Hi my name is Andrea Sabus, I own the local State Farm Agency and I am thrilled to be the 2019 Chair for Grimes Chamber and Economic Development!
I have been reflecting on my growing involvement in the chamber over the past five years and realized it might benefit others that have recently joined GCED or have been members for a while and are not sure how to or if they want to get involved.
I remember about five and half years ago stopping into the Chamber office, talking to Dini Anderlik and joining the chamber. I did it because that is what you do when you start a new business right? I had my ribbon cutting a few months later and it was very exciting to have other business people in the community attend and support me. Over the next couple of years I wasn’t as involved. I was busy starting my new business and didn’t consider how the Chamber could help me grow within the community.
I look back now and wish I would have done a few more things with the chamber in the beginning. Over the last few years I have become more active. I realized I get as much out of my membership as I put into it. The Chamber has helped me grow my business through the relationships I have built both with fellow chamber members as well as the business-to-business commerce opportunity it has provided.
I want my experience with the Chamber to motivate others to take advantage of these opportunities. There are many ways to get involved that can take as little or as much time as you choose. It can be as simple as attending one of the informative Lunch and Learns we have monthly, or attending a Young Professionals gathering. Come join us in welcoming a new business to town by attending a ribbon cutting, network with others at a Business In Grimes (B.I.G.) event, or participate in Governor’s Days activities in June.
We have a busy year planned and we hope that you will be encouraged to get out of the office and network with your community and our fellow business members.
A lot has changed in Grimes since I opened my State Farm Agency just 5 short years ago. I foresee a great deal more changing as we continue to advance our community, build involvement, and grow business. I look forward to seeing you!
- Andrea Sabus, Board Chair | Andrea Sabus, State Farm Insurance