2025 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Madison County Chamber of Commerce

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is a dual-purpose organization serving as both a traditional chamber and the community’s welcome center. With more than 300 Members, the Chamber works year-round to connect businesses, host signature events like the Covered Bridge Festival and welcome visitors to Madison County. Executive Director Sarah Pugh, a longtime business owner and former board member, shares her vision for supporting members, fostering collaboration and celebrating the spirit of Madison County.

Meet the Executive Director/President

Sarah Pugh, Executive Director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Hi! I’m Sarah Pugh, and I’m excited to serve as the new Executive Director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, stepping into this role in mid-February. As a local small business owner and a former Chamber board member of six years, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing the Chamber from both sides. That background has made this transition a natural step, and I’m thrilled to continue serving our community in this new way. 

Chamber Name + Website

Madison County Chamber of Commerce

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

I first got involved with the Chamber about 10 years ago when I was starting a business and looking for ways to connect with my community and find the resources I needed for the business to grow. The Chamber quickly became a place of support, connection and opportunity for me — and I’ve been passionate about giving that same experience to others ever since.

Tell Us About Your Chamber. 

The Madison County Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve just over 300 members. Our team is small but mighty: I work full-time alongside a part-time employee who focuses on tourism and social media, a part-time finance manager and three part-time welcome center staff members.

We wear a lot of hats — our Chamber is dual-purpose, serving both as a traditional chamber of commerce and as our community’s welcome center. From hosting five to six fundraising events each year to welcoming visitors from near and far, we stay busy year-round connecting people and businesses to Madison County.

What is a Signature Offering/Exciting Upcoming Event of Your Chamber?

One of our signature events is the Covered Bridge Festival, happening this year on Saturday, Oct. 11 – Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025 in Winterset. This celebration honors our iconic bridges with a weekend full of arts and crafts vendors, live music, local food and family fun. The entire community comes alive — and yes, the smell of kettle corn fills the air!

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

For the Members who take advantage of them, the business directory listings have been especially beneficial. They not only increase visibility locally but also tie into broader regional opportunities through the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Many have received additional traffic to their business from this listing.

What Events or Benefits Should Members Take Advantage of in the Next Couple of Months?

I strongly encourage our Members to update their local directory listings. These listings connect directly with The Partnership system, ensuring that when travelers or potential customers are searching for businesses in the region (and nearby communities like ours), they find accurate, up-to-date information..

What is One Piece of Advice for a New Business?

You truly get out of your Chamber what you put into it. When you show up to volunteer, sponsor an event or join a planning committee, you’ll quickly see the benefits — whether it’s new connections, greater visibility or the satisfaction of contributing to your community. The more you engage, the more opportunities will open up for your business.

Why Should a Business Join Your Chamber?

As a business owner, it’s easy to feel like you’re wearing a thousand hats and navigating things alone. Joining the Chamber means you don’t have to do it all by yourself — you gain a network of support, resources and connections. If there’s something you’re not an expert in, we can connect you with someone who is. Beyond that, there’s a genuine camaraderie among our members, and we love celebrating this business journey together.

Looking Ahead, What is Your Vision for the Madison County Community?

My vision is to see our Members lean more fully into the resources that The Partnership provides and to continue building strong collaborations on community projects and events. When we work together as a united front, not only do individual businesses thrive, but our entire community succeeds.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the fourth largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about Partnership Affiliate Chambers, find out about Partnership Member benefits, browse the Membership directory and find Chamber events across the region.