“The office in the past has many different incarnations and arrangements of furniture,” said Denise Smith, chamber membership director.

She said it was difficult for herself and Jen Peterman, chamber executive director, to communicate with a wall between them. Peterman was seated at a desk in the front room of the chamber office, while Smith had a desk in a back office.

“We felt that if we transitioned both of us into the office and opened up the wall with a large window and a counter, it would allow us to be more productive and to work together more easily,” Smith said.

The change also allowed for a small gathering area in the front of the building, with seating and a table.

— Daily Freeman-Journal photos by Anne Blankenship A new window and counter at the Webster City Chamber of Commerce will allow the Jen Peterman, executive director and Denis Smith, membership director, to work together and still serve the public. RIGHT: A new seating area and display of Webster City and Iowa items is featured in the front room of the Chamber of Commerce office.

“It’s a place for us to meet with chamber members or new potential members,” Smith said. “It gives us a seating area for anyone who would want to come in and talk with us.”

“It really improves the flow of communication and work, I think,” said Peterman.

The front seating area also features Webster City and Iowa-related items, including t-shirts and other items for sale, as well as informational materials.

Progress on the project is moving right along, Peterman said. The window is expected to be installed soon.

The two chamber officials also have plans for the office’s large bay window.

“We’d like to feature displays of member businesses in the front window,” Peterman said, especially industries and businesses that might not be located in Webster City’s downtown.

“We’re going to allow them to place a display in the window for a couple of weeks,” Peterman said. “It could be the business has a special event going on or an anniversary they want to promote.”

“And it’s a chance for us to share our members’ information,” said Smith. She added the high traffic patterns along Second Street would offer good exposure for the displays.

Peterman said a new Chamber logo would likely be going up the window as well.