WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER SURVEY FORECASTS POSITIVE Q2 AHEAD
West Des Moines businesses surveyed on vaccine, work from home, and hiring plansWEST DES MONES, IA (MARCH 4, 2021) – The West Des Moines business community has been regularly surveyed by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) to find out how companies and organizations are navigating the evolving challenges amidst COVID-19. The latest findings forecast a positive quarter 2 (Q2) for many.More than 65% of businesses plan to hire the same or an increased number of employees in the months ahead.
WDM Chamber to Host National Event for Minority Entrepreneurs
WEST DES MONES, IA (WED, MARCH 3, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit (the Summit) presented by Principal Financial Group®on April 22 and 23. This two-day conference was created by the WDM Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) with the goal of elevating ethnic minorities and to bring BIPOC businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to
AARP Survey: Keep COVID Safety Measures in Place
We all want to get back to normal. Every demographic has been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another, but no cohort has been more physically threatened by the virus than older Americans. Iowans age 50 and older continue to make up 98% of COVID-related deaths and 75% of hospitalizations. Many older Iowans have been socially isolated for about a year now yet returning to town and their typical routines remains a decision with serious health implications. One year into the pandemic and it’s still
Dr. Barbara Hodne of Ankeny Named as The Iowa Clinic’s Chief Quality Officer
ANKENY, Iowa – The Iowa Clinic would like to announce Dr. Barbara Hodne, Family Medicine physician in Ankeny, stepped into the Chief Quality Officer position effective February 15, 2021. In this role, Hodne will be responsible for leading The Iowa Clinic’s continued effort to be a regional leader in the delivery of value-based care. In addition to maintaining her clinical practice in Ankeny, she will have accountability for driving patient quality care outcomes and overseeing the Population Health team
DMACC ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE FOR 2021 CELEBRATE! INNOVATION SPEAKER SERIES EVENTS ON MARCH 10-11
ciLive! at DMACC is celebrating its 12th Anniversary in 2021. The theme of ciLive! 12 is “Amplified,” and the event will feature 10 inspiring speaker presentations over two days. All ciLive! events will be broadcast LIVE and free of charge via e360tv, YouTube and Facebook Live. Get ready to amplify your creative thinking and be inspired! DMACC is pleased to announce the event schedule for the 12th Annual Celebrate! Innovation (ciLive! 12) Speaker Series, which is coming up on March 10-11 and
City submits pre-app for a Reinvestment District for the Valley West Mall site
The City of West Des Moines has submitted a preapplication for a Reinvestment District under the Iowa Reinvestment District Act for the Valley West Mall site and surrounding area. This is the first step in applying for consideration for the Reinvestment District program managed by the Iowa Department of Economic Development. The Valley West Mall and surrounding area project would include approximately $262 million in private investment by Watson Properties, the owner of Valley West Mall, and
.png)
Tallgrass Theatre Company Announces Summer Theatrical Concert Series at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater
West Des Moines, IA - Tallgrass Theatre Company (TTC) announces their Summer Theatrical Concert Series. In collaboration with West Des Moines Parks and Recreation TTC will be producing two concerts at the new Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. On June 25th and 26th, 2021 Tallgrass Theatre Company will present the Concert Version of the hit Broadway musical The Bridges of Madison County and on July 17th, 2021 Tallgrass Theatre Company will present An Evening with Sondheim; A Musical Theatre Cabaret, featuring local
Greater Iowa offers Project Classroom, a grant program for local K-8 teachers
Greater Iowa Credit Union understands classroom funding has historically been very tight for our community’s teachers, even more so with budget cuts and new types of learning environments occurring within the past year. Because of the evergreen need for funding, GICU developed a special grant program back in 2013 to give local educators the opportunity to apply for a grant to purchase items they may not otherwise be able to afford. Greater Iowa offers Project Classroom, a grant program for local K-8
BKD Releases 2021 State of the Nonprofit Profit Sector Report
Des Moines, Iowa – BKD CPAs & Advisors is pleased to announce the release of its 2021 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report. The nonprofit wellness study was created to identify how nonprofit organizations are responding and surviving amid the COVID-19 global pandemic. The findings show that a majority of nonprofits have increased their services, yet reduced staffing. The study highlights how many nonprofits are coping under added pressure, both financially and operationally. “The goal of this study is to
