Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: 2020 Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Name + Website

Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce

Elected leader for 2020

Patti Hood, Chair of the Board

Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber

Julie Todtz, President/CEO

Number of Members

1,018

How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?

A business can join the Ankeny Area Chamber online, in person or telephonically.

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

I have always been a person that strives to serve others. When I work for an organization that encouraged growth of self, personally and professionally, and gives the flexibility to be involved, I am all in. I started out in the ambassador group for the Chamber, learning the ins and outs of the business. I’ve had the opportunity to go through the Ankeny Leadership Institute, which allowed me to learn more about the City of Ankeny, needs of nonprofits and local foundations. I wanted to get involved somewhere where I could challenge myself while still utilizing my skills and continuing to grow new skills. I was selected to serve on the board of directors for the Chamber before accepting my role on the executive board.

What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?

In 2020, while experience the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders from the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce began and led “Ankeny2Gether,” in order to help nearly 15 businesses during some very tough times with a grant program. Grants were given to small businesses to help them move to the next level. It was heartwarming to see small businesses that were thriving during the pandemic help and lift up other businesses. Donations to Ankeny2Gether ranged from residents purchasing a t-shirt to retail businesses donating a percentage of their profit.

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

The Chamber has provided much needed resources through education, direction and connection to businesses. Virtual educational sessions were offered several times a week for businesses in the area of workforce needs and regulations, PPP details and opportunities, EIDL information and local grant options. The Ankeny Area Chamber provided an essential connection for businesses through Zooms calls and by offering networking opportunities through Coffee on the Couch and Cocktails on the Couch.

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

The Ankeny Area Chamber looks forward to seeing the change and momentum created by many businesses that have been forced to pivot due to the pandemic. Through this change, we look forward to seeing how existing businesses change their business models and how new businesses will emerge.

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

The Ankeny Area Chamber continues to recognize The Partnership’s ongoing support and educational resources.

What Are Your Upcoming Events?

Celebrate Ankeny is a new event created to engage the residents and businesses during COVID-19. The largest event typically hosted by the Ankeny Area Chamber is Ankeny SummerFest. While pivoting to meet the current climate, the Ankeny Area Chamber is proud to host Celebrate Ankeny. A virtual concert and fireworks will take place on Saturday, July 11. A taste of Ankeny will be offered each Thursday in July at host locations throughout Ankeny.

 

 

 

Other upcoming events include a golf outing on Tuesday, July 28 and Discover Ankeny on Thursday, November 19.

Many leadership and networking opportunities will continue through 2020 with person-to-person and virtual options available.

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.