Annual Events
Annual Dinner – January
This annual event celebrates recent accomplishments and sets the stage for the goals of the coming year. At this event we recognize Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Educator of the Year and the Ambassador of the Year. We also recognize the incoming Board of Directors & Outgoing directors. This event also recognizes new members from the previous year! This event is frequented by a veritable who's who in Grimes and is an exciting evening that allows the community to celebrate its many successes. This event includes a silent auction, food, beverages, networking and an opportunity to celebrate Grimes!
The Expo – March
This annual event held each year is the opportunity for those businesses who seek to present their products and services to over 1,200 residents the opportunity to do so. This event incorporates a variety of business displays, food, drink, and entertainment. The entire event features members of GCED. This event is free to attend and is open to not only the Grimes community but the surrounding communities as well.
I am Uniquely HER - April
This is a joint event with neighboring Johnston and Waukee Chambers! An Event that is focused around career development, leadership, nbetworking and personal growth!
Featuring a lunch, self defense course, new head shots, vision boards and inspiring Women Leaders who will help you take back your power!
Teacher Appreciation – May
There are very few communities that can boast of a tremendous quality school system such as the one we have here in Grimes. One of the primary reasons the local school system is so revered is the excellent teachers and support staff who work every day to ensure the students receive the highest quality education available. This event is our opportunity, as an organization, to recognize the efforts of our local teachers and staff and thank them with the sponsors business logo on cookies!
Governors Days – June | www.governorsdays.com
Governors Days is Grimes' annual three-day festival being held the first weekend of June. This event has been celebrated in Grimes since 1983. This festival incorporates all of the greatest elements of the traditional summer festival with fun activities that a progressive community like Grimes has to offer. This includes activities such as a kiddie parade, Grand Parade, midway and carnival, food and craft vendors, entertainment, 5k run and fun-run, bags tournament and entertainment garden. There are typically 12,000 festival goers in attendance for this fun filled three day festival. This is an event you WANT to be involved with and will not want to miss!
Home Base Iowa Fireworks Show - July
First Responders Luncheon – August
This event recognizes and shows appreciation for the Polk County Sheriff's Department and the Johnston Grimes Fire Department. Men and women in the line of duty put their lives before others each and every day in our region. The Chamber recognizes just how important these first responders are to our community. Join us as we show our appreciation for the hard work and sacrifice, they provide in order to keep our community safe day in and day out. This event is scheduled to take place on Friday in August around lunch time. This event is one that we have been able to host the past four years and it has grown each and every year. This event includes a lunch for all attendees, gift bags, networking, and check presentation.
Grimes on the Green – September
The Annual Grimes Chamber and Economic Development Golf Outing has become the premier business networking event of the year. This event includes a day of golfing with fellow Grimes area business leaders and representatives. While score is kept this event's, focus is to have fun, and the field ranges from novice to seasoned golfers. The event includes a meal for all golfers, recognition of event sponsors, award presentation to winning teams, presentation of the traveling trophy and a raffle drawing for an array of prizes. This has been a sold-out event for three years running and is one that you will want to be a part of!
Grimes Chamber & Economic Development Bus Tour – October
Join us for a small group tour of the Grimes community. This will be an opportunity to join 40 other business members and tour with President | CEO, Brian Buethe and hear about what is coming to Grimes, what is going in, and what spaces may be available in one of the fastest growing communities in Iowa.
Holiday Celebration – December
The Grimes Holiday Celebration is an event that celebrates the season and takes place the first Sunday afternoon/evening in December. The annual Guests of Honor are none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus, who travel through the community on a fire truck courtesy of the Johnston-Grimes Municipal Fire Department, prior to arriving at the event. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are welcomed with open arms by hundreds of children seeking to share their wishes in hopes of fulfillment later in the month. Local businesses participate and sponsor this annual event in an ongoing effort to build community cohesiveness and as a reminder to always shop locally whenever possible.
For further information about any of these events, please contact our office at (515) 986-5770 or chamber@grimesiowa.com