2016-2017 Annual Report

A WORD FROM
Our Incoming Chair
On behalf of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support as we enter
this new chamber year! I extend my sincere personal appreciation to Dick Launspach and our other
past leaders who have each shared their unique talent and insights to form this dynamic organization.
This year, we will invest in three visible strategies to build the most relevant business organization
in Iowa.
To ensure membership growth, we will align resources to specifically recruit and retain members.
Building on our tiered dues structure, we are clarifying a clear and immediate return on
investment for new members and we will ensure continued value through active outreach
to specifically engage existing members.
To support our area’s workforce needs, we will promote a “Cool Community” culture by leveraging
and learning from our Young Professionals, fostering entrepreneurship and benchmarking against
similar communities who have most successfully attracted (and retained) vibrant talent.
To build relevance, we will lean into the relationships that we have with our partners including our
governmental, educational and non-profit partners. We recognize our responsibility to inform these
partners and to advocate for the needs and interests of our membership as we all collaborate to
build the strongest, most resilient and vibrant community in the Midwest.
Through these strategies, we look forward to serving you and to earning your continued engagement
every day!
Dean Beresford
US Bank