2021 YWRC LOUISE ROSENFIELD NOUN IMPACT AND VISIONARY AWARDEES ANNOUNCED
DES MOINES, IA, February 18, 2021 – The Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC) is excited to announce the recipients of the Louise Rosenfield Noun Impact Award and the Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award are Dr. Barbara Adams and Rekha Basu, respectively. Adams and Basu will receive the awards and speak during the YWRC Gala: Masquerade virtual event on Saturday, April 17, 2021. More information about the awards and event can be found at www.ywrc.org/awards. The Louise Rosenfield Noun Impact Award, to be
Next Round of Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit Application Opens February 15
February 15, 2021 (Des Moines, IA) – The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced that the application filing window for the Iowa Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit will open today. Applications will be accepted (online only) from February 15 to March 15, 2021, for chemicals produced in 2020.The Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit incentivizes the production of high-value chemicals derived from biomass feedstocks. The credit is $0.05 per pound of renewable chemical produced, up to $1
2021 WOMEN LEAD CHANGE ICR IOWA CONFERENCE SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Women Lead Change has released its lineup for the 2021 Women Lead Change All Access ICR Iowa Conference on May 4, 2021.The conference, with Presenting Sponsor Collins Aerospace, will be held virtually and tickets are $299/person, with the option of VIP registration for $399/person. Registration is open at https://www.wlcglobal.org/events/2021-icr-iowa-conference/. This year’s conference theme is Joining Voices: Leaders for Equity, and features thought leaders Brit Barron, Gabby
Governor Reynolds announces new Funds Available to Support Innovative Rural Projects and Housing
February 8, 2021 (DES MOINES, IA) – Today, Governor Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced two competitive funds available for rural communities with a population under 20,000. Specifically, funding of up to $400,000 has been allocated to the following two funds for current fiscal year (FY) 2021 through FY 2022: Rural Innovation Grant Program – Provides up to $300,000 in grants supporting creative, non-traditional ideas that focus on current issues and challenges faced by
Jay Mathes named WDM Chamber 2020 Ambassador of the Year
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce Jay Mathes as their 2020 Ambassador of the Year and Mary Anne Kennedy as runner up. The WDM Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year is determined by a point system awarded by individual involvement. “I’ve gained so many new relationships being a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce including many I can call good friends,” said Mathes, who is the Community Relations Coordinator at
.png){kind=logo}
Renewal by Andersen of Des Moines, Iowa Receives the Green Diamond Service Award
Award Recognizes the Highest Excellence in Homeowner ExperienceDes Moines, Iowa (February 3, 2021) – Renewal by Andersen of Des Moines has received the company’s prestigious Green Diamond Service Award, given to the top locations in the Renewal by Andersen affiliate network. This award recognizes affiliate locations that demonstrate exemplary dedication to providing an unparalleled homeowner experience and receive the highest scores on the company’s Homeowner Surveys during the prior year. The Renewal
Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines present Acts of Resilience | Vision
Johnston, Iowa — A groundbreaking partnership between dance, music and video arts continues as Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines present Acts of Resilience | Vision. The hour-long performance premieres on-air and online Friday, February 5 at 8:30 p.m. with an encore presentation on Sunday, February 7 at 1 p.m.Award-winning and inspiring choreographers designed three separate and compelling ballet performances by Ballet Des Moines highlighting the strength of classically trained dancers while showcasing the
ATHENE RECOGNIZED AS LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY EMPLOYER BY HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
Athene rated on Corporate Equality Index for first time in 2021 HAMILTON, Bermuda – January 28, 2021 – Athene Holding Ltd. ("Athene") (NYSE: ATH), a leading provider of retirement savings products, announced today it has been recognized as part of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees. Athene joins the ranks
Chris Lorenz Announced as the New Executive Vice President of Palmer Group View Larger Image
