Change is a Good Thing

by Ryleah Cross, Edward Jones - Ryleah Cross, Board Chair of Grimes Chamber & Economic Development

I am honored and excited to be serving as the Board Chair for Grimes Chamber and Economic Development in 2022. I am lucky to call Grimes home with my husband and two daughters. We moved to the area in 2014 and often reflect on the amazing growth and changes we have seen in the past 8 years. In 2017 I was able to serve in this position and there have been so many positive changes to the organization since that time. I often fall into the category of not fully embracing the changes that happen regularly in our lives. However, as I look back on the almost 10 years I have been a chamber member, I have come to realize that change has been good (and needed) to make our chamber and community better.

As we move forward in 2022, there will be plenty of changes coming. Let’s start with a big one that we believe will have a huge impact on Grimes. This year we will be building out programming for a Grimes Leadership Academy that will have its inaugural class in 2023. A leadership academy is a great way to continue to grow and develop as a strong community. It will help us shape leaders for the future and create strong foundations within the local business community. We are lucky to have two amazing volunteers spearheading the development of our program, John Palmer with SummitCreek Church and Kathryn Sandie with Raccoon Valley Bank. While we don't have all the details nailed down yet, we are looking forward to having this programming available and excited to see the development it brings.

Another large change this year for our community will be the new location of Governors Days. With the construction of a splash pad at Water Works Park set for this year we are taking our festival down James Street to the South Sports Complex. While setting things up in a new location will have some learning curves, we are excited to continue this fun community celebration. Governors Days is one of my favorite events that the chamber puts on during the year. The live music, parade and carnival all make me feel like it's the official start to the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for more information in the coming months but mark your calendars now for June 9^th-11^th.

As we continue to change as a community via growth of residents and new businesses, we should not forget why Grimes is a great place to live, work and play. Don't forget to wave at your neighbor and lend a helping hand when you can. #lovegrimes