News
DMU Receives Innovation and Excellence Award for Clinical Education
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/14/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and its College of Health Sciences have been honored with the Innovation and Excellence in Clinical Education Award from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. The prestigious award recognizes DMU's groundbreaking project, "Bridging Theory to Practice: Integrating JEDIB Principles in Health Professions Clinical Education," co-authored by Cindy Utley, P.T., D.P.T., from DMU's Doctor of Physical Therapy
DMU and Voorhees University Forge Partnership to Enhance Diversity in Medical Education
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/13/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Voorhees University have formed a partnership to establish a pathway for Voorhees students to pursue advanced degrees in medical and health science professions. This partnership, DMU's inaugural collaboration with a historically black university, expands opportunities for diversity in medical education. "DMU's partnership with Voorhees not only increases access to health science degrees, but also follows our
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
Principal® names Deanna Strable next president and CEO
Dan Houston to remain executive chair of the Board (DES MOINES, Iowa) – Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) today announced the Board of Directors has appointed president and chief operating officer Deanna Strable as the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective January 7, 2025. Strable succeeds Dan Houston, who will continue to serve as executive chair of the Board. “I’m incredibly proud of the company
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
Zach Ripka Promoted to Chief Operating Officer
Gilbert & Cook is pleased to announce Zach Ripka’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer.With over a decade in finance, Zach has become known for his commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals. Formerly the firm’s Planning & Tax Strategist, he brings expertise in both accounting and financial planning, enabling clients to benefit from well-structured strategies. Throughout his tenure, Zach has embodied Gilbert & Cook’s values, building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. “At
Jon Hummel Honored by American Banker Association with 2024 Emerging Leader Award
Jon Hummel, Vice President, Commercial Banker at West Bank was honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of the 2024 ABA Emerging Leaders Award. This award recognizes the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to both their industry and their local communities. Hummel was honored at the ABA Annual Convention on October 27-29 in New York, New York. Dave Nelson, Chair and CEO of West Bank, stated, “We congratulate Jon on the
Palmer Group Releases 2025 Salary Guide
November 4, 2024 – Palmer Group publishes its 2025 Salary Guide in collaboration with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Central Iowa SHRM, and Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. As the region's leading employment agency, Palmer Group's annual salary guide is their most comprehensive summary of Iowa's job market. Featuring survey data from Iowa business leaders and salary ranges for hundreds of local positions across eight major industries, the guide forecasts employment trends going into next
Elevator Brings Co-Warehousing to Des Moines to Support Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
Des Moines, Iowa – October 30th, 2024 – Elevator, a co-warehousing and community concept, is expanding its unique small business ecosystem to Des Moines, Iowa, backed by $1.6 million in new funding from its latest equity round. This marks Elevator’s second location following the success of its Omaha, Nebraska location, now home to over 100 businesses and more than 300 members. Elevator reimagines warehousing in Des Moines by seamlessly blending it with co-working spaces tailored specifically for
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
UHY Unveils New Global Brand Identity, Marking First Rebrand in 20 Years
UHY International, a leading global accountancy network, proudly announces the launch of its new global brand identity, the first comprehensive rebrand in two decades. This dynamic new identity, which includes a complete overhaul of the brand’s visual elements, reflects UHY's transformation into a more unified and collaborative organization, now spanning nearly 100 countries. For the first time, all 330+ offices worldwide, including the 38 U.S. offices, will adopt the UHY brand, reinforcing its global
West Des Moines Chamber Announces 2024 WDM Candy Cane Trail
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 15, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 WDM Candy Cane Trail, running from November 1 through December 25, 2024. This festive, digital scavenger hunt is designed to support small businesses, retailers, and experiences throughout Central Iowa, making holiday shopping a fun and rewarding adventure. Participants in the WDM Candy Cane Trail can earn points by visiting and checking in at participating local businesses. At the