January 26, 2021, West Des Moines, IA – Palmer Group announces the promotion of Chris Lorenz to Executive Vice President, effective January 4, 2021. This newly created position is part of the overall succession planning strategy of the company. President David Leto states: “Chris has excelled in every role he has held in his seven-year career at Palmer Group, and I am extremely excited to move forward with this important position for our company. Chris has a great passion for the employment industry
Governor Reynolds Announces New Program for Iowa Restaurants and Bars
Iowa Restaurant and Bar Relief ProgramGovernor Reynolds allocated $40 million in federal CARES Act funds to provide financial relief for eligible restaurants and bars impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.The Iowa Restaurant and Bar Relief Program will assist many Iowa establishments that were among the most directly and hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated closures and mitigation efforts.The program may assist eligible businesses that experienced a decrease in gross sales of at least 15%
StoryStruck Marketing announces new name after rebranding from M Ryan Media
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — Marketing agency owner Mackenzie Ryan Walters announced this week that the company’s name has changed to StoryStruck Marketing. Walters, who serves as the Chief Storytelling Officer, explained that the new name reflects both the company’s growth and the mission to discover and tell a business or nonprofit’s story to inspire results. The agency serves clients in Iowa and Minnesota.“I believe in the power of a story to inspire results,” said Walters, a former national award-winning
STOREY KENWORTHY REBRAND Des Moines Furniture & Office Supply company has a new identity for 2021
Des Moines, IA (January 18, 2021) - Today, Storey Kenworthy, the Des Moines based office products and furniture supplier, is launching a rebrand with an updated website, branding, logo, and video content are all part of this year-long passion project. John Kenworthy, the President since 2011, is following in his grandfather's footsteps in tackling a transformational project in uncertain times, just as Arthur Kenworthy started Storey Kenworthy right out of the Great Depression in 1936. "It was time. The
WDM Chamber signs Liz Nead as moderator for 2021 Elevate Series
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce that Liz Nead, adventure speaker, television host, bestselling author and Emmy award winner, as the 2021 moderator for their women’s empowerment event series Elevate. A diversity speaker and researcher for over a decade, Nead specializes in common language and daily communication around race and cultural differences in the workplace. She balances her passionate work with a thriving
WDM Chamber welcomes 2021 Board of Directors Slate
WEST DES MONES, IA (Friday, January 22, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) added nine new members and representatives to its Board of Directors (BOD) for 2021. The BOD is composed of 25 individuals, including 13 Board Members who are elected by WDM Chamber membership, eight representatives and four appointees.Elected Board Members beginning their two-year term in 2021 includes: Dave Baccile, CIO of NCMIC; Sally Cooper Smith, President of Cooper Smith & Co.; Mark Peiffer, Senior
WDM CHAMBER LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Opportunities await through new West YP program developed by young professionals for young professionals.WEST DES MONES, IA (JANUARY 22, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber has launched a new program for young professionals: West YP. It provides the opportunity for emerging leaders across the metro to grow their leadership, make an impact on the community, develop lasting connections, and have memorable experiences. A multitude of benefits and opportunities are available, including:Event fees are waived for
.png)
MAYOR OF WEST DES MOINES PROCLAIMS JANUARY 29 AS WDM DAY OF KINDNESS
Mayor Steve Gaer approved the proclamation for “WDM Day of Kindness,” championed by the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni Committee.WEST DES MONES, IA (JANUARY 20, 2021) – The Mayor of West Des Moines has proclaimed January 29th, 2021 as “West Des Moines Day of Kindness.” This special occasion comes as a result of the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni Committee seeking a way to make a positive impact on the community. Now more than ever, small acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in
LEARN TO LEAD AND SUCCEED WITH LYNN SWANN AT WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL DINNER
