A Big Win for a Small Business

In 1997, Kimberly Baeth made the leap from employee to entrepreneur with Golden Openings — an event-planning company that makes grand openings truly grand. Over the years, Kimberly has built a successful company and a team of hard-working innovators with her inspiring leadership style.

“When I started my company, I would take my little desk scissors and ribbon — little tiny ribbon actually — and make events happen. And everyone would ask, ‘Where’s the confetti? Where’s the food?’ And now I’ve built a company where my team and I create event experiences all over the world.”

As an active member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and her local chamber, she has used the networking opportunities to help her grow her business. In 2017, her drive earned Golden Openings the MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award.

“You have to have the guts to even submit the application, and it takes a lot of energy. You have to look back at where you’ve come from, and where you’re going. To me awards are a time to stop, pause, reflect and enjoy the moment with your team”

The hard work was well worth it, and Kimberly’s enthusiasm boiled over when she found out that Golden Openings had won.

“Winning was definitely a dream come true. We brought a major award back to Iowa for small businesses, it was very meaningful and will never be forgotten.”