As 2022 winds down and we look ahead to 2023, we are pleased with the work our team has accomplished this year.
On the member relations front, we grew our membership and have ambitious goals to reach highs for new and total members in 2023. Sponsorships remained strong and allowed us to grow our programs and offerings. With a transition to Livability for our community guide, a membership drive, and several new programs and events on the horizon for 2023, we know that we will continue to see steady growth in membership, program, and sponsorship revenue.
The CB Chamber Workforce Development Program, an Initiative of the Iowa West Foundation, saw strong growth as well. We introduced the Leveraging Individual Female Talent (LIFT) Program in partnership with the Human Resources Association of the Midlands and Business Ethics Alliance to assist females throughout the MSA as they return to the workforce.
We also worked with Lutheran Family Services to assist in integrating Afghan refugees to Council Bluffs, grew the highly successful Professional Development Series to three sessions, including one focused on DE&I, and will increase it to five in 2023, added several new GrowCB partner businesses, designated 20 organizations as Unbelievable Workplaces and hosted a new signature event to honor them, offered monthly lunch and learns, and expanded the offerings and resources of the Pottawattamie County Child Care Coalition.
Advocacy is a strength of the CB Chamber, and we are proud to report we hosted our first DC Trip in over five years. We also hosted a State Legislative Reception in Des Moines for the first time in two years, offered Legislative Roundtables throughout the State Legislative Session, hosted two candidate events prior to the General Election, grew our Public Policy Committee, introduced the Southwest Iowa Advocacy Collaborative to empower Southwest Iowa and ensure we have a strong and meaningful advocacy presence at the state and federal level, supported Iowa’s historic state income tax reform, and provided consistent and timely updates throughout the Legislative Session with weekly video updates.
is so important, and we strive to keep our members more informed than any in the state through our growing advocacy program. Leadership programming is a staple of any successful chamber, and our current Leadership CB class is our biggest ever, with our Youth Leadership Class being one of the largest ever and including youth from eight school districts. The Women Inspiring Women Program and Executive Women’s Partnership both saw monthly gains in membership and are providing meaningful educational and networking opportunities for local female leaders.
Internally, we hired a new Client Services Coordinator, Michelle Forristall, expanded and grew our Chamber Chat Podcast, and began a partnership with the Midlands Business Journal with monthly articles.
Though this is but a glimpse of what we have accomplished in 2022, we have much to be proud of, and thankful for, this holiday season. The CB Chamber is honored to serve our members and community and look ahead with excitement for what 2023 will bring.
Save These Dates:
January 10: Coffee & Contacts
Great opportunity to network!
January 11: Impact CB – Pickleball Event
Network with young professionals!
January 19: Benefits & Beverages
Learn about benefits of CB Chamber membership!
January 24: Chamber Mixer
Great opportunity to network!
January 26: CB Chamber Annual Meeting and Small Business Showcase
Annual update on CB Chamber programs
January 27: Legislative Roundtables
Address Legislative Issues with local State Elected Officials!
January 31: Impact CB – CB Chamber Board Meet & Greet
Network Opportunity for Young Professionals!
Board Members
The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors is comprised of 24 at-large board members representing a diverse range of industries serving the region. These board members represent the chamber members and business community to carry out the mission of the CB Chamber to enhance the economic growth and prosperity of its members and the Council Bluffs area.
At the end of this year, the CB Chamber has three board members who will be ending their terms of service. We would like to recognize them for their time, passion, and dedication to serving our community.
Jeannie Aldredge works with SilverStone Group, a HUB International Company, which is a full-service, human resource management business offering customized services. Jeannie has served on the chamber board for six years and in that time has been the primary conduit to her organization and its senior leadership team.
Brooke Hubbard is the owner of The Hub, a family entertainment center with a trampoline park, ninja warrior courses, and axe throwing. Brooke served on the chamber board for six years, including five years on the executive committee. She served on the executive search, nomination, and Women Inspiring Women committees.
Dan Rutledge is the owner of Right Idea Media and Creative, a full-service advertising agency located in Council Bluffs. Dan has served on the chamber board of directors for six years. During this time, he has served on the communications committee, as a panelist for the chamber’s Candidate Academy and participated in the Unite CB campaign.
“We greatly appreciate the dedicated service our board members provide”, Drew Kamp, president and CEO of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. “Jeannie, Brooke, and Dan were passionate board members committed to our mission and vision.”
Dr. Brent Hoesing with Lewis Central Community Schools, Kelli O’Brien with Union Pacific, and John Dresher with American Family Insurance will be joining the CB Chamber board in 2023.
Address: 149 West Broadway, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Contact Us: (712) 325-1000 | drew@councilbluffsiowa.com
Website: www.councilbluffsiowa.com
Social Media: www.facebook.com/CouncilBluffsChamber
https://www.linkedin.com/company/council-bluffs-area-chamber-of-commerce/
www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4iIwEqIYg-dUBUBeQqaKg
twitter.com/CBchamber