Mark Mills Awarded 2024 GlobeSt. Influencers in Industrial Real Estate Award
GlobeSt. Selects Top Industrial Leaders for Annual Honor R&R Realty Group (R&R) is proud to announce that Mark Mills, Vice President of Commerical Real Estate, has been named a recipient of the 2024 GlobeSt. Influencers in Industrial Real Estate Award. This recognition highlights Mark’s leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to the industrial real estate sector. Mark Mills is deserving of this recognition for his exceptional leadership and impactful contributions to the industry. He has a
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
Turner Growth Results in Office Relocation & Expansion
Des Moines, IA: Turner Construction, a leading construction management company, is thrilled to announce the relocation and expansion of its Iowa office. The office, which serves as the home-base for 300+ of Turner's Iowa-based employees, will now be situated at 4200 Corporate Drive in West Des Moines.Turner is spearheading the design-build efforts for an 8,000+ SF comprehensive renovation of the space, with an estimated completion date set for the summer of 2024.To commemorate this significant milestone,
Palmer Group Announces Senior Leadership Changes
Palmer Group Announces Senior Leadership Changes March 4, 2024 | West Des Moines, Iowa – Palmer Group announced the promotion of three employee-owners. The newly created senior leadership positions are a part of the company’s realignment strategy and succession planning. “I’m very excited about the strategic planning we have been doing as an organization,” said David Leto, President and CEO. “All three of these leaders are tenured professionals and have had a tremendous impact on our
Rock Valley, West Des Moines Physical Therapy Join Forces to Better Serve the Des Moines Metro Area
Rock Valley, West Des Moines Physical Therapy join forces to better serve the Des Moines metro area.Two clinics under the West Des Moines Physical Therapy umbrella have joined the Rock Valley Physical Therapy family and will continue to provide great care to those in and around West Des Moines, Iowa.West Des Moines Physical Therapy and Pleasant Hill Physical Therapy, will unite under the Rock Valley banner March 4, 2024.West Des Moines Physical Therapy is located at 3701 E.P. True Parkway, Suite 300, West
Hy-Vee Becomes Joint Owner of Exemplar Care
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 30, 2024) — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that it has become a joint owner of Exemplar Care as it works to bring more affordable primary care and urgent care services to Iowa patients and employers. Under the agreement, Exemplar Care medical clinics will be renamed to Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, offering direct primary care and 24/7 urgent care (where available). Locations are currently open in West Des Moines, Ankeny and soon Bondurant, Iowa. These clinics will be managed by
R&R Realty Group Secures Top Rankings in the 2024 Business Record Book of Lists
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (January 22, 2024) – R&R Realty Group proudly announces its outstanding achievements in the highly regarded 2024 Business Record Book of Lists, again solidifying its position as a leader in the real estate industry. These rankings, determined through submissions encompassing square footage and employee metrics, showcase R&R Realty Group’s excellence across multiple categories. This publication is published annually as a definitive resource guide for business professions in Central
Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2024 CONTACT: Ernst_Press@ernst.senate.gov Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Lola’s Fine Hot SauceThroughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce of Polk County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to
Lay a Strong Foundation for Your Des Moines Business's 2023
The fourth quarter is upon us, which means it's time to start wrapping up the year and preparing for the next one. For small businesses, that means taking stock of what you've accomplished this year, setting new goals for next year, and planning your holiday marketing strategy. It also means reviewing your inventory, accounting, and tax paperwork, as well as making sure your website and social media profiles are up to date. From the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, here's a rundown of what you need to
Six Methods to Encourage Better Collaboration and Communication in Your West Des Moines, IA Small Business
Good collaboration and communication are essential for any business, but they're especially important for small businesses. When everyone is on the same page and working together toward a common goal, amazing things can happen. But when communication breaks down, it can have a ripple effect that negatively impacts every area of the business. Encouraging open communication and idea sharing, encouraging cross-team collaboration, not micromanaging people, seeking regular feedback from staff, using