2022 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Indianola Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Name + Website

Indianola Chamber of Commerce

Elected Leader for 2022

Mimi Kelly-Meyer, Chair

Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber

Brenda Easter, President

Number of Members

290 Members

How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?

Visit indianolachamber.com or connect with us via email at chamber@indianolachamber.com.

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

I've been in the Human Resources field for over 20 years, so when I started at Indianola Community Schools, it was important for me to help with the connectivity between the school and the community. The district's vision of Proud Traditions ... Unlimited Possibilities?is something that holds true with the chamber as well.?In addition, as a commercial property owner in the city, it is important to me to be ingrained in as many facets of the community as possible and to support growing businesses by way of community connections.?

What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?

We provide professional assistance in documenting businesses digitally to help tell their stories through our online advertising system.

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

Our biggest accomplishment is how we deliver value to our investors and businesses.?We have refreshed our business model to align our value propositions with opportunities that are important to our stakeholders, all of which will have a higher impact for them as well as our community. The new model not only adds value to their investment, but also provides a clear path towards long-term sustainability of the Indianola Chamber.

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

We are developing an online tourism/welcome center. We will invite visitors and guests to “Explore Indianola” by intentionally documenting our community, connecting the dots and inviting guests and residents to explore everything we have to offer. In reality, it’s a community wide advertising system that becomes a treasure trove of content for search, while providing a unique and engaging experience for our visitors in a fun and creative way.

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

The Greater Des Moines Partnership staff is knowledgeable and a wonderful resource in helping our Chamber and our businesses solve nearly any problem. The Top 5 series focuses on relevant topics that business owners should be aware of when operating their businesses. Keeping our small businesses informed and up to date on how to manage ever changing operational challenges is essential.

What Are Your Upcoming Events?

#ThinkIndianolaFirst

• Girls Night Out: 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 7
• Ridiculous Days: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25

Grab your besties and enjoy a Girls Night Out Kentucky Style or get ridiculous during Ridiculous Days on the Indianola Downtown Square. Enjoy hometown hospitality and in-store specials as you support local businesses in Indianola!

Friday Night Live Summer Concerts

• Train Wreck: Friday, June 10
• Past Vertical: Friday, June 24
• Final Mix: Friday, July 8

Grab your family and friends and enjoy live music, while your kids are entertained by the beautiful park facilities & free Putt Putt Golf. Gates open at 6 pm. Band plays 7 pm – 9:30 pm. Beverage garden and food vendors available. Cost is $5 for adults and children 11 and over. Children 10 and under free. Find more information at indianolachamber.com/calendar.

Des Moines Metro Opera

• Summer Festival: Friday, July 1 – Sunday, July 24

Catch a performance by world class performers and crew and be mesmerized by the beauty of it all!

Indianola Chamber

• Indianola Chamber Golf Open: Wednesday, July 20

We all know that most business happens on the golf course. Join us for a day of fun (or business)! Find more information at desmoinesmetroopera.org.

Warren County Fair

• Grandstand Shows, Contests, Exhibits, Food + More at the Fair: Wednesday, July 27 – Monday, August 1

Enjoy the sights, sounds and fun that you can only get at the Warren County Fair! Find more information at warrencofair.com.

National Balloon Classic

• 100+ Hot Air Balloons: Friday, July 29 – Saturday, August 6

Enjoy the spectacular view of 100+ beautiful hot air balloons as they take to the sky and enjoy live bands, kids’ activities, food and fun! Find more information at nationalballoonclassic.com.

TruBank DSM Disc Golf Challenge

• Disc Golf Tournament: Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21

Check out the Disc Golf Pro Tournament (DGPT) and watch the elite disc golf pros from around the country compete at Pickard Park! Find more information at desmoineschallenge.com.

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.