State Awards $2.6 Million in Catalyst Funding to Rejuvenate Downtowns Across Iowa
State Awards $2.6 Million in Catalyst Funding to Rejuvenate Downtowns Across IowaJuly 7, 2020 (DES MOINES) – The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) today announced that $2.6 million in Community Catalyst Building Remediation grants have been awarded to 26 Iowa communities. The Community Catalyst program was initiated in 2018 by IEDA to help create fundamental, positive change in Iowa’s downtowns. The grants, $100,000 per community, assist with the redevelopment, remediation or rehabilitation of
$21.9 million in Credits Awarded to Iowa Historic Preservation Projects
$21.9 million in Credits Awarded to Iowa Historic Preservation ProjectsJuly 6, 2020 (DES MOINES) – Awards totaling nearly $22 million were announced today for historic preservation projects across the state. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) registered 15 projects to receive state Historic Preservation tax credits.For the May 2020 registration period, IEDA received 23 applications requesting $33 million in tax credits. For this registration round, approximately $22 million was available for
West Des Moines to bring high-speed internet choices to residents and businesses with Google Fiber
West Des Moines to bring high-speed internet choices to residents and businesses with Google Fiber Open access conduit network allows broadband providers to enter the market and lease space in conduit built by the City The event will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube Channel. West Des Moines, Iowa – Mayor Steve Gaer announced today that the City is constructing a citywide “open access” conduit network that will allow high-speed internet providers to enter the market by leasing space in the
West Des Moines to make virtual announcement regarding broadband
West Des Moines to make virtual announcement regarding broadbandNews briefing to provide details about what this means for all WDM residents and businessesMayor Steve Gaer, elected officials and leaders from West Des Moines will hold a virtual news briefing on Thursday, July 2, to provide details about a new project that will bring high-speed, high-bandwidth broadband to all corners of the City. The event will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube Channel here.WHEN: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 2,
WOMEN LEAD CHANGE LAUNCHES PODCAST
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The Own It! podcast from Women Lead Change premiered today featuring the origin story of IWLC, now Women Lead Change, with former CEO Diane Ramsey. Own It! will feature thought leaders, industry experts, CEOs, and senior leaders who recognize the imperative to advance women leaders at all levels. Own It! from Women Lead Change can be found here and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. Join Tiffany O’Donnell, current CEO of WLC, bi-weekly as she digs deeper into the power of
Grinnell Mutual hosts 112th Annual Meeting, elections
June 29, 2020 At Grinnell Mutual Bartelt Conference and Education Center, with social distancing guidelines in place, Grinnell Mutual’s 112th annual business meeting convened on June 24 in Grinnell, Iowa. The secretary of the board of directors presented the financial statements and elections were held. Elections Mary Jo Robison, secretary-treasurer/manager at LaPrairie Mutual Insurance Company (Henry, Ill.), was elected to serve the remaining term of the seat left vacant by the departure of Amy
NEW QUAD CITIES WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARDS ANNOUNCED
NEW QUAD CITIES WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP AWARDS ANNOUNCED DAVENPORT, Iowa - Each year, Women Lead Change recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of women in the Quad Cities community. In addition to the ATHENA Leadership Award, we will now also host awards in the categories of Women of Influence and Emerging Leaders. Nominations for all are open at https://www.wlcglobal.org/services/athena-awards/ and are due by Jan. 3, 2021. ATHENA Nominations (female leaders ages 60+). Previous ATHENA Leadership
U.S. Q3 Employment Outlook Hits 10 Year Low Though Early Signs of Optimism Emerge
Iowa Employers Report Mild Hiring Outlook for Q3 2020 While Overall National Outlooks At 10-Year-Low in Peak of COVID-19 Crisis Though Over 60% of Employers Anticipate Hiring to Return by April 2021 • For the coming months of July-September employers are optimistic to hire in Durable Goods Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Education & Health Services and Leisure & Hospitality. • U.S. employers report decline 16 percentage points with a national employment outlook of +3% • 66% of employers
News Release: 6/25/2020
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA MSA Employers Report Slight Hiring Outlook for Q3 2020 While Overall National Outlooks At 10-Year-Low in Peak of COVID-19 Crisis Though Over 60% of Employers Anticipate Hiring to Return by April 2021 • For the coming months of July-September employers are optimistic to hire in Durable Goods Manufacturing, Wholesale & Retail Trade, Education & Health Services and Leisure & Hospitality. • U.S. employers report decline 16 percentage points with a national employment outlook
West Des Moines is asking residents to complete a citizen survey
West Des Moines is asking residents to complete a citizen surveyThe City of West Des Moines is conducting a citizen survey as part of the City’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of City services. Representatives from ETC Institute in Olathe, Kansas will soon mail surveys and a link to the online survey to individuals who have been selected at random. Residents will be asked to answer questions about how satisfied they are with City services, such as fire and police protection, public services
