Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: 2021 Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce
Chamber + Website
Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce
Elected Leader for 2021
2021 Chair of the Board Heather Lilienthal, owner of Iowa Meat Truck and Commercial Supply Company
Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber
Julie Todtz, president/CEO
Number of Members
Nearly 1,000 (862)
How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?
In person, join the Ankeny Chamber on the website at ankeny.org or over the phone at (515) 964-0685. Whatever is best for you!
What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?
I first joined the Ankeny Area Chamber as an employee of Iowa Soybean Association. Through the years, I progressed in involvement and leadership. Now as Chair of the Board, I am the proud owner of two businesses, Iowa Meat Truck and Commercial Supply Company. It is so fun to lead this organization from a business owner aspect.
What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?
The Chamber offers startup business resources from idea to conception through The Hub Resource Center at the Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber board and staff is proud of the Business Mentoring Program that connects successful business owners with entrepreneurs.
What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?
We were strong through the COVID-19 pandemic and have come back stronger. Events were held virtually in 2020 and in-person events resumed in 2021. Ankeny’s strong resilient business community adapted throughout the year and several new businesses started in 2020 showing their strength and resiliency.
What Initiative/Project Are You Looking Forward to in the Upcoming Year?
2021 Celebrate Ankeny is one everyone is looking forward to, and the Chamber staff is already planning to expand and boost community offerings in 2022.
What Partnership Tools/Resources Have Been Most Beneficial to Your Chamber Members?
The support and ongoing communication given by the Greater Des Moines Partnership is helpful and appreciated!
What Are Your Upcoming Events?
Celebrate Ankeny! This one-day event will be held on Saturday, July 10 in conjunction with Ankeny SummerFest. The Entertainment Garden will open at 4:30 p.m. with live music provided until Midnight. Fireworks will be shown at 9:30 p.m. along with choreographed music.
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.
Heather Lilienthal
Heather Lilienthal is the 2021 chair of the board for Ankeny Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also owner of Iowa Meat Truck and Commercial Supply Company.