Heart of America Group Announces First Retail Tenants for The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing in Altoona
ALTOONA, Iowa (October 7, 2026)Heart of America Group is pleased to announce the first retail tenants coming to The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing, a new retail destination within the 230-acre Prairie Crossing development in Altoona, Iowa. The lineup ofnational retailers include:PetSmartBarnes & NobleHomeGoodsMarshallsSierraBurlingtonBoot Barn … with more to be announced next year! The announcement marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of Prairie Crossing, a mixed-use destination located
DMU Names Gary Stuck and Matthew McKinney to the Board of Trustees
Barry Braver, DO, recognized with trustee emeritus status following years of service to the university by Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/05/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has appointed two new members to its Board of Trustees and recognized longtime trustee Barry Braver, DO, a 1979 graduate of DMU's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, as a trustee emeritus. The board recognized Braver for his years of dedicated service and
.jpg)
R&R Realty Group Showcases DMAAC Student Artwork at the Arcadia Building
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (October 5, 2026) — R&R Realty Group (R&R) will showcase original digital artwork created by Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) graphic design students on the large-scale video wall at R&R’s Arcadia building throughout October in recognition of National Arts & Humanities Month. R&R installed the video wall as part of its redevelopment of Arcadia in 2025. Inspired by large-scale digital installations in other markets, the wall was designed to create a dynamic visual experience
NCMIC Promotes Tony Dickinson to Lead Enterprise Growth
Clive, Iowa — (September 30, 2026) — NCMIC has promoted Tony Dickinson to Executive Vice President, Enterprise Growth. He will continue serving as President of NCMIC Finance Corporation and supporting the NCMIC Insurance Agency. Dickinson will lead NCMIC’s enterprise growth strategy, with a focus on diversifying the business and identifying new ways to build on the company’s capabilities while best serving its customers. This includes exploring strategic partnerships, investments, acquisitions and new
Wicked Heights Returns to The Republic on Grand
Spooky Cocktails, Special Events and Halloween Fun Throughout October Des Moines, IA – The Republic on Grand is bringing back the chills, thrills and signature Halloween atmosphere with the return of Wicked Heights, an immersive month-long experience taking place October 1 through November 1, 2026. Guests are invited to step into a hauntingly festive setting featuring specialty cocktails, chef-created treats, themed events and unforgettable Halloween celebrations. Whether stopping in for a spooky
Hyper Energy Bar’s Pink Survivor Drink to Benefit Can Do Cancer
Des Moines, IA. — Oct. 1, 2026 — Hyper Energy Bar is going pink this October with a purpose. Throughout the month, 100% of proceeds from every Pink Survivor Drink sold at Hyper’s Iowa locations will benefit Can Do Cancer, helping improve and enhance the lives of cancer patients receiving IV infusion chemotherapy at a Des Moines or Ames treatment center. “Giving back and partnering with our communities is part of who we are at Hyper,” said Chris Whalen, Founder and CEO of Hyper Energy Bar. “The Pink
.jpg)
Iowa Homes for Heroes Completes Second Home for Iowa Veteran
URBANDALE, Iowa (October 1, 2026) — Iowa Homes for Heroes has completed its second home, continuing the non-profit organization’s mission to build and donate homes for disabled veterans and first responders across Iowa. The new home, located in R&R Realty Group’s Oakwood Haven development in Urbandale, will be dedicated to Iowa veteran Johnny Mellor during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 8. KRM Homes led construction of the home, with support from R&R Realty Group, the State of Iowa, the
.png)
ARTSwork Launches The Invitational Art Fair
New fall event to showcase Iowa artists (Des Moines, Iowa) - ARTSwork, the sister organization of the Des Moines Arts Festival, announces today the launch of a new community event, The Invitational Art Fair, taking place November 6-7, 2026, at the historic Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa. The two-day event will feature 50 professional visual artists from Iowa, showcasing and selling their newest original works across a wide range of artistic mediums, including ceramics, drawing, fiber,
Gabe Olson Named to Iowa Bankers Foundation Board
Olson to serve as vice chair of the inaugural Iowa Bankers Foundation Board of Directors WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (September 23, 2026) – West Bank announced that Gabe Olson, Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker, has been named to the 2026-27 Iowa Bankers Foundation Board of Directors. Olson will serve as vice chair of the Foundation's inaugural board. The Iowa Bankers Foundation will enhance the banking industry's community impact across Iowa. Foundation funding will be used to strengthen
Iowa Realty Names Dakotah Reed General Manager
Iowa Realty has named Dakotah Reed General Manager, elevating a longtime company leader with more than a decade of experience in residential real estate brokerage management and industry leadership. Reed joined Iowa Realty in 2016 as a real estate agent in the Des Moines area after beginning his career three years earlier in Southeast Iowa, where he stepped into a broker role early in his career. In 2017, he moved into an associate management role while continuing to run his own real estate
Madison Joyce Joins as an Associate Attorney
Whitfield & Eddy Law is pleased to announce that Madison (Maddie) Joyce has joined the firm as an associate attorney in the labor and employment practice group, where she will work with clients in closely-held businesses, including a focus on construction and transportation industries. Maddie earned her Juris Doctor with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2026 and her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Iowa in 2023. Maddie can be reached at
Cerity Partners Merges with Gilbert & Cook, Building on More Than 30 Years Serving Clients and Families in Iowa
The merger brings together two relationship-driven wealth management firms with shared core values and a commitment to long-term client service. Chicago, IL and Des Moines, IA, [9/18/26]—Cerity Partners and Gilbert & Cook today announced their intention to merge, effective at the end of September. Cerity Partners is a leading independent wealth management and investment advisory firm with offices nationwide. Gilbert & Cook is a respected wealth management firm based in West Des Moines, Iowa. Through
The Life of a Philanthropist: How to Save a Life
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/17/2026) As a first-year medical student at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, Parag Patel, DO'92, took a trip to Kenya - his birthplace - that would ultimately shape the course of his life. There, he witnessed firsthand the stark realities of limited medical resources: a lack of basic supplies like stethoscopes, tape and gauze and undertrained medical workers overwhelmed by the volume of patients. Many, especially women and children, were dying from preventable
Devin Boyer, Nicolet Bank in West Des Moines Appointed to American Bankers Association’s Emerging Leaders Council
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA – Devin Boyer, SVP & Central Iowa Market Leader for Nicolet National Bank in West Des Moines, Iowa has been appointed to the American Bankers Association’s Emerging Leaders Council for the 2026-2027 association year. The council is focused on identifying, connecting, developing and engaging the current and next generation of bankers to lead our industry, guiding ABA in the creation of new opportunities in leadership development, networking, advocacy, financial literacy and
West Des Moines Chamber Announces Date for First Responders Appreciation Breakfast Presented by GFiber
WEST DES MOINES, IA (September 15, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce will host its First Responders Appreciation Breakfast presented by GFiber on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. at Jethro’s BBQ ’n Bacon Bacon. The event will bring together business leaders, community members and local first responders for a morning of appreciation and connection. The breakfast provides an opportunity to recognize the brave men and women who work each day to protect, serve and strengthen
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Unveils Theme and Date for 2027 Annual Dinner
WEST DES MOINES, IA (August 11, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the date, location, and theme for its 2027 Annual Dinner. The celebration will take place on Thursday, February 25, at The Meridian in West Des Moines. This year’s theme, “Studio 515,” will bring the energy and spirit of the disco era to life with a vibrant evening of connection, celebration, and community. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme and arrive in their best disco and 1970s-inspired
WDM Chamber to Represent at ACCE Annual Conference in New Orleans
WEST DES MOINES, IA (July 14, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced that Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the WDM Chamber and President of the WDM Chamber Foundation, Everett Mullican, Director of Marketing, and Anne Cooper, future Chair of the WDM Chamber Board of Directors, will attend next week's annual conference hosted by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) in New Orleans. The ACCE Annual Convention brings together chamber professionals
Keynotes Announced for WDM Chamber’s 9th Annual Mentoring for Women Conference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (July 7, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the keynote speakers for its 9th Annual Mentoring for Women Conference, presented by Wellabe, on September 9, 2026, at the West Des Moines Marriott. The event provides women in Central Iowa the chance to learn from top regional leaders through fast-paced coaching sessions and interactive learning activities. “Mentoring for Women is one of my favorite events. From mentors who generously share their
WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2025-26 RAISES NEARLY $90,000 FOR CAN PLAY
WEST DES MONES, IA (May 27, 2026) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, congratulates the Class of 2026 on their community project benefiting Can Play. Over the course of the nine-month program, the 42-member class strengthened leadership skills through hands-on learning, critical thinking, and a Community Impact Project focused on expanding and assisting the West Des Moines community members. The class selected Can Play, a non-profit
WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2026 GRADUATION
WEST DES MONES, IA (May 26, 2026) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, proudly celebrates the graduation of its Class of 2026, recognizing 44 emerging leaders who have completed the Academy’s nine-month leadership development program. Throughout the program, participants engaged in an immersive experience focused on leadership growth, critical thinking, and collaboration. Designed to build strong, community-minded leaders, the Academy
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes Wright Service Corp.
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Wright Service Corp. has joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “Our region’s continued growth is powered by leaders who are deeply committed to strengthening our business community,” said Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the WDM Chamber. “Our President’s Council and
West Des Moines Chamber Celebrates Sixth Annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, presented by Chase
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 21, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) reflects on the success of the sixth annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, presented by Chase. This year, over 500 registrants attended the Summit. Attendees gained tools, insights and connections to help overcome barriers, access resources and spark collaboration. The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, a pitch competition, an excursion visiting small businesses and networking
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER'S LATINO TRADE NETWORK TO HOST HISPANIC CHAMBERS UNIDOS EVENT
Midwest Hispanic Chamber Leaders Gather to Strengthen Regional Collaboration WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 16, 2026) — The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce's Latino Trade Network (LTN) will host Hispanic Chambers Unidos, a gathering of Hispanic Chamber leaders from across the Midwest, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT at the Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E. 5th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309. This first LTN event of 2026 is designed to bring together Hispanic Chamber
Video, Audio, and Authenticity: Multimedia Storytelling for West Des Moines Businesses
Multimedia storytelling — using video, audio, and immersive content to communicate your brand's story — is no longer something reserved for companies with dedicated production teams and large marketing budgets. For West Des Moines businesses, it's become one of the most practical tools available for reaching new customers, building community identity, and staying visible in an economy that increasingly runs on screens. And the barrier to entry has never been lower.The Video Marketing Baseline Has
West Des Moines Leadership Academy Application Deadline Extended
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 13, 2026) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber), announces the extension of applications for the 2026-2027 WDMLA program to 11:59 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2026. WDMLA is designed to help aspiring leaders develop their leadership skills and capabilities to make a positive impact on the community. WDMLA is an intensive nine-month program that provides participants with practical training, hands-on
Community Invited to “Can Play Fore All presented by NCMIC” Mini Golf Event Supporting Inclusive Recreation
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — April 7, 2026 — The West Des Moines Leadership Academy is bringing the community together for a one-of-a-kind event, Can Play Fore All presented by NCMIC on Friday, April 24 from 3-6 p.m. This interactive mini-golf experience will raise awareness of and support for Can Play, a local nonprofit dedicated to making sports and recreation accessible to individuals of all abilities.Held at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex in West Des Moines, the event invites community members,
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Recipient of the 2026 Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 31, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Ying Sa, CEO at Community CPA & Associates, Inc. as the recipient of the 2026 Mel Essex Entrepreneur Award. Sa will be honored at the Sixth Annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, presented by Chase. The Summit will take place at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel on April 14–15. Sa is the founder and Principal Certified Public Accountant at Community CPA. The firm provides tax, audit,
First Hires, Done Right: A Hiring Playbook for West Des Moines Business Owners
The quality of your first team often determines whether your business survives year two. Yet the NFIB February 2026 Jobs Report found that 33% of small business owners had job openings they could not fill, well above the 24% historical average — with 46% of those trying to hire reporting few or no qualified applicants. For new businesses in West Des Moines, where the talent pool competes across a dense metro corridor, a disciplined hiring process isn't extra credit. It's the difference between building
West Des Moines Chamber Announces Pitch Finalists for Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 16, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced seven finalists for the 2026 Pitch Competition at the sixth annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit. The Pitch Competition is supported by Bank of America, and the Summit is presented by Chase. “Bank of America congratulates the finalists of the Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit Pitch Competition,” Annie Brandt, senior vice president and market executive for Bank of America, Iowa. “We are
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes Foster Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Foster Group has joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “At Foster Group, we believe meaningful impact is built over generations through trusted relationships and thoughtful planning,” said Rachel Edge, Head of Business Development at Foster Group. “As an independent, employee-owned
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes GuideOne Insurance
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Monday, February 16, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that GuideOne Insurance has joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “At GuideOne, we rally around a clear purpose – to make positive change possible by safeguarding the organizations that strengthen and support our communities,” said Travis Sheets, SVP and General Counsel at GuideOne
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Deadline, Removes Fees for Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit Pitch Competition
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 10, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has extended the application period for the 2026 Athene Beyond Boundaries Pitch Competition and eliminated the application fee to expand access. The awards for this year’s pitch competition are sponsored by Bank of America. The application submission deadline has been extended to Sunday, March 1, 2026, by 5 p.m. “This update is all about possibility,” said Katherine Harrington, president and CEO of the West Des
WDM Chamber Releases 2025 Workforce Survey Results Highlighting Hiring Demand, Skills Gaps and Youth
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has released the results of the 2025 Central Iowa Workforce Survey, providing insight into hiring expectations, workforce challenges, and talent readiness across the region. The survey points to strong employer confidence heading into 2026, alongside growing concern about skills gaps and the need for earlier, more coordinated workforce development strategies. “Businesses across Central Iowa are preparing for growth,
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2026 Board of Directors, a group of local and regional leaders who will help guide the Chamber and support the continued growth of the West Des Moines community. Board members will work closely with Chamber staff to support members, set priorities, and strengthen the business community. “Our 2026 Board of Directors includes leaders from a wide range of industries and businesses,
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Opens Pitch Applications for Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 8, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for the 2026 Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit Pitch Competition. The awards for this year’s pitch competition are sponsored by Bank of America. The application submission deadline is Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, by 5 p.m. “Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind strong, thriving communities,” said Annie Brandt, senior vice president and market executive for Bank of America Iowa. “Our continued
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes Athene and Lincoln Savings Bank
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, December 16, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Athene and Lincoln Savings Bank have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “We are driven to make a lasting difference in the places where we live and work,” said Kristi Kaye Burma, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Athene. “Joining the West Des Moines
-(2).png){kind=logo}
Keynote Speakers and Early Bird Registration Announced for the Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Monday, Dec. 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for the sixth annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, presented by Chase Bank. The 2026 event will feature Coach Ken Carter and Reggie Love as the keynote speakers. Coach Ken Carter is a successful businessman, author and high school basketball coach best known as the real-life inspiration behind the film “Coach Carter,” starring Samuel L. Jackson. The story comes from his time at
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for its 2025 December Luncheon: HR Innovation
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 18, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the December Luncheon: HR Innovation, co-presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery and supported by Connectify HR. This luncheon will focus on how innovation is reshaping Human Resources, with regional leaders discussing employee engagement, the use of AI in HR, effective attraction and retention strategies, modern benefits that support today’s workforce, and practical
-Logo-(2).png){kind=logo}
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Winners of Sixth Annual Best of the West Awards
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 4, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the community vote winners of the Sixth Annual Best of the West Awards. The Best of the West Awards, supported by Silver Sponsor, The Iowa Clinic, and Champion Sponsors, Google Fiber and The City of West Des Moines, is a West Des Moines-focused, community vote contest featuring 100 categories. A list of all 100 winners can be found at https://wdmchamber.org/best-of-the-west/. “We’re
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Achieves 1,000-Member Milestone
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Monday, October 27, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce today announced a major membership milestone, officially surpassing 1,000 members—a reflection of the Chamber’s continued growth and community impact. So far in 2025, the Chamber has gained 187 new members, further strengthening its network of businesses and leaders across the region. “When I first started as President & CEO at the Chamber on April 1, 2020, we had 592 members. It’s incredible to see how we’ve
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes HPE Juniper Networking and R&R Realty Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 21, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that HPE Juniper Networking and R&R Realty Group have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “Engaging with the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce as a President’s Council member is more than a badge,” said Tom Florian, Account Manager for HPE Juniper Networking, “It’s a commitment to the
Buying a Struggling Business? Here’s What to Know Before You Take the Leap
Taking over a struggling business is not a shortcut to success—it’s a bet. One that’s high-risk, high-friction, and loaded with potential. But if you play it right, that friction becomes fuel. The key isn’t to “fix” the business—it’s to deeply understand where it broke, why it still matters, and how it can evolve. Whether you’re inheriting someone else’s mistakes or stepping into a market that no longer behaves the way it used to, your job is to see the future in a model that’s failing now.Diagnose the
How Small Businesses Can Capitalize on Seasonal Promotions
Holiday rushes and seasonal shifts are more than just calendar bookmarks—they’re pulses in the economy that shape consumer behavior in predictable and powerful ways. For small businesses navigating a market dominated by big-box names and algorithm-driven ad wars, these temporal rhythms offer a rare kind of leverage. It’s not just about slapping a 10% off banner on a product and hoping for the best; it’s about understanding how seasons shift desire, urgency, and spending habits. When done right, seasonal
Strategies for Building a Brand Online That Feels Alive in 2025
If your business still treats its website like a digital brochure and your social media like an afterthought, you're going to lose. That’s not hyperbole, it’s the math of the current era. The entire internet ecosystem in 2025 has matured into something less mechanical and more conversational, more experience-driven, less keyword-choked. People expect presence, not placeholders, and if you’re not modernizing how you show up online, you’re silently telling customers they don’t need to bother showing up
Taming the Chaos: Practical Ways to Cut Admin Overload and Boost Productivity
Running a small business is a game of balance. You’re the strategist, the creative mind, and—whether you like it or not—the administrative workhorse. Those endless emails, invoices, scheduling conflicts, and compliance forms can easily swallow up your time before you even get to the real work that drives your business forward. The good news? You don’t have to accept this as your fate. There are practical ways to strip down, simplify, and systematize your administrative tasks so you can focus on growth,
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Does this Mean for West Des Moines, IA Businesses?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. Read more for details on how this may impact your business in the future. 1. Determine if
