‘Support Your Local Chamber Day’ is every day for Chamber Ambassadors

Today is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day!

To celebrate, we asked several of our Chamber Ambassadors to share what being part of the Chamber means to them and how they see its impact across the Quad Cities.

Our Ambassadors are the connectors, greeters and celebrators that show up for you. Whether it’s peer connections, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings or signature events – they’re the friendly faces supporting our mission every day.

"The Chamber Ambassador program is an incredible way to stay connected to the heartbeat of our community,” said Kim McMahill, American Bank & Trust. “In my role as a Trust Officer at American Bank & Trust, relationships and local insight are everything!  Being involved with the Chamber allows me to meet business owners, learn about new initiatives and support the growth that makes our community thrive. It’s rewarding to be part of something that strengthens both local business and the connections that tie us all together.”

Longtime Chamber Ambassador, Mark Carlson, Blaze Restoration, has been meeting and greeting for the past 8 years. Of the Chamber, he says, “The opportunities are endless, but you have to take advantage of them by investing time and energy.” He adds, “For me, ribbon cuttings offer a chance to learn about local resources and gain priceless connections. I am not bashful about putting myself in the middle of the event and getting noticed -- I wield the big scissors!”

Another familiar Ambassador face is Jen Kress, with the John Deere Classic. Jen has been involved with the Ambassador program for around 20 years and says the most fulfilling part of being an Ambassador is the lasting friendships she's built over the years. "I love welcoming fellow members and helping introduce new faces to the group. It's a great way to build connections and foster a sense of community. Those moments of interaction are what make being an Ambassador so rewarding," she said.

And despite the Ambassadors' busy schedules when it comes to their own careers, Jen said, "I always try to make time for new business openings and celebrations because they truly deserve the recognition. Supporting these moments is not only rewarding - it's a meaningful way to give back."

Penny McGimpsey, Sales Manager at WQUD-FM 107.7 Vintage Radio, and an Ambassador since 2018, agrees that relationship building is one of her favorite elements of being an Ambassador. "The Ambassador program is wonderful to be a part of; it's great to meet our newest Ambassadors. We look forward to seeing each other each week and each month. It's a great way to be involved with the Chamber team and to help promote the good work our Chamber does in the community," she said, adding, "Deanna Jensen-Valliere does a fantastic job keeping us informed each week with upcoming events and calendar invites for events."

You may not immediately think of the Ambassadors as one of the many benefits of a Chamber membership, but their countless hours of service are vital to the Chamber and invaluable to our members.  

We invite you to celebrate Support Your Local Chamber Day by learning more about the many benefits of Chamber membership. Interested in becoming an Ambassador? Find out more.