A partnership between the Pella Chamber of Commerce and its associated organizations was announced this evening at Central College.

Executive Director Karen Eischen says the chamber will combine resources with the Pella Area Development Corporation (PADCO), Pella Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Positively Pella to form the Pella Area Community and Economic alliance on January 1st.

Eischen tells KNIA/KRLS News the new group will allow the organizations to give a more collaborative voice to the business community in future planning for the city.

She says the Alliance will focus on six primary initiatives, forming councils to work on each: Workforce, Economic Development, Downtown Development, Destination Development, Business Development, and Events.

Those groups will help in setting the direction and performing the work necessary to achieve the goals of each council. Membership is open to all Alliance members and their employees.

“The creation of the six Councils gives the voice and authority to members to collaborate and create the activities and results of each Council,” said Karen Eischen, Executive Director of the Pella Chamber and PADCO. “Business owners and employees can be a part of a Council(s) to find creative initiatives to drive our economy forward.”

Businesses and organizations that are currently members of the Pella Chamber of Commerce and/or sponsors of Positively Pella will automatically have their membership transferred to the PACE Alliance at the current membership rate on January 1, 2017. Investor levels beyond a basic membership are available with additional benefits, according to Eischen.

Investors to date:
Trustee Level: Pella Corporation and Vermeer Corporation
Elite Level: Central College, Pella Cooperative Electric, PPI, Pella Regional Health Center and US Bank
Gold Level: Lely North America
Silver Level: Alliant Energy and Schuring, Uitermarkt, Sims, McCleish, Ver Meer, P.C.

Hear more about the Pella Area Community and Economic alliance on tomorrow’s Let’s Talk Pella.