WEST DES MONES, IA (January 14, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Lynn Swann, former football player, broadcaster, politician, and athletic director, will be the keynote speaker at their 2021 Annual Dinner. The event will take place virtually on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.Born in Tennessee, Swann attended the University of Southern California and played football as a wide receiver where he was a consensus All-American. He is regarded as one of
DMACC ANNOUNCES SPEAKERS FOR 2021 CELEBRATE! INNOVATION SERIES
ciLive! 12 will be held virtually March 10-11 ciLive! at DMACC is celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2021. This year’s event theme is “Amplified” and features nine inspiring speakers from a variety of fields. Speaker presentations will be livestreamed and free for viewers to enjoy via YouTube, Facebook Live and through the free e360TV app available for Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Android and more. DMACC
WDM CHAMBER BRINGS ON TWO SPRING INTERNS
WEST DES MONES, IA (January 6, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) welcomed two new spring interns to their team in the new year. Ling Rudicil and Matthew Bates will serve in their roles throughout their spring semesters. Michael Conlon, Frani McDermott, Corinne Thomas, and Mallory Behrens will continue in their previous intern positions.Ling Rudicil is from Kansas City, Missouri. She is a student at Simpson College, where she majors in Human Services and Social Justice. Her
Nominations and applications now accepted for MLK Jr. Youth Scholarship and Community Leadership Awards
Please join West Des Moines as we celebrate the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by encouraging a deserving high school student to apply for our WDM Youth Scholarship Award or nominating an adult or organization for our Community Leadership Award! Applications and nominations are due by Monday, January 4, 2021. Award recipients will be announced at the MLK Day virtual celebration hosted by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. These awards are
Athene Named a Best Place to Work in Money Management by “Pensions & Investments”
West Des Moines, Iowa – December 14, 2020 – Athene USA (“Athene”), the largest U.S. subsidiary of Athene Holding (NYSE: ATH), a leading retirement services company, announced today that it was named to Pensions & Investments magazine’s “2020 Best Places to Work in Money Management” list. Ranked sixth in the category of firms with more than 1,000 employees, this is the first year Athene has received this national recognition. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Money
Roske's Iowa Holiday Special
WEST DES MOINES, IA - Roske's Iowa Holiday Special is airing free at YourIowa.com. Called a 'low-fi' special, instead of the traditional live songs and choreography, we collected holiday messages from all over the world and here in Iowa to try and bring some holiday cheer! Free to watch at YourIowa.com
.png)
Davis Brown Law Firm to Combine with Dentons
Davis Brown Law Firm to Combine with Dentons The combination will position the combined firm as the first truly global law firm in Iowa, and continues the momentum of Project Golden Spike, helping clients navigate the New Dynamic in 39 US locations. December 8, 2020 - Davis Brown Law Firm announced today a future combination with Dentons, the world’s largest law firm. The combination continues the growth of Project Golden Spike, a series of combinations dedicated to advancing the first truly national US
City of West Des Moines raises 2020 MEI score to 99
The City of West Des Moines has been notified that its 2020 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score is now 99 out of 100 points, an increase of 57 points since the City received its first score of 42 in 2016. The MEI scorecard is compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, and it rates more than 500 cities across the country on 49 criteria covering citywide non-discrimination protections, policies for municipal employees, city services, law enforcement and the city’s leadership on LGBTQ equality.Mayor Steve Gaer
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INTRODUCES NEW BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUPS
WEST DES MONES, IA (December 1, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced today WDM LEADS, an opportunity to help businesses grow, network, and develop. WDM LEADS is a new executive group where members can network with other top business development professionals, build trusted relationships, share business leads and help each other build sales. Each WDM LEADS group is limited to one professional industry per team. Groups are limited to approximately 20 people and more than
Heart of Greater Des Moines campaign zeros in to improve Hypertension and education of Hands-Only CPR
Year-round campaign addresses key issues impacting the health of Greater Des Moines and culminates at the annual Heart Ball Des Moines, Date, 2020 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is going “beyond the table” this fall to further the commitment of the annual Greater Des Moines Heart Ball. Anchored in a new year-round activation, Heart of Greater Des Moines is focused on taking action to target hypertension and
