2025 Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Recap
2025 Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Recap
2025 Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Recap
The 2025 Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting was an unforgettable night where we came together to celebrate our achievements, reflect on a transformative year, and look ahead to the exciting future we’re building together. With a record turnout of more than 400 members and guests, the energy in the room was a testament to the strength of our business community.
A Year of Transformation & Growth
Our 2025 Chair of the Board of Directors, Dave Burd, kicked off the evening by recognizing the significant progress we’ve made as an organization. He reflected on the monumental efforts that went into merging the Chamber of Commerce and The 712 Initiative—an endeavor that was both challenging and necessary to create a stronger, more unified force for Council Bluffs.
As Chamber President and CEO Chris LaFerla shared, the merger process was complex, but we never lost sight of our mission. Throughout 2024, we:
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Conducted stakeholder input sessions
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Met with hundreds of members and community partners
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Developed new mission and vision statements
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Created a comprehensive strategic plan
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Successfully consolidated the Board of Directors from 21 to 15 members
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Integrated the systems, policies, and resources of both organizations
New Mission & Vision
Our new mission and vision statements reflect the feedback and priorities of our members:
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Mission: To strengthen businesses and build partnerships that promote economic growth and community development.
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Vision: A thriving community in the nation’s top economic growth region with opportunities unlike anywhere else.
These statements reinforce our commitment to putting businesses first while recognizing the unique growth opportunities Council Bluffs has within the larger metro region.
Our Strategic Priorities for 2025
As we move forward, our focus is clear: driving economic and population growth while enhancing quality of life. Our strategic plan is built around four core priorities:
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Connect: Strengthening business networks, building strategic partnerships, and serving as a hub for resources and information.
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Advocate: Engaging lawmakers and launching our new Chamber Community Action initiative to champion pro-business, pro-growth policies.
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Grow: Enhancing workforce development, leadership programs, and strategic business retention efforts.
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Lead: Strengthening our internal capacity to ensure long-term sustainability and expand our impact.
Honoring the Legacy of The 712 Initiative
The impact of The 712 Initiative can be seen throughout our community—from revitalized buildings and improved neighborhoods to beloved events like the Farmers Market and Celebrate CB. In 2025, we’re committed to building on this success while exploring new ways to enhance Council Bluffs’ vibrancy.
Investing in Workforce Development
Our workforce development efforts continue to evolve with programs like Leadership Council Bluffs, Youth Leadership, the Young Professionals Network, and Women Inspiring Women. This year, we’re especially excited to relaunch the Council Bluffs Young Professionals Network (CBYP)—a dynamic initiative designed to attract and retain talent in our region.
Introducing Chamber Community Action
A game-changing initiative for 2025, Chamber Community Action will harness the collective strength of our members to support key projects that drive economic growth, create jobs, and enhance quality of life in Council Bluffs. This initiative will allow us to mobilize our voices in a powerful, coordinated way.
Membership Model Update
To better serve our members, we’re transitioning to a calendar-year membership model starting January 1, 2026. This shift will simplify renewals and enhance the overall membership experience. In 2025, renewal dues will be prorated to align with this new structure.
Recognizing Business Milestones & Award Winners
We were honored to celebrate businesses marking significant anniversaries:
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5 Years: Accurate Accounting, First Responders Foundation, Limitless Male Medical Clinic, Tandem Works, Turn the Paige Homes
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10 Years: Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation, Avenue Scholars Southwest Iowa, Council Bluffs CVB, Express Employment Professionals, Family Heritage Division of Globe Life, Felsburg Holt & Ullvig
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25 Years: AIM Institute, Carpenter Paper Company, Right Idea Media and Creative, Synchronicity, Inc., The Olive Branch
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75 Years: Willson and Pechacek PLC
Additionally, we introduced four new awards to recognize outstanding contributions to our community:
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Community Impact Award: PACE
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Nonprofit of the Year: American Red Cross
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Small Business of the Year: Anytime Tees
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Business of the Year: PowerTech
A Toast to the Future
As we closed out the evening, we raised our glasses to you—our members. Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to this community drive everything we do. The future of Council Bluffs is bright, and together, we will continue to build, innovate, and thrive.
Here’s to progress, growth, and the continued success of Council Bluffs. Cheers!
