Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce - Promote, Connect, Grow!

JANUARY 2025

 

CHAMBER NEWS

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

PROMOTE. CONNECT. GROW. 

Please help us welcome the Chamber's newest members!

 

So Bright Productions
Address: 7933 IA-28 Unit C, Prole, IA 50229
Phone: (515) 710-5540
Website: https://sobrightproductions.com/
Email: Julie@SoBrightProductions.com

So Bright Productions believes in elevating events through exceptional audio and visual media to bring visions to life. Your story is our priority; let us help make your events So Bright! Our team is filled with passionate individuals who work closely with clients to ensure it is a collaborative process in bringing your event to life. We deliver results that not only meet expectations but exceed them.

 

Trixies Salon & Spa - SE 14th Location

Owner: Tricia Rivas
Address: 6209 SE 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50320

Phone:  (515) 287-4220
Website: https://www.trixiessalon.com/

Email: rivastricia@gmail.com

Trixies Salon & Spa is passionate about helping their clients look and feel their very best. They believe that beauty goes beyond just the surface, and that's why they offer a wide range of services to nourish and pamper both your hair and your skin.

 

CHAMBER IN THE WILD

Norwalk Area Women's Collective
January Meeting: Vacation Planning

The start of a new year often means extra vacation days, and what better time to start planning your travels! We loved hearing from Independent Travel Agent Jodie Irlmeier, who shared some fantastic tips and tricks for booking the perfect getaway.

 

We’re also excited to welcome our new planning committee members, Jean Strable and Delaney Steeve, as they join us to help shape this year’s events. We’re so grateful for their enthusiasm and new ideas!

 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Lorie Williamson, Amanda Reid-Raper, and Lauren Ebensteiner for founding this group and doing an incredible job organizing events during the past year. Your hard work and dedication have set a wonderful foundation for the future.

 

Here’s to another amazing year ahead!

 

Greater Des Moines Partnership

Legislative Reception

Last night, we had the privilege of attending the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Legislative Reception. It was a great opportunity to connect with several affiliate chambers and strengthen relationships across the region. A huge thank you to our very own Wilson’s Orchard & Farm who shared their famous apple-cider donuts! Events like these remind us of the power of community and collaboration.

 

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS

Just a few tickets left!

 

As a valued member of the Norwalk Area Chamber, we invite you to join us in honoring this year’s outstanding award recipients at our annual awards banquet!

 

Date: January 17th (add to my calendar)
Location: Wilson's Orchard & Farm
3201 15th Ave, Cumming, IA 50061

 

Schedule of Events


Social Hour: 5:30 PM
Dinner: 6:30 PM


Awards Program to Follow

 

2024 Award Winners


Community Footprint Award: Kate Baldwin
Business of the Year: Middlebrook Mercantile
Chamber Member of the Year: Chad Stevens
Citizen of the Year: Robin Leaper
Student of the Year: Henry Groos
Teacher of the Year: Abigail Schmailzl

 

Cost:

$60 per person

 

Businesses with membership-included tickets: Please reserve your seats by selecting the appropriate membership category during online registration.

 

Attire: Business Casual

 

Contact the chamber office with any questions.

 

RSVP by Tuesday, January 7th.

 

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

RSVP HERE
 

Join us for the Norwalk Area Chamber Member Open House! This is your opportunity to discover how to maximize your chamber membership to grow your business and strengthen your professional network.

Date: Tuesday, January 22, 2025 (add to my calendar)
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: Chamber offices at 1043 Sunset Dr. UNIT 4 in Norwalk, IA 50211

 

Spend your lunch hour connecting with fellow members and learning about the tools, resources, and opportunities available to help you succeed. Whether you’re new to the chamber or a long-time member, there’s always something valuable to gain.

 

Don’t miss:
✔ Tips on leveraging chamber resources for business growth
✔ Networking opportunities with other local business professionals
✔ Insights on upcoming events and initiatives for 2025

 

We look forward to seeing you there! Lunch will be provided, so RSVP today to save your spot.

 

Let’s make this year your best yet!

 

REGISTER TODAY!
 

Ready to make your business unmissable online?

Our Monthly Learning Pop-Ups are your chance to dive into key topics that can strengthen your business and help you grow. This month, we’re focusing on Google My Business, a free and powerful tool that boosts your local visibility and connects you with the right customers.

Date: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 (add to my Calendar)
Time: 12:00-1:30 pm
Location: Chamber Office
1043 Sunset Dr. UNIT 4, Norwalk, IA 50211

Space is limited—only 6 seats available—so don’t wait to register. These small, focused sessions are designed for practical takeaways and meaningful discussions, giving you the tools to make immediate improvements in your business.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward becoming unmissable online!

 

All attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops and either be ready to set up their Google My Business or have their login ready for their existing account.

 

Right now this event is full but please register to join the waitlist so I can plan an additional event.

JOIN THE WAITLIST
 
EXPLORE UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS HERE
 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR BUSINESSES

To help local businesses plan accordingly, please note that the Booster Club will host its annual youth basketball tournament on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26.

 

On Saturday, 64 boys' teams are registered to play across three locations: Norwalk High School, Norwalk Middle School, and the City State Bank Norwalk Fieldhouse. Games will begin at 8:00 AM and continue well past 8:00 PM.

 

On Sunday, 31 girls' teams are registered to play at the high school and middle school. Play will also start at 8:00 AM, with the tournament wrapping up around 3:30 PM.

 

This exciting event is sure to bring plenty of activity to the area, so let’s make sure our businesses are ready to welcome the influx of visitors!

  

 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY

 

MEMBER EVENTS

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

 
 

Professional Book of the Month

 

Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness by Jamil Zaki

 

Psychologist & author Dr. Jamil Zaki encourages readers to adjust a cynical worldview to that of "hopeful skepticism".  The research and data will challenge your assumptions about people and society.  This book is available to borrow from the Norwalk Easter Public Library.  A free eBook and eAudiobook are also available using the Libby app and your library card.

 

This book is available at the Norwalk Easter Public Library. It is also available as an ebook using the free Libby app and your library card.

 

Leisure Book of the Month

 

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

 

Iona is a long-time, high society magazine advice columnist who is experiencing a midlife crisis of sorts as she feels like she is no longer relevant in this fast-paced world.  She learns a lot about herself and the others on her daily train commute when an accident forces her to interact with fellow commuters.  Frequently funny and witty, this story reminds us that not everything is really as it appears. 

 

This book is available to borrow from the Norwalk Easter Public Library.  A free eBook and eAudiobook are also available using the Libby app and your library card.

 

Norwalk Easter Public Library

Event: Looking to Learn a Language

 
 

SPONSORED CONTENT

 
 
 
 

PREMIER MEMBERS

 
 

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Norwalk Area Chamber of Commerce | 1043 Sunset Drive Ste 4 | PO Box 173 | Norwalk, IA 50211