As we turn the calendar to the next page, the chamber looks forward to a year full of possibilities. With new leadership on the executive board, new faces on the board of directors, and events and professional development opportunities constantly being added to the calendar, I’m excited about what 2024 will look like for our members.

We’re starting the year off on a high note with a celebration. Join us as we honor our 2023 award winners at the chamber’s annual banquet on Jan. 19 at Happy Apple Celebrations. All chamber members and community residents are welcome to join the celebration and can register via the chamber’s website at www.norwalkchamber.org.

Our Norwalk Area Young Professionals have planned business tours, speakers, lunch and learns, and more for 2024. On Jan. 17, stop by Luana Savings Bank between 7:30 and 9 a.m. for a kickoff event with coffee and casual networking. Find out what the committee has planned for the year while enjoying a hot cup of coffee, sponsored by Luana.

Our Norwalk Area Women’s Collective plans to build on the momentum from last year by continuing to meet for coffee and discussion at the Middlebrook Mercantile from 8-9 a.m. on the second Friday of each month. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend to hear about a range of topics curated for women in business. The Collective’s mission is to offer Norwalk area businesswomen an opportunity to gather on a regular basis to network, mentor and collaborate. If that’s something you’d be interested in, please join us on Jan. 12 and feel free to bring a friend.

One change you’ll notice for 2024 is the date for our annual fundraiser RUNorwalk. Historically, this road race has taken place over Mother’s Day weekend and has coincided with the city’s spring cleanup and neighborhood garage sales. This year, the race will take place on Oct. 26, and the change in season has our planning committee full of new ideas for ways to grow the event and make it better than ever. Save the date and reach out to the chamber office if you’d like to be involved in the planning of this event.

It’s hard to believe that a year has already passed since I joined the chamber as your executive director. I’m thrilled to get to do it all over again with more experience, more connections, and even more enthusiasm for what is to come. If you’d like to grow as a professional while investing in your community and being part of the exciting growth happening in the Norwalk area, now is the time to get involved in your local chamber. Email me at info@norwalkchamber.org or call 515- 981-0619 and make 2024 the year you make a difference.