economic Development Committee is taking its magic, enthusiasm and their partners to the south side where we are looking at opportunities for development at the commercial node anchored by B&B Market.

What Partnership Tools/Resources Have Been Most Beneficial to Your Chamber Members?

Our chamber and our members benefit from the government policy efforts. Our members are busy focusing on growing their business. They appreciate being educated on, and having GDMP advocate on behalf of, the policies that impact their business is a great value.

What Are Your Upcoming Events?

• FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon "Changing and Saving Lives in the Workplace and Schools" from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at Holiday Inn Downtown
• Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn "Retirement Planning for Business Owners" from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company

• FuseHR Forum "Assessing Your Hiring and Retention Pain Points" from 8 – 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 at Siegwerk

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.