A core strategic priority for the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce is community betterment, and an important component to that is promoting Grinnell as the best place to live, learn, work, and play. Chamber staff recently conducted multiple focus groups to better understand how residents, visitors, and prospective newcomers search for information and form impressions of a community. The feedback was clear: people rely heavily on websites and up-to-date online reviews when deciding where to visit, dine, and explore. Many participants also expressed that Grinnell needed a modern, inviting, and more robust digital platform. With this feedback in hand, the Chamber prioritized a full website overhaul to better represent and promote the vibrant community we serve, and are thrilled to share the final product with you via this new site.
The redesigned website will become a centralized, user-friendly hub that connects visitors and residents to all local businesses and attractions. Featuring enhanced listings for dining, lodging, recreation, and entertainment, the platform houses guides to parks and recreational opportunities, outdoor activities, and much more. A major focus of this project was to create a visually compelling and fully ADA-compliant interface that showcases Grinnell through updated photography, videography, and storytelling.
In addition to an improved look and feel, the upgraded site will allow us to provide robust analytics to help local businesses better understand their audiences and make informed marketing decisions. This is especially valuable for businesses with limited or no digital presence, as the platform will give them visibility and reach they may not otherwise have.
The ripple effect of this project is substantial. By strengthening Grinnell’s online presence, we are not only supporting local businesses but also building meaningful connections with neighboring communities and regional attractions. This initiative is an investment not just in tourism, but in long-term community growth, visibility, and vitality.
For the first time, Grinnell has a digital hub that authentically captures the spirit of our community and experiences we have to offer. Whether planning a weekend getaway, exploring a potential move, or simply discovering what makes Grinnell unique, we hope visitors and residents alike find this new website to be an engaging and reliable resource.