Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Downtown Chamber Future Forward
Chamber Name + Website
Des Moines Downtown Chamber
Elected leader for 2023
Jaclyn Taylor, 2023 President, Downtown Chamber
Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber
Executive Director, Jimmy Olsen, director@dtchamber.com
Number of Members
280
How Does a Business Join Your Chamber?
Visit dtchamber.com or contact our Executive Director Jimmy Olsen at director@dtchamber.com.
What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?
I grew up in the ‘80s and early ‘90s in Greater Des Moines (DSM), to see the progress the Downtown Des Moines (DSM) community has made, and the growth in the region, I align my work and community service with economic growth and lifestyle experience. I want to see success for our businesses of all sizes and the success of our residence. I love seeing the life the downtown community offers the greater metro area.
What is a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?
The Des Moines Downtown Chamber has been and continues to develop new programming for our members. In 2023, we launched Women Intentional Networking & Sharing (WINS). This new program is held on alternating months providing relevant speakers, professionally driven panels and impactful round table discussions. We want to provide an outlet for women, young professionals and business leaders to expand their thinking through conversation around issues impacting our community and the businesses within. The program continues to grow, and we invite you and your colleagues to join us at the next WINS. Visit WINS: Women’s Intentional Networking & Sharing to sign up for our next WINS!
What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?
The first half of 2023 has been successful with the support and hard work of so many! The Downtown Chamber had a record turnout for our Annual Golf Event at Wakonda Club, plus a sold-out record attendance at the Hotel Fort Des Moines for the Downtown Chamber Annual Celebration. These successes are due to the great member businesses, the workforce and leaders who make Downtown DSM a place they want to be a part of and make better. It is also because the Downtown Chamber has great partners in the community. These partners have volunteered their time, they have offered to speak at our events on relevant topics in our community and country, partners who have provided space for us to hold our events and partners who have provided financial support through sponsorship and gifts. We are so grateful for everyone's support, and we want to continue to provide value in return.
What Initiative/Project Are You Looking Forward to in the Upcoming Year?
We recently launched Downtown Learn (DTL), this is a great opportunity to strategically develop solutions for your business or personal professional growth. Topics such as employee production and engagement, retaining and recruiting workforce, building a business plan, strategies and preparation for starting a business and the list goes on. Participants walk away with tools and applications that will support their professional knowledge, development and business. This group is led by Joe Benesh, provides these services professionally as well as teaches a course on strategic planning at the University level. The value of this program is unmatched. Visit DTLearn: Strategic Planning to sign up for our next DTL!
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.
Jaclyn Taylor
Jaclyn Taylor is the Founder of Taylor REP, and experienced owner's representative, project coordinator and client advocate specializing in commercial real estate development and expansion in Central Iowa. Jaclyn has served with the Des Moines Downtown Chamber since 2019 and is the 2023 Board President. Jaclyn Taylor is also active with committees and boards for the Greater Des Moines Partnership and On With Life in Ankeny.