New entrance enhancement signs installed in West Des Moines
New entrance enhancement signs installed in West Des Moines Travelers may notice new Entrance Enhancement Signs that are being installed in six locations along the outer West Des Moines city limits. The new signs were designed by Shive-Hattery in West Des Moines, and they are meant to serve as a colorful greeting for motorists entering the City. City Engineer Brian Hemesath said the City is excited to finally bring this project to life. “A monument sign is a welcoming symbol when you enter a
IEDA Board Approves Assistance to Meridian Clinical Research
IEDA Board Approves Assistance to Meridian Clinical Research June 19, 2020 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved an award to Meridian Clinical Research. The company, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, plans to relocate its existing operations in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota to Sioux City.Meridian Clinical Research partners with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to research vaccines, drugs, medical devices, therapies and diagnostics. Meridian is pursuing this
Access Systems Partners with Sharp to Support Local Restaurants
Access Systems Partners with Sharp to Support Local RestaurantsAccess Systems is very excited to announce their partnership with Sharp in supporting local restaurants from now through August 2020. TECH DEAL$, LOCAL MEAL$ was created to bring a “Win Win”, updating technology and sending business to restaurants. With the purchase of a Sharp Multifunction Device, Sharp will offer a $250 gift certificate to spend at specified local restaurants. Access Systems, an Iowa-based company, is proud to offer support
West Bancorporation Foundation Grants Provide Funds for Hunger Relief
West Des Moines – The Board of Directors of the West Bancorporation Foundation, the charitable arm of West Bank, awarded $43,000 in grants to community organizations for the second quarter 2020. The Foundation awards grants in the areas of Human Services, Arts and Culture, and Education. In our 2019 giving year, nearly 70% of our Foundation’s funding went to nonprofits in the human services area, including food pantries and backpack food distribution through the schools, programs for at-risk youth,
Monte Wyatt Named 2020 Action COACH Partner of the Year
West Des Moines Executive Development Coach Receives ActionCOACH Highest Honor Monte Wyatt Named 2020 ActionCOACH Partner of the Year Today’s business world demands leadership and management like never before. More and more companies are turning to executive development for their top-level executives’ capabilities, help them align and engage high performing teams, grow their business results and advance their careers. The world’s leading Business Coaching firm, ActionCOACH, named Monte Wyatt, of West Des
IMT Insurance Matches Donations to More than 70 Local Organizations Supported by Independent Agents
IMT Insurance Matches Donations to More than 70 Local Organizations Supported by Independent Agents WEST DES MOINES, IOWA, June 17, 2020 — IMT Insurance, a leading provider of personal and commercial insurance products in the Midwest, recently collaborated with its Independent Insurance Agents to support COVID-19 relief efforts in their communities. Agents made donations, across six states, ranging from $250 - $1,000. Through IMT’s Month of Giving program, Agent donations were matched by IMT,
WDM Library to Reopen on June 15 with Safeguards in Place
WDM Library to Reopen on June 15 with Safeguards in Place The West Des Moines Public Library will reopen to limited walk-in traffic at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 15, with altered hours and some temporary changes to rules and procedures. The reopening of the library, located at 4000 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines, will mark the first time the general public has been inside the building since mid-March, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared a public health emergency by federal, state and local
New opportunities encourage Iowans to visit state parks, support local tourism this summer
New opportunities encourage Iowans to visit state parks, support local tourism this summerJune 11, 2020 (Des Moines, IA) - The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s (IEDA) Iowa Tourism Office and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced two new opportunities for Iowans to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of Iowa state parks and also to support tourism attractions and businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis:A free “digital passport” encourages Iowans to discover new state
CARLSON GROUP EXPANDS Erin Barfels & Melissa Worrel Join CG Leadership Team
CARLSON GROUP EXPANDS Erin Barfels & Melissa Worrel Join CG Leadership Team WEST DES MOINES, IA, June 2020 Carlson Group, a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm that has been serving clients across the Midwest for almost 30 years, has announced two new additions to the firm: Erin Barfels, Principal / Executive Search ConsultantWith over 20 years of Human Resources experience, Erin Barfels has served as the Chief HR Officer for two insurance organizations, most recently at
NAWBO Iowa Launches New Business Institute for Women Business Owners
