Value to Members

What do membership dues pay for?

The City of Grinnell to Have a Front Door

The Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) respond to inquiries from visitors, residents, and those looking to relocate or start a business; provide a central source of information with a community calendar and community links; operate a physical visitor & information center; manage social networking endeavors; develop and print visitor guides, the Hub newsletter and event flyers.

Growing and Developing the Local Economy

The Chamber and CVB work to prevent retail sales leakage with shop local campaigns and a wide variety of promotions. These promotions include Ridiculous Day, Home & Community Expo, and the 12 Days holiday shopping promotion. The Chamber and CVB also connect members to increase Business to Business spending and provide networking opportunities; operate a small business marketing center to help businesses get the word out about their products and services; recruit businesses to Grinnell and provide start-up support to entrepreneurs; and staff visitor information tables at tournaments, college events and community fairs to connect visitors to Grinnell businesses.

Community Events and Projects that Make People Want to Live Here

The Chamber & CVB coordinate traditional events like the 4th of July Celebration, the Homecoming Parade, Farmers Market, Friday Fest and Jingle Bell Holiday; develop revitalization projects like the Mainstreet Makeover project and the Marketplace on Main retail cooperative; provide publicity and promotional support to other community organizations like Imagine Grinnell, Grinnell Area Arts Council, PALS, the Drake Community Library and Grinnell Parks & Recreation.

Marketing Grinnell as a Destination Across the State and Beyond

The Chamber & CVB work to brand Grinnell as a compelling business development locati on; package opportunities and implement city marketing plans; market Grinnell to outside tournaments, meetings, groups, event goers, interstate, conventions and weekend travelers; respond to requests for information from alumni, family reunions and other groups; provide logistical support and coordinate visits; develop events that call attention to Grinnell's assets especially with regard to recreation, dining, downtown development and the arts.