FAQ on the Des Moines Downtown Chamber 

1. Why do we need a Downtown Chamber of Commerce?
Strong Chambers increase business to business interaction and promote their region. Downtown area businesses do not have a resource that is specifically focused developing Downtown commerce. It is vital for Downtown Des Moines to be represented along with the other 21 individual Affiliate Chambers in the region.

2. How will this Downtown Chamber be different from the Greater Des Moines Partnership?
The Downtown Chamber will work on issues that are specific to Downtown and focus primarily on promoting Downtown activities. The Greater Des Moines Partnership will continue to work on economic development projects and business climate improvements for the entire region.

3. What are the benefits of joining a Downtown Chamber?
The benefits are unlimited from networking with other businesses to promoting your business. There will be social events and leadership training, along with opportunities to interact with elected officials and promote a stronger business climate in the Downtown area.

4. What will I receive from joint membership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership?
When you join the Downtown Chamber you will also become a member of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. In order to continue to receive the benefits of the GDMP it will be necessary to join a chamber. The benefits of the GDMP are focused on marketing and communication, workforce attraction and retention tools, regional public policy efforts and business resources. The Downtown Chamber will support Downtown business by assisting with business-to- business networking, leadership support, social activities and advocacy.

5. What will be the role of the Downtown Community Alliance?
The Downtown Community will continue to provide marketing of downtown as a place to live, recreation and work; business attraction, retention and growth activities; Downtown event production; Clean, Safe and Beautiful services; planning and transportation management activities.

6. What is the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) involvement in the Downtown Chamber?
The CVB is a separate non-profit marketing organization. The CVB’s mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. This focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, events, leisure travel and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy. The CVB also has additional strategic marketing opportunities for all businesses throughout Downtown and Greater Des Moines.

7. How can I get involved in the Downtown Chamber?
Contact Acting President, Anne Moeller at 515-245-5260. You are also encouraged to attend the organizational meeting on September 23.


Brenton Skating Plaza Now Rents Bikes
Brenton Skating Plaza has partnered with Bike World to rent bikes for Downtown visitors, workers and residents. 

Rates (Hybrid & Mountain Bike)
$12 per hour
$20 for a 1/2 day (5 hours)
$30 for a full day (24 hours)
$80 for a week (7 days)

Rates (Road)
$15 per hour
$30 for a 1/2 day (5 hours)
$40 for a full day (24 hours)
$110 for a week (7 days)

Call (515) 284-1000 to make reservations or for questions.
*All rentals include a helmet

Children are $5 OFF each rate.
Group rates (of 15 or more) are 15% OFF
Trailer bikes & Burley or Trek carrierers $6. Locks available for rent

Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily *weather permitting

Visit www.brentonskatingplaza.com for more information.


2008 World Food Festival Applications Available

Annual Taste Event Offers a Multitude of Ways to Participate

Applications are now available to get involved at the 2008 World Food Festival on Oct. 10-12 in downtown Des Moines’ East Village. Participatory opportunities abound for food vendors, merchants, non-profits, and local chefs at the cooking demonstration tent.

To download applications and obtain further details about participating as a food vendor, merchant or non-profit organization, visit the official World Food Festival Web site at www.worldfoodfestival.org. Applications are also available by email, fax or mail by contacting Kelley Crosbie at (515) 286-4923 or KCrosbie@downtowneventsgroup.org. Applications are due to the Downtown Events Group offices at 700 Locust St., Ste, 100, Des Moines, IA 50309, postmarked by Aug. 22, 2008.

We are also inviting local businesses and chefs to join in the food fun by getting involved with our live cooking demonstrations. These demonstrations will be scheduled for 30-60-minute time slots throughout the three-day weekend in a designated tented area. The Festival will provide cooking utensils (pots, pans, spoons, etc.) and each demonstrator must provide all food and any unique supplies required for a successful demonstration. Please contact Kelley Crosbie at (515) 286-4923 or KCrosbie@downtowneventsgroup.org if you are interested in participating in the cooking demonstrations.

The Festival is an award-winning taste and entertainment event featuring international cuisine, music, performing arts, and craft beers, and is free to attend. Guests can taste their way around the world as Nationwide cultural cafés offer $1.00 taste samples or full plate options of culinary favorites for no more than $5.00 from places such as India, Mexico, Africa, Greece, Russia and more. There is also the opportunity for culinary lessons with live cooking demonstrations and take-home recipe cards. Merchants in the world bazaar offer a selection of gifts from across the globe, while local organizations provide unique hands-on educational experiences.