YWRC ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR 2021 LOUISE NOUN VISIONARY WOMAN AWARD
DES MOINES, IA, November 24, 2020 – Nominations for the Young Women’s Resource Center (YWRC) annual Louise Noun Visionary Woman Award to honor a local leader dedicated to enhancing the lives of girls and women in our community are open now through Friday, December 31st. The Louise Noun Visionary Woman Award honors local advocates, activists, innovators and philanthropists who’ve made significant contributions toward empowering girls and young women. This work is exemplified by the nominee’s dedication to
Davis Brown Voted “Best Law Firm” by West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Davis Brown Law Firm is proud to be recognized as “Best Law Firm” by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce in the first annual “Best of the West” awards. For Davis Brown, being “the best” means:In good times and bad, we are committed to showing up for each other, our clients, and our communityHelping clients and policy leaders by identifying issues, answering questions, and solving problemsWorking hard now to make us better and stronger in the future The Chamber asks citizens to vote for their
Evora Group recognized among Best of the West
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and City of West Des Moines announced the winners of the first annual UScellular™ Best of the West Awards, recognizing Evora Group as the 2020 Community Vote Winner in the Best Small Employer to Work for category. Evora Group who is celebrating 25 years of business in 2020, is a three-time winner of the Top Workplace in Iowa award and is excited to receive special recognition from our local community in West Des Moines. “2020 has certainly been a year where we see
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce celebrates Annual Small Business Saturday® virtually
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 2020 holiday season and 11th Annual Small Business Saturday® virtually as an American Express® Neighborhood Champion. WEST DES MONES, IA (November 17, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced today that, as a member of the American Express® Neighborhood Champion Program, it will be highlighting its small business membership through a social media campaign as part of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov 28 and
ATHENE PARTNERS WITH DES MOINES PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE COATS & BOOTS TO CHILDREN DESPITE COVID
WEST DES MONES, IA (November 12, 2020) – Athene USA (“Athene”), a leading provider of retirement savings products, donated winter clothing essentials to nearly 1,500 children at Cattell, McKinley, Howe and Studebaker elementary schools through its annual Coats & Boots program. Now in its 27th year, Coats & Boots originally started as a relief effort to provide support to victims of the 1993 floods. The program has evolved into a 27-year legacy program that has supplied coats and boots to an estimated
Can’t make it to the gym? No worries. Now the gym will come to you!
West Des Moines, IA - Fitness Nomad, a mobile personal training service, is announcing the launch of their new company today. They will be providing personal training along with other fitness and wellness services in the comfort and convenience of your own home, business, or location of choice. Beyond personal training they also offer small group training, corporate wellness services, virtual training and Healthy Behavior Change coaching. Their unique custom-engineered equipment allows them to bring top
AS COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS INCREASE, NEED FOR CONVALESCENT PLASMA BECOMES CRITICAL
DES MOINES, Iowa (November 11, 2020) – LifeServe Blood Center, the sole provider of blood to more than 120 hospitals across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, is seeking community members who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 antibodies to donate convalescent plasma to meet the dramatically rising plasma needs of local hospitals. As the number of daily COVID-19 cases in our region rises, so does the need for convalescent plasma (CCP) in local hospitals. This month has seen the highest CCP
WDM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CITY OF WEST DES MOINES ANNOUNCE USCELLULAR™ BEST OF THE WEST AWARDS
WEST DES MOINES, IA (NOVEMBER 9, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and City of West Des Moines are proud to announce the winners of the first annual Best of the West Awards (BOW) presented by UScellular™. BOW is a West Des Moines (WDM) focused, community-voted contest featuring 50 business categories.BOW winners will receive a window cling featuring the 2020 BOW logo identifying them as a winner, a plaque featuring the 2020 BOW logo identifying them as a winner and a logo for use
