Chamber Spotlight: Carlisle

Chamber name: Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce

Elected leader for 2017: John Sinclair, President

Professional staff leader of the Chamber: Barbara Rasko   

Number of members: 82

Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce Q&A

Why should someone join your Chamber?    

Businesses, nonprofits and individuals join the Carlisle Chamber for four main reasons:

• Support the Carlisle Area Community.
• Gain visibility for their business through the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Guide, website and Facebook page.
• Networking with their peers.
• To obtain ideas and utilize resources to grow their businesses. 

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

In 2017, the Chamber developed and launched a new website.  In line with the Chamber’s mission of promoting and assisting our new and existing businesses, the site is the “go to” resource for the Carlisle business community. The site features local business news, programs, events, tips, tools and links to the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Residents and newcomers to the area can find trusted Chamber members who can meet and exceed their product and service needs.

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

In 2015 and 2016, the board restored and moved into a new, downtown Carlisle Chamber of Commerce office. In 2017, we worked in partnership with the City of Carlisle to upgrade the downtown area with metal benches, trash receptacles and bike racks. In 2018, the board will continue it work on a new Downtown Park for residents at our new office location. The Chamber will encourage bike enthusiasts and walkers visiting the park and Carlisle Nature Trail to eat, drink and shop downtown.

The board is also adopting a new accounting system, and perhaps most importantly, putting an emphasis on “Everyone Wins When We All Do Business in Carlisle”.  This will encourage both consumer and business-to-business sales as a result of promotion, networking and understanding of the positive impact on the community.

What upcoming events should people watch for?    

On Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. – Noon, babies, kids and fun-loving adult will get their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive at the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, 27 School Street, by Firetruck. This annual Photos with Santa event puts everyone in the mood for Christmas and provides parents with great photos for Christmas Cards.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, the Chamber members and guests network and celebrate the past year at the Carlisle Chamber Annual Dinner. The event is held at Summerset Winery, and catered by Kearney’s Contemporary Catering, both Carlisle Chamber members. Awards are presented to the 2017 Citizen of the Year, Employee of the Year, Business of the Year, and Friend of Education. The Chamber also awards Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce Community Betterment Fund Awards.

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.