2023 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Johnston Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Name + Website
Johnston Chamber of Commerce
Elected leader for 2023
Allan Graham, President
Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber
Samantha Winebrenner, Executive Director
Number of Members
213 Members
How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?
We accept businesses and individuals. Those interested in joining the Chamber are encouraged to check out our website and attend one of our events. They can then fill out a membership application online to sign up or contact me to meet to discuss what opportunities we provide. I always enjoy meeting with prospective members or new members in person so they have a friendly face at events and we can talk more about their goals and what they are hoping to gain from their membership and our community.
What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?
I love networking. As a realtor, I knew how important networking was, and it has proven to be a great resource for me in my personal and professional life. I think it is important to support our local businesses and entrepreneurs, and I enjoy being able to connect with people! If I don’t know the answer, I know someone who does. It’s all about who you know! My connections through the Chamber are how I landed this role.
What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?
We plan our Johnston Green Days festival. It is a festival over the course of three days in June at Terra Park and includes a beverage garden, food trucks, entertainment, BBQ Competition, parade, car show and much more!
What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?
We implemented a new system for our members, making it easier to manage their profiles and create a more in-depth online presence as well streamlined billing system. We have increased our Facebook followers by 90% and implemented an Instagram account as well.
What Initiative/Project Are You Looking Forward to in the Upcoming Year?
We continue to develop more programming for our members and community. Working closely with local organizations such as Johnston Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) on our bus tour and the City to collaborate on more events opens up ample opportunities for members to be engaged and more knowledgeable about the growth in our city.
What Partnership Tools/Resources Have Been Most Beneficial to Your Chamber Members?
I think the Small Business Success Summit was a great event for our members. It helps to give them space to meet with like-minded people and to be able to learn and grow as well as share frustrations that they might have navigating the world of small business.
What Are Your Upcoming Events?
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.
Samantha Winebrenner
Sam Winebrenner is Executive Director for the Johnston Chamber of Commerce. She enjoys meeting new people and helping business owners find success in the community. She serves on the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce GenYP Board, co-chairs the social committee and volunteers as Des Moines Ecosystem Ambassador for Bunker Labs.