2023 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Grimes Chamber & Economic Development

Chamber Name + Website

Grimes Chamber & Economic Development Chamber

Elected leader for 2023

Cyle Taylor, Board Chair, Vice President | Commercial Deposit Manager, VisionBank

Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber

Brian Buethe, President | CEO, Grimes Chamber & Economic Development

Number of Members

300 Members

How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?

Prospective members can apply for membership online or the organization can provide a hard copy application. GCED staff is available to consult or answer questions for prospective members upon request.

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

I first became involved by attending a ribbon cutting at a new business in Grimes. Meeting other business professionals was one of the reasons I chose to attend the event. Your local Chamber is a great way to cultivate new relationships personally and professionally.

Another reason I got involved was to become more engaged in the community; attending Chamber events is one way to achieve that goal. The more you are involved, the greater the impact you can make in the community.

What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?

The opportunity to engage other professionals on a regular basis, allowing individuals to learn from one another, learn about each other and advance business relationships.

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

Grimes Chamber & Economic Development acquired the services of a new Director of Operations, Halsey Scales, last year. Her energy has been inspiring for the office and many of the organization’s investors.

The organization has also had the great fortune to work with our partners to advance significant economic development projects that not only benefit the citizens of Grimes, but also people from across the region and visitors to the area. Notable projects include the advancement of the GrimesPlex, which will be the largest multi-use sports turf complex in the Midwest. The ongoing construction of MercyOne Ambulatory Surgery Center on the Iowa Ortho Medical Campus is going to be a great new addition to the community. Finally, Grimes has been fortunate to attract a number of new dining establishments including the first Freddy’s in the region, the award-winning Destination Grill and a new B-Bop’s, to name a few.

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

Grimes Chamber & Economic Development is launching a new initiative in 2023; the Grimes Leadership Academy. The first class will begin meeting in August. Learn more at GrimesLeadership.com.

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

The Greater Des Moines Partnership provides such a vast array of tools and resources it is difficult to identify one that stands out. However, many of our members appreciate the advocacy work The Partnership staff and leadership coordinate on behalf of the business community.

Because our organization is heavily engaged in local economic development work, the services provided by the economic development team at the regional level have been very fruitful to Grimes and the entire region over the years. While each community does much independently to address their individual community goals, having an area group allows us all to work together as neighbors for the good of the entire region.

What Are Your Upcoming Events?

The largest single event organized by Grimes Chamber & Economic Development takes place June 8 – 10. Governors Days is a three-day celebration of community that incorporates live music, an entertainment garden, a carnival, parades, bags tournaments and a lot of great festival food. Learn more at GovernorsDays.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.