The newly-formed Des Moines Chamber of Commerce says it has signed up more than 20 members in its first eight weeks and is rolling out membership tiers, business services and upcoming events aimed at strengthening the city’s economic vibrancy.

The new chamber aims to strengthen the city’s business community, encourage membership and promote local events through its website, organizers said.

“Connecting is the foundational theme of our work,” chamber leader and former mayor Traci Buxton told The Waterland Blog. “We are connecting businesses to each other, creating a team attitude, so that no business feels left behind. We are connecting the businesses closer to the City Administration so they feel they have an ombudsperson. We are connecting the community with their business community through education, events, and services. Why? So that our businesses can thrive.”

Photo of the Feb. 24 public meeting courtesy Des Moines Chamber. Credit: David Rosen

Buxton helped launch the new Des Moines Chamber of Commerce at an open meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, telling business owners and community members that the organization will be “connected,” “invested” and “hyper local.”

“We are connected. We are invested and hyper local. We are Des Moines,” Buxton said as she emceed the kickoff meeting.

Buxton emphasized collaboration and shared leadership during the event.

“It’s not about me,” she said as she invited board members to join her for a question and answer session. “We are here as a team.”

City Councilmember Harry Steinmetz, who serves as the liaison from the Des Moines City Council to the chamber, said the city has needed a stronger business voice.

“Des Moines is just a wonderful community and we have needed to include the business community as an active proactive voice in this community,” Steinmetz said. “This is going to be a great organization for the city of Des Moines.”

Membership Levels

Membership levels range from $150 to $4,000 annually:

  • A Community Member level for non-business supporters costs $150 per year.
  • Harbor Member status for nonprofits is $250 per year.
  • Trade Member status for standard businesses is $350 annually.
  • Anchor Member corporate membership is $4,000 per year.

For standard business members, benefits include the ability to add events to the chamber calendar, one featured business spotlight per year, newsletter and social media promotion, discounted booths or tables at chamber events, access to member only roundtables or workshops, the ability to post job openings or promotions to chamber channels and a listing on the chamber website.

Members also receive discounted access to networking events, opportunities for increased visibility through speaking engagements, eligibility to serve on committees, use of the chamber logo and an invitation to the annual member meeting.

Chamber Board Members

Board members include:

  • Former Des Moines Mayor Buxton
  • Jeff Gross of the Rotary Club
  • Jeff Green of B & E Meats
  • Jason Bliss of Waterland Arcade
  • Michelle Fawcett of Salon Michelle
  • Rebecca Hicks King
  • Susie Novak
  • Sharon Vail of Highline College
  • Dave Markwell of Feel Good Ideas
  • Dan Johnson of Highline Water
  • Des Moines Councilmember Harry Steinmetz
  • Samira Iljazovic of Key Bank
  • Doug Myers of Edward Jones

Current business and community members include:

  • King County Library
  • Harper Studios
  • Quarterdeck
  • The City of Des Moines
  • Kristiina Hiukka
  • Friends of Des Moines Marina Steps
  • Anytime Fitness
  • Pat Nardo
  • Print Place
  • Des Moines Food Bank
  • Des Moines Market
  • Vince Thyng

Chamber leaders said they have been operating for less than eight weeks and already have several programs, events and educational opportunities in development pending approval.

An upcoming event will focus on women in business and leadership. Organizers said a luncheon is planned for Wednesday, Mar. 18 at Anthony’s, featuring Sen. Tina Orwall in honor of Women’s History Month. Additional details are expected soon.

The chamber said its goal is to foster a teamwork mindset among city administration, nonprofits, community members and local businesses while promoting the economic vibrancy of Des Moines.

Contact/More Info