Waukee Chamber's Executive Director Eyes Progress for the City

Melinda Behn is a 29-year-old with lofty aspirations. The Waukee Chamber of Commerce’s executive director says that with membership running at 250 members strong, and great things happening in the business community, all signs of success are pointing up. Waukee Patch sat down with Behn to find out about her position with the Chamber and all the things Waukee has going for it in the realm of business.

Waukee Patch: What’s your background?

Melinda Behn:  I grew up in Kingman, Ariz. and went to Arizona State University. I spent four years in Minnesota where I met my husband who is an Iowa farm boy. We fell in love, got married and moved to Iowa. I worked with the Altoona Chamber and started here in November 2010.

Waukee Patch: What is role of executive director of a Chamber of Commerce?

Melinda Behn: My role as director includes maintaining membership, marketing, communications, accounting, event planning, sponsorship, administration and working closely with the Chamber board of directors and ambassadors. It is a little bit of everything.

Waukee Patch: What is the primary function of a Chamber of Commerce?

Melinda Behn: It’s businesses, associations and individuals dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy. The chamber hosts committee meetings, monthly programs, special events and workshops to strengthen our businesses and provide the opportunity to members to promote themselves and their businesses. We’re committed to building and maintaining a quality of life and a strong business environment for the Waukee area. We do networking events, monthly luncheons, and business after hours hosted at different businesses, ribbon cuttings – just lots of opportunities to bring businesses together to connect and get to know one another.

Waukee Patch: What is the state of commerce in Waukee?

Melinda Behn: As Waukee continues to grow, many new businesses are choosing to locate in here. We’ve had new businesses opening recently, and many, many ribbon cuttings. Waukee is the ‘key to good living’ and it provides a beautiful community to live, play and work in.

Waukee Patch: How do you promote businesses to Waukee residents?

Melinda Behn: Our community guide comes out annually and that includes all current members, the current board of directors, it gives a description of what we do and also provides current community and school information, as well.

Waukee Patch: Where do you see the Waukee Chamber in one year? In five years?

Melinda Behn: We’ll move into new office space to provide a storefront for our Chamber membership and the community by the first of the year. Five years from now, we’ll have additional staff and be twice the size we are now and continuing to develop programs and opportunities that will provide value added benefits to our growing membership.

Waukee Patch: What should people know about the Chamber they may not know already?

Melinda Behn: Residents can join the Chamber as an individual even if their business is outside of Waukee. They can check out a Breakfast Before Business event on their way to work or Business After Hours event on the way home.