West Des Moines Chamber Opens Applications for 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition
WEST DES MOINES, IA (December 10, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications starting Tuesday, Dec. 10 for the 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (BBBS) pitch competition, brought to you by exclusive Pitch Competition partner Bank of America. The application submission deadline is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, by 5 p.m. “We believe in the power of diverse businesses to drive innovation and economic growth,” said Annie Brandt, senior vice president and market executive, Bank
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
Dentons Davis Brown Attorney John Shors Retires after 60 Years
After 60 years of service, attorney John Shors is retiring from Dentons Davis Brown. Continuing a family tradition John is a fourth-generation lawyer – a proud lineage dating back to 1880. With a love for science and how things work, John initially planned to become an engineer, graduating from Iowa State University in 1959 with a degree in electrical engineering. After serving in the Army for a few years, upon his return to civilian life, he decided to give law school a try after all. John
Save the Date: DMU Mini Medical School Registration Now Open
WEST DES MOINES, IA (12/04/2024) High school and college students interested in health care careers are invited to Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' Mini Medical School, a free four-week program designed to provide hands-on insights into the medical field. Held every Tuesday evening in February 2025, the program offers a unique opportunity to work alongside DMU faculty and students in an engaging, real-world learning environment. Mini Medical School participants will gain valuable
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Unveils 515 West Magazine
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, December 3, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has officially launched the 2025 bi-annual edition of 515 West, a magazine showcasing the best of West Des Moines, during the Best of the West Awards Celebration on December 3, 2024, at The Rewind Hotel. The magazine features 50 advertisers and highlights the city’s strengths across six key sections:WDM Chamber – Celebrating a Century of Serving Our Community and Region This section honors the history
DMU Marketing Department Receives Five CASE Awards
WEST DES MOINES, IA (12/02/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Marketing and Communications Department has won five prestigious 2024 Best of District VI awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. CASE awards recognize institutions that set the bar for excellence in alumni relations, fundraising, advancement services, special events and marketing and communications. The winning projects include the following: Alumni Wall - Environmental Graphics When DMU
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Three New Team Members
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, December 3, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the hiring of Tricia Even, Jared Galligan, and Lauren Watson. Even will serve as the organization’s events and experiences coordinator, while Galligan and Watson will serve as the WDM Chamber’s new account executives. All three team members started on Monday, December 2, 2024. “We are proud to welcome new talent to our team at the WDM Chamber, as we continue to grow and expand our impact
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY, November 25, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, a diverse group of leaders that will guide, serve, and shape the WDM Chamber and West Des Moines community. “Our 2025 Board of Directors are made up of key leaders in our city and region who represent a wide range of industries and businesses from small, medium, and large.” said Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.
Women, Money and Hosting will be hosting the second annual BREATHE! A Creative Vision Board Party and you’re invited!
West Des Moines (January 5, 2025) – Women, Money and Hosting will be hosting the second annual BREATHE! A Creative Vision Board Party and you’re invited!Suzanne Ryan, owner T&H Financial Coaching, discovered that creating a vision board was fun and inspiring way to plan and create her dreams and goals. Now, she is inviting you to do the same ~ stop the everyday busyness & create your vision of your life, relationships, and finances. Take a deep breath and let go of the overwhelm and busyness in your home
Historic Valley Junction Announces Small Business Weekend
West Des Moines, 11/21/24 – The Historic Valley Junction Foundation is pleased to announce Small Business Weekend in Valley Junction, a weekend-long holiday shopping event to support local businesses and the local economy. The event will combine three shopping days: Plaid Friday on November 29th celebrates the diversity of small business and offers an alternative to the big box store frenzy, Small Business Saturday on November 30th is the biggest small business shopping day of the year and will be kicked
New Des Moines University Director of Global Health Brings a Passion for Equity and Education
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/20/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences welcomes Keyah Levy, Ed.D., M.A., B.A., as the new director of global health. With a distinguished background in community health, diversity, equity and student advocacy, Levy is poised to advance DMU's mission of improving global health education and training future health care leaders. Levy, who previously served as vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion at Simpson College, is eager to meet DMU's future
Des Moines University Expands Global Health Opportunities With New International Rotation Sites
