Get Into Grinnell Blog: Stories, News, & More!

This is not a drill! It’s a new #SponsorshipSaturday with Grinnell Mutual — don’t miss their fun facts and tips to “get into Grinnell!” And if you’re a new resident, come celebrate at our New Resident Welcome event on Thursday, September 25, 2025!

Barb Baker is the director of advertising and community relations at Grinnell Mutual. Simply put, she manages corporate advertisements on a local and larger scale…more specifically, across 13 states! Grinnell Mutual is a property and casualty company, meaning any Grinnell resident can buy auto, home, or small business insurance through local independent agents — like Chamber member Ramsey-Weeks, Inc.  — and request Grinnell Mutual insurance to cover accidents! Larger businesses, like Poweshiek Insurance Company, can also come to Grinnell Mutual directly to purchase reinsurance coverage.

But Baker’s work isn’t all insurance related — as the person in charge of community relations, she manages the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation, which puts money directly into the community, including hospitals, schools, and non-profit organizations! Some fun facts and tricks from Baker on behalf of Grinnell Mutual:

1. Grinnell Mutual is one of the biggest employers in Grinnell, with over 700 people working within their company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grinnell Mutual’s generous flexibility allowed many employees to transition into a hybrid model where they can work from home and from the office.
2. Much of Grinnell Mutual’s philanthropy work goes into schools, hospitals, and non-profits. They also support local businesses and purchase advertising on local radio stations and newspapers. 
3. The Grinnell Mutual website has a nifty tool to locate local, independent insurance agents in Grinnell. Manipulate it to find an agent a 10 or 15 mile radius near you by entering your zip code!
4. Grinnell Mutual partners with the local middle school to do highway clean ups and helps do occasional Community Days of Caring and Cleaning. 
5. Check out the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center — the last day for this season is Sunday, August 24!
6. Follow Grinnell Mutual’s Facebook page for tricks to stay safe and healthy, like using strong passwords, staying safe from mosquitoes, and proper backyard swimming pool safety.
7. A personal tip from Baker to residents: “The recreational opportunities are rich, so enjoy the neighborhood parks and bike trails! I enjoy them with my four grandchildren.”

Overall, Baker wants people to know what a great place Grinnell is to work and raise their families, “whether you're a customer, employee, or someone involved in a community initiative Grinnell Mutual is involved in,” says Baker. If you see her in the community, introduce yourself! Her husband works at the local school district and she loves living in Grinnell with her family.

On behalf of Grinnell Mutual, Baker invites you to attend the New Resident Welcome event in September! “We love to participate because it feels like actively supporting Chamber efforts and being a strong business partner to the community.” Don’t be a stranger and say hi!