Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance Spotlight

We recently asked Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance Chamber Board of Directors President Mark Putnam about the Chamber’s recent accomplishments and upcoming plans. We also learned more about  the organization’s updated structure that strategically positions it for continued success.

Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance Q&A

Why should someone join your Chamber?    

The Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance consists of a powerful network of business owners and employees who collaborate to continually improve our vibrant economy.

What is your Chamber’s biggest accomplishment in the past 12 months?

One of our biggest accomplishments was merging our Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation to create one organization (Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance) to lead with a unified business voice. Our main goal in creating one organization was to utilize the collective expertise of our members and their employees to creatively solve the biggest challenges facing Pella today and in the future. We went from four boards of 40 representatives to six working Councils representing over 140 individuals.

Any initiative or project that you are looking forward to in 2017?  

Under our new structure, it will be an exciting year for each of the six Councils. Each Council is setting up its own program of work to meet the goals of the PACE Alliance, utilizing the talent within their own Council as well as collaborating with other Councils. Areas of focus will be on Business Development, Destination Development, Downtown Development, Events, Economic Development and Workforce Development.

What upcoming events should people watch for?

May 4 – 6: Pella Tulip Time
Thursdays in June and July: Thursdays in Pella

At a glance: Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance

President: Mark Putnam, President of the Board of Directors

Executive Director: Karen Eischen

Members: 276

Website: pella.org
Facebook: facebook.com/pacealliance

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the fourth largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about our Affiliate Chambers here and browse our membership directory here.