March 28, 2024

Chamber sets PACE

The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce recently held its 115th Annual Dinner and Business Meeting.  We have been setting the PACE for the business community of Newton since 1897.

If someone were to ask you what the Chamber is, could you tell them?  Our Chamber is a private, not-for-profit business membership association. Our mission statement is: Working for the Success of the Newton Area: Community Focused, Business Oriented   We are a service organization designed to meet the needs of the business community in making Newton Iowa a great place to live and do business.

Whether it’s through networking events, business information, advertising opportunities, or partnering with our local economic development organizations, chamber members can capitalize on contacts and resources provided by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber also hosts community events to improve the quality of life for families and business owners in Newton such as the 4th of July Festivities and the Lighted Christmas Parade.

One of the questions we also often hear from individuals unfamiliar with the Chamber is, “What does the Chamber do?” When answering this question, we often struggle with where to begin.

The membership benefits and activities that one business leader may consider vital and helpful may be less so for another person, and vice versa. However, one easy way to summarize the many things the Chamber does is to say the Chamber works to set the PACE, for our business community.

Promote — The Chamber works actively to promote its members and the community as a whole to other businesses, visitors and potential residents.  We celebrate business milestones like anniversaries and grand openings and help businesses "tell their story".

Advocate — The Chamber serves as an advocate for member businesses in terms of legislation and community planning that may affect our business community as a whole. We work closely with our local city leadership and economic development agencies to help Newton put its best foot forward in making our city an attractive place to live and do business.

Connect — The Chamber works to connect area businesses and business people via a variety of networking events and groups. We currently hold a free Chamber Breakfast on the second Thursday of every month featuring relevant topics and a chance to meet other business leaders.  We hold to the truth that people do business with those they know like and trust.  Being a part of the Chamber gives you the chance to build those strategic and supportive relationships.

Educate — The Chamber works to provide educational opportunities for members in subject areas of interest to their businesses. Two words summarize this effort: Inform and Inspire!  We all need fresh ideas and information on resources and best practices to help our businesses succeed in today's challenging economy.  We currently have targeted networking groups in the areas of human resources, social media, and marketing.

So, next time someone asks you what the Chamber is doing for your business and the community, a good answer would be that the Chamber sets the PACE — we Promote, Advocate, Connect, and Educate.

Remember that the Chamber is NOT an exclusive club, but open to all businesses, non-profits and individuals in the Greater Newton Area.  We stand as a business community ready to welcome you and learn how we can help you succeed.

If you would like a Chamber representative to visit or send you information, contact us at (641) 792-5545 or info@experiencenewton.com.