Des Moines, Iowa (June 2, 2020) NAWBO Iowa – National Association of Women Business Owners – is launching its NEW Business Institute this summer, uniquely designed for women business owners in Iowa who own an established business that has not yet reached $1 million in revenue, but who fall into what’s considered the ‘missing middle.’ “Existing programs tend to focus on start-ups or businesses over $1 million in revenue, but there is limited support specifically for businesses that are ready for the next
$4.6 million awarded to Iowa communities for infrastructure projects
$4.6 million awarded to Iowa communities for infrastructure projectsJune 4, 2020 (DES MOINES) – Awards totaling $4.6 million were announced today for water and sewer infrastructure projects in 14 communities across the state. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) made the awards through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which provides support for community improvements. IEDA received 16 applications totaling $5.3 million in funding requests. Grants are awarded based upon the
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce ANNOUNCES A NEW DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUITY COMMITTEE
The West Des Moines Chamber of CommerceANNOUNCES A NEW DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUITY COMMITTEEBringing the community together to provide tangible solutions to racism The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce would like to be at the forefront of providing solutions to racism in our city. We are standing up and standing strong to make sure all voices in our community are heard. On June 4th at the annual – virtual – dinner & fundraiser, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Katherine
WDM Spring Cleanup will now take place the week of July 20
WDM Spring Cleanup will now take place the week of July 20Annual Spring Cleanup will now take place in West Des Moines on a resident’s regular garbage collection day during the week of July 20 - 24. The event was originally scheduled for the first week of June, but it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Spring Cleanup is an opportunity for residents to dispose of items that don’t fit in their garbage carts. Acceptable items include mattresses, couches, carpet (small rolls), end tables, fans, lamps
Prairie Meadows Launches Mobile App
Prairie Meadows Launches Mobile App Monday, June 1 – Altoona, IA. Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel, the no. 1 entertainment destination in Iowa, is proud to announce the launch of their first mobile app, available for iOS and Android. The app is designed to provide guests instant access to their reward and tier point balances, current offers, promotions, events, dining, hotel reservations, and more. “We’re taking Prairie Meadows to the next level,” said Prairie Meadows Director of Marketing
Independence Day activities and aquatic center update
Independence Day activities and aquatic center update The City of West Moines announced today that the Independence Day Parade originally planned for Friday, July 3, 2020, in West Des Moines has been cancelled. The fireworks display and the West Des Moines Community Band Concert planned for Saturday, July 4, 2020, at Raccoon River Park also have been cancelled. A limited fireworks display will take place at dusk on July 4 on the City/School Campus near City Hall and the Public Library. Valley View and
Smash Park Announces New Virtual Event Packages
Smash Park Announces New Virtual Event PackagesLocal Business Releases Virtual Team Building Options in Light of COVID-19 WEST DES MOINES, IA: New this week, Smash Park revealed a different way for companies to keep its employees engaged called Virtual Team Building. The private event includes a 60-minute video chat session complete with an activity of choice, a Smash Park host, a recorded copy of the event, and more. Companies such as Aerotek, SHYFT Collective, The Palmer Group, EMC Insurance, Apex
Strategic Elements Earns Three Goldies Awards
WEST DES MOINES, IA – Strategic Elements was honored in the 2020 Goldies with two Golden Eagle Awards for its excellence in Grassroots Advocacy and Grassroots Website, and a Silver Eagle Award for Earned Media. Presented by Peer Choice Awards, the Goldies recognize excellence in political, grassroots, and public affairs campaigns across the country. Strategic Elements was recognized both for its comprehensive initiative Power Up Iowa on behalf of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) and for its
Lifespace Communities Appoints Nicholas Harshfield as CFO
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (May 18, 2020) – Lifespace Communities is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas “Nick” Harshfield to the position of Chief Financial Officer effective July 1, 2020. Harshfield brings more than 30 years of financial experience to the role, 15 years of which are in senior living. He will be replacing long-time CFO Larry Smith who will retire after serving Lifespace for more than 17 years. “While we are honored to have Nick joining our Lifespace team, we will miss Larry as he
Security National Bank of Iowa to Open in Jordan Creek
Security National Bank of Iowa today opens its first full-service location in the West Des Moines area. The location is at 200 S. Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266. Security National Bank saw a need in the West Des Moines market— a bank with an integrated, tailored approach to building wealth and developing long-term, full-circle and meaningful relationships. “West Des Moines is a great place for us to make a difference,” said Ray Meister, Iowa market president. “As a privately-held,
