The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced today it has added the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce to its Regional Affiliate Chamber network. Members of the Marshalltown Area Chamber are now automatically members of the Partnership and gain access to resources and tools such as small business programming, leadership training, marketing and storytelling support.

Marshall County is one of 12 served by the Partnership.

With this addition, the Partnership’s regional network has grown to more than 7,200 members, making it the second-largest regional chamber in the country.

“The Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to join the Partnership as an affiliate member to bring our members more tools, resources and expertise to grow and be successful within the Greater Des Moines region,” said John Hall, president and CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. “Relationships like these are absolutely necessary to build not only a surviving community, but a thriving one, and this strengthened relationship will put us one step closer to that goal for Marshalltown and Marshall County.”

The Partnership’s model of regional collaboration aims to help Greater Des Moines attract economic development projects and provide options for prospective and current residents to choose between living and working in rural, urban and suburban areas. The Affiliate Chamber network also helps connect public, private and nonprofit members across the region.

Partnership President and CEO Tiffany Tauscheck said working with affiliate chambers “allows us to strategically and collaboratively serve and support businesses, workforce and quality of life.”

“We look forward to strengthening our connections with the Marshalltown business community as we continue to grow together,” Tauscheck said in a prepared statement.