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/19/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has added three new international rotation locations through its Department of Global Health, available to students beginning in 2025. The new sites - Italy, Greece and Sri Lanka - will provide students with unique, hands-on experiences in diverse health care settings while deepening their understanding of global health challenges and cultural contexts. The addition of these locations allows DMU to improve lives globally
Cheba Hut Blazes Into Johnston, IA — New Shop on Merle Hay Rd Set to Ignite the Sandwich Scene
Johnston-Merle Hay – Cheba Hut, the unconventional sandwich shop and bar known for its “toasted” subs and laid-back atmosphere, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location in Johnston, IA. This expansion marks a massive milestone for the brand as it continues to grow and offers its signature “toasted” vibes and unique experience to even more sandwich lovers across the Midwest and beyond. The Hut proudly welcomes Mistene Nugent as the newest owner! Bringing a dynamic mix of expertise,
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
Jingle in the Junction
West Des Moines, 11/15/24 – The Historic Valley Junction Foundation is pleased to announce Jingle in the Junction, a holiday shopping event with free family-friendly entertainment in beautiful Historic Valley Junction under the glow of 1000’s of holiday lights. The event will take place on four dates: November 21 and December 5, 12 & 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Historic Valley Junction Main Street District on and surrounding the 100 through 300 blocks of 5th Street. Each week Jingle in the
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R&R Realty Group Launches Groundwork for Good Program with $25,000 in Grants to Employee-Nominated Nonprofits
Cultivating Community Impact Through Employee-Driven Philanthropy WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (November 18, 2024) — R&R Realty Group Foundation (R&R Foundation) is excited to announce the launch of its Groundwork for Good program, an employee-driven philanthropy that empowers employees to nominate 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with the R&R Foundation’s core giving pillars: human services, community engagement and development, education, and arts and culture. This marks the first year of the
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
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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
Keynote and Registration Announced for Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has opened registration for the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. The 2025 event will feature Christine Hà as the keynote speaker.Christine Hà is a Vietnamese American chef, writer, and TV host who rose to fame as the first blind contestant and winner of MasterChef Season 3 in 2012. Despite losing her vision due to an autoimmune condition called neuromyelitis
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
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West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Winners of Fifth Annual Best of the West Awards
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the community vote winners of the Fifth Annual Best of the West Awards. The Best of the West Awards supported by Silver Sponsors, The Iowa Clinic, Trilix, and Champion Sponsor, Allo Business, 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 are thrilled to recognize these
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UNVEILS THEME AND DATE FOR 2025 ANNUAL DINNER
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Friday, November 1, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the date, location, and theme for its 2025 Annual Dinner. The celebration is set for Wednesday, March 5, at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. This year's theme, "Wild Wild West," features a country-inspired community celebration complete with live entertainment and surprises. “We are incredibly grateful for the community support we have received as we celebrate the final months
WDM Chamber Now Accepting Nominations for 2025 Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year Awards
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Thursday, October 31, 2024) – For the 80th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the annual West Des Moines Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year nominations are now open through January 15, 2025. “This award celebrates the remarkable contributions of our Citizen of the Year, whose impact resonates throughout West Des Moines,” said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the WDM Chamber. “As we mark the WDM Chamber’s Annual Dinner
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 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
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
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West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Opens Voting for 5th Annual Best of the West Awards
WEST DES MOINES, IA (October 1, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is now accepting votes for the annual Best of the West Awards. The Best of the West Awards is a West Des Moines-focused, community vote contest now featuring 100 categories. The award ceremony is set to take place on December 3, 2024, at the Rewind Hotel in West Des Moines. “We encourage everyone to cast their vote for the Best of the West Awards,” said Katherine Harrington, president and CEO of the WDM Chamber.
New Dean of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University
Accomplished physician, educator and visionary in osteopathic medicine to spearhead college's futureWEST DES MOINES, IA (04/25/2024) After an extensive national search, David Connett, D.O., has been appointed dean of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, effective July 1, 2024. "An accomplished physician, educator and visionary in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Connett brings exceptional experience and qualifications to his new role. He is a recognized leader in osteopathic medicine
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
