Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: Indianola Chamber of Commerce
Indianola Continues to Grow
Positive change is underway in Indianola. From the construction of a new Law Enforcement Center to infrastructure improvements that will make Indianola a destination for new business and industry, residential developers, downtown revitalization, the Indianola Chamber of Commerce is a thought leader, strong proponent and often on the frontline to support, communicate, facilitate and foster change for the good.
Helping Small Businesses Expend their Footprint
As the nature of our work has evolved over time, the Indianola Chamber has more clearly defined our critical role in supporting the success of our local businesses and our community. Recently, the Indianola Chamber rolled out a new service that would help our businesses expand their digital footprint in the global marketplace. It’s important for every business to have a strong online presence. If they don’t, they are losing potential customers. The best way to engage their customers is to ensure their online experience mirrors the experience they would receive if standing in the middle of the store or sitting across from the business owner.
We recognize that no one can tell their story better than they can, so we offer businesses a professionally developed storyboard to ensure that whether the customer connects digitally, or in person, the story is still the same. We work with each business to help them think about why their customers should do business with them. We with businesses to help them think about just what they want their first impressions to be.
We are often the first call for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business or businesses wanting to expand into the Indianola market. Realizing that owning and operating a small business is one of the toughest jobs, we ask the tough questions and connect these individuals to the resources they need. Sometimes that means connecting them to Warren County Economic Development, the Small Business Administration, the City of Indianola and often to other local businesses.
As a voice for local business, we keep abreast of local, state and national issues that may impact business, industry and our community. We work closely with our city and county leaders to represent and ensure the interests of business are not forgotten. As a thought leader, we stand ready to be a good partner to make a difference for our community.
Quality of Life
The Indianola Chamber also supports quality of life initiatives that are part of the equation in determining why people choose Indianola to call home. We have beautiful lakes, parks and trails; world class wineries; and an array of outdoor activities and sporting events. In addition, Indianola is a powerhouse for summer activities for our community and visitors to enjoy each summer.
Mark your calendars and plan to attend our events and learn more by visiting the Indianola Chamber Community Calendar.
Indianola Bike Nights – 3rd Friday of each month – April through September; Indianola downtown square
A sight to see when thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts pack the Indianola downtown square. Enjoy live music, good food, and a sea of impressive motorcycles! Learn more at facebook.com/bikedowntoitown/
Des Moines Metro Opera – June & July
Not many communities can boast about hosting a world-class opera, not to mention an entire summer of classic performances right in their back yard! But Indianola can, so take advantage of the dazzling sights and sounds of live opera performances that will make your heart sing! Learn more at desmoinesmetroopera.org.
Warren County Fair – July 24-29 at the Warren County Fairgrounds
Catch a livestock show, compete for a blue ribbon, ride the Ferris Wheel, watch a live jousting competition or other grandstand event, and enjoy a corn dog or other favorite treat at the second largest county fair in Iowa! Learn more at warrencofair.com.
RAGBRAI – July 23 in Indianola
Riders will enjoy the shortest ride and longest party with lots of entertainment, activities, and attractions. Two entertainment stages will keep the party going. Enjoy the tunes from Sister Hazel and Big Head Todd & the Monsters. Learn more at indianolaragbrai.com.
National Balloon Classic – July 26 – August 3 at National Balloon Classic Memorial Balloon Field
Enjoy a sky filled with hundreds of balloons as they transcend upon Indianola with beauty and grace! Enjoy live music, kid’s activities, and good food. Learn more at nationalballoonclassic.com.
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.
Art Sathoff
Art Sathoff is the vice chair of the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, an affiliate chamber with the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Art is completing year six as the Indianola Community School District superintendent and year 32 in public education. He resides in Indianola with his wife Cindy and has two grown sons and two grandsons. Art embraces the district vision, "Proud Traditions . Unlimited Possibilities" and often says that Indianola is a great place to work and learn and live.