Wright Service Corp. Chairman and CEO Retires
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – After more than 25 years with the company, Wright Service Corp.’s Chairman and CEO Scott D. Packard retired on September 30, 2023. Packard joined Wright Service Corp. in July 1998 and was appointed to President and COO three years later. In October 2002, Packard took on the position of Chairman and CEO of Wright Service Corp. During his time with the company, Wright Service Corp. has grown nearly 6 times to 6,000 employees and 8 brands under the company’s portfolio. The company
Exemplar Care Appoints Dr. Michael Line has Head of Patient Care
Des Moines, Iowa (September 26, 2023) Exemplar Care announced that Michael Line, MD, MMM, will serve as the organization’s Head of Patient Care effective immediately. In this leadership role for Exemplar Care, Dr. Line will assume oversight for leading the medical staff and care process. Dr. Line’s previous leadership roles include Chief Medical Officer at Unity Point, Grinnell, and Greene County, Jefferson and he has served as a pediatrician for over twenty years. “Dr. Line is a highly regarded
The WDM Chamber Announces the 3rd Annual Raccoon River Rally Presented by Superstorm Restoration
WEST DES MONES, IA (September 26, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce will host the 3rd Annual Raccoon River Rally presented by Superstorm Restoration on Saturday, October 14, at Raccoon River Park. This event is free to the community and will feature a variety of local food truck vendors, a family fun zone, cardboard boat races, live music, exhibitors, and more. “As we approach the 3rd Annual Raccoon River Rally, we look forward to bringing our community together for another memorable day of
AUREON, CASEY’S GENERAL STORES, MERCHANTS BONDING COMPANY NEWEST INVESTORS IN WEST DES MOINES CHAMBE
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the addition of three well-known Iowa businesses to its President’s Council – Aureon, Casey’s General Stores, and Merchants Bonding Company. These three organizations joined the exclusive membership group over the last six months. “Our President’s Council represents the individuals and organizations committed to positioning our community, city, and region as the best place to live,
10 AWARD RECIPIENTS RECOGNIZED, 3 CHECK PRESENTATIONS, 1 NEW COMMITTEE
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) held its third annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI Awards) on September 7 at the Community Choice Convention Center.Award recipients across 10 categories were recognized in front of the 300 leaders in attendance, and the impact of their work was highlighted through powerful videos produced by Fred Ebong with FE Studios who got to hear each story firsthand."It was
Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Announces $200,000 in Grant Awards
Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation Announces $200,000 in Grant AwardsFour organizations received grants for tree planting projects and improving regenerative agriculture practices across the United States.WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Wright Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation (WFSI) is pleased to announce the grantees for its 2023 grant cycle. WFSI has awarded a total of $200,000 to four organizations. WFSI sought projects in two primary categories: tree canopy improvements, expanding
Lola's Fine Hot Sauce: From an Iowa Kitchen to America's Walgreens, a Time-Honored Family Recipe Reaches New Heights!
West Des Moines, IA – Lola's Fine Hot Sauce, a cherished generational family recipe passed down from founder Taufeek Shah's Filipino immigrant mother, Carmelita "Lola" Shah, has landed on the shelves of over 3,600 Walgreens stores nationwide. This remarkable achievement marks the company's third national account and introduces Lola's Fine Hot Sauce as the first-ever national Asian-Filipino-owned hot sauce brand in the United States. Steeped in tradition and founded in the heart of West Des Moines, Lola's
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WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER ANNOUNCES MUSICAL ACTS FOR RACCOON RIVER RALLY
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER ANNOUNCES MUSICAL ACTS FOR RACCOON RIVER RALLY WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is thrilled to announce the lineup of musical performances for the 3rd Annual Raccoon River Rally presented by Superstorm Restoration. Set to take place on October 14 at Raccoon River Park, this year's event is set to create memorable moments for the local community and visitors alike, promising an evening filled with excitement and
5th Annual Many Hands Impact Breakfast
Five years ago, we launched the Many Hands Business Breakfast to build a community of leaders focused on challenging what's possible. You stepped up, growing this event in ways that we could not imagine. We are making an impact locally and globally - with incredible speakers, over 900 leaders engaged, and even a concert tour reaching over 2,500 people. After five years of impact and growth, we are excited to share that the Many Hands Business Breakfast is transforming into