2024 Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Name + Website

Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce

Elected leader for 2024

Zach Elsbecker - Executive Director at Waukee Family YMCA

Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber

Jessica Taylor-Fink - President & CEO

Number of Members

314 Members

How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?

You can join the Waukee Area Chamber by going to waukeechamber.com, hitting the “Join the Chamber” button and completing the application. We would love to have you reach out for a prospective member meeting, email us at info@waukeechamber.com or call us at (515) 978-7115.

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

“Growing up with my mom working at our hometown Chamber, I witnessed firsthand the importance of supporting local businesses and giving back to the community through volunteering. After moving to Waukee, I was eager to get involved and connect with local business owners and professionals. My involvement with the Waukee Young Professionals and serving on the Waukee Area Chamber Board has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to the community I now call home.” - Megan Watt, Waukee Area Chamber Board Member/YP Liaison

What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?

Waukee is growing FAST! That is why every year we partner with the City of Waukee to put on the Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour, a charter bus tour throughout the city showcasing the future, in progress projects and completed development.

Before the tour begins, attendees hear a brief program from the Chamber, City Economic Development Director and Mayor. City staff members then lead the bus tour and share insights into developing and upcoming projects with attendees. After the tour, guests gather for a social networking hour.

What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?

Over the past year, our Chamber has revamped our member benefits by introducing new offerings and highlighting previously underutilized resources. Through tailored benefits such as new networking opportunities, member discounts and educational programming, we ensure that our members maximize the value of their membership.

We have also navigated a transition in leadership following the departure of our previous President & CEO. During the interim, we remained committed to our chamber's mission of being the Guide, Connector and Cheerleader for our business community

What Initiative/Project Are You Looking Forward to in the Upcoming Year?

We are continuously evaluating ways to bring value to our members! We are excited to introduce new programming throughout 2024 and 2025. There are many events and ideas on the horizon for the Waukee Area Chamber! On top of that, we are looking forward to improving the current benefits that we offer to our members to create more value.

What Partnership Tools/Resources Have Been Most Beneficial to Your Chamber Members?

We have heard from our members that the Partnership’s Small Business Success Summit and the Top Five for Small Business Series have been very beneficial. These have not only provided an environment for our members to connect with other small businesses outside of our Chamber but have provided even more resources and support for them to continue to grow their businesses!

What Are Your Upcoming Events?

• Waukee Wake-Up: Monthly (First Wednesday) from 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. at varying locations
• Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour: Thursday, Sept. 12 from 3 – 5 p.m. at The Palms Theatres & IMAX

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the second largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about Partnership Affiliate Chambers, find out about Partnership Member benefits, browse the Membership directory and find Chamber events across the region.