JOHN SORENSEN JOINS WEST BANK BOARD OF DIRECTORS
West Des Moines, IA – West Bank is pleased to announce that John Sorensen has joined the West Bancorporation, Inc. and West Bank Board of Directors. Sorensen recently retired as President and CEO of the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA), where he served from 1997 through January 2025. He joined the IBA in 1986 and, under his leadership, the organization became the largest state banking association in the country, with a team of over 200 professionals serving more than 200 member banks. During his tenure,
WDM Chamber Announces Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum Series and Featured Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 6, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has launched the Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum, a new monthly speaker series featuring influential Iowa executives who are nearing or have recently entered retirement after decades of service. Each forum highlights a leader’s personal career journey, key lessons learned, and the legacy they aim to leave behind. The series is designed to inspire both emerging and established professionals through the stories of those who have
WDM Chamber Opens Applications for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has opened applications for the 2025 Reignite CommUNITY event. Applications close May 30 at 11:59 p.m. Reignite CommUNITY focuses on action and impact around four pillars: educate, elevate, celebrate and motivate. The event is designed to strengthen businesses, organizations, and communities through conversation and recognition. The 2025 Reignite CommUNITY event will be held October 22 from 5–7 p.m. at the Des
West Des Moines Chamber Celebrates Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce reflects on the success of the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. 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, entrepreneurial excursion and networking sessions. “The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit plays a vital role in tackling
MIDWESTONE Bank to Open New Jordan Creek Branch
West Des Moines, IA (April 18, 2025) – MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOFG), parent company of MidWestOne Bank, a pre-eminent relationship-driven community bank will open a new branch at 1245 Jordan Creek Parkway, Suite 140, West Des Moines, IA in the R&R Realty Summit Building on May 12th. The addition of this branch supports our growth initiatives to serve the region, expanding to three locations across the Des Moines Metro. “We’re excited to open our new boutique-style branch on Jordan
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for May 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the May Luncheon: Real Estate & Economic Development Trends, presented by Shive-Hattery, with supporting sponsor Samuels Group and non-profit spotlight Meals from the Heartland. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Arcadia Building, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. The annual West Des Moines Real Estate Trends & Investments Luncheon brings
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,
2025 Pitch Competition Finalists Announced for Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 10, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced seven finalists for the 2025 pitch competition at the Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. The pitch competition is supported by Bank of America, and the Summit is presented by Wells Fargo. “Bank of America congratulates the finalists of the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition,” Annie Brandt, senior vice president and market executive for Bank of America Iowa. “We are proud to
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Deadline for Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 31, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the application period for the 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition, sponsored by pitch partner, Bank of America. Applications will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. “We’re passionate about creating opportunities for all entrepreneurs,” said Angela Jackson, senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Athene. “This effort is a meaningful stride
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Q1 Luncheons for 2025
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 7, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its quarter-one luncheons for 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery. These events will focus on welcoming new members in January and the annual INSPIRE theme in February.January Luncheon: New Member AppreciationPresented by Shive-Hattery The January Luncheon will recognize new members who joined the WDM Chamber since December 2023. Featuring a Non-Profit Spotlight on Waukee Area
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
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Speakers for December Luncheon: Future of Tourism and Hospitality
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 19, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the lineup for its next luncheon set to take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, featuring five expert speakers. The event, presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery, will focus on the future of hospitality, entertainment, and tourism in West Des Moines and Central Iowa. Industry experts will share insights on emerging technologies, changing consumer behaviors, and new market
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West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Launches “Google Fiber Founding Member Challenge”
WEST DES MOINES, IA (November 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation (WDM Chamber Foundation) and a Google Fiber Match Challenge at a ribbon cutting on November 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the WDM Chamber office. At the ribbon cutting, the Board of Trustees announced a “$5,000 Foundation Founders Gift and Google Fiber Match Challenge” where organizations and individuals become founding
Bank of America Renews as Presenting Sponsor for Pitch Competition
West Des Moines, IA – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bank of America has renewed its commitment as the exclusive presenting sponsor of the Pitch Competition at the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. Bank of America's sponsorship will extend for the next three years, through the 2027 event. The Pitch Competition is a signature component of the Summit, providing a platform for ethnic and racial minority entrepreneurs to pitch their business to a panel of judges. The
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Nonprofits for November Luncheon: Nonprofit Spotlight
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 29, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the lineup for its next luncheon set to take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024, featuring several nonprofit organizations. Presented by Bank Iowa and supported by Symetra, this event will showcase 23 organizations dedicated to serving and strengthening their communities in diverse ways. Participating in the luncheon include: ARL Avenue Scholars Big Brothers Big Sisters Boy Scouts
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Launches New Foundation on November 12, 2024, to Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary
WEST DES MOINES, IA – (October 7, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation (WDM Chamber Foundation) at a ribbon cutting on November 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the WDM Chamber office. All are welcome to attend. The new foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing community and regional needs in innovative ways and is one of ten special initiatives celebrating the WDM
