Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce

Grimes Area Chamber Q&A

Reasons to join the Grinnell Area Chamber:
Membership in the Grinnell Area Chamber provides opportunity for a business to participate collaboratively in the economic development and growth of our community. Membership brings credibility to a business, increases visibility in the community, facilitates valuable networking opportunities and provides a channel for discussion, understanding and advocacy of applicable legislative and local issues/actions.  

Biggest Chamber accomplishment in the past 12 months:
Following the renovation of 17 building facades in downtown Grinnell, the Chamber, in partnership with the city, worked to develop a downtown plan that could be implemented over the next several years. Staff led a number of downtown planning focus group sessions, meeting with well over 100 stakeholders and community members. These meetings and plan creation have spurred many exciting developments and several initiatives are now underway, including the addition of Peace Tree Brewing Company’s Grinnell location.

Chamber initiative or project in 2017:
A number of exciting things are happening in Grinnell. We are anxiously awaiting the opening of a boutique hotel and events center in a downtown historic building as well as the re-opening of Central, all slated for late summer/early fall.

Within the chamber, we are actively working on a number of projects including development and implementation of a business mentorship program, working with our downtown district to identify opportunities for broadband access for each of our downtown businesses and actively working to recruit a bakery to the community.

What upcoming events should people watch for?

Grinnell Farmers Market — Thursdays and Saturdays (weekly) through Oct. 14: The Grinnell Farmers Market is a 100 percent producer market, meaning that all vendors must produce their own products to be sold at market. This ensures the public is getting the freshest products and is supporting a local vendor. 

Friday Fest — July 7: Friday Fest features a downtown block party with live music, a beverage garden and kids’ activities. 

Jingle Bell Holiday — November 17: There is magic in the air around downtown as we kick off the holiday season in Grinnell. Experience festive kids’ activities, merry shopping, photos with Santa Claus and jolly carriage rides around the square. Grinnell’s Jingle Bell Holiday is filled with small-town experiences, a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of the season.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the fourth largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about Partnership Affiliate Chambers and browse the Membership Directory. Read additional Affiliate Chamber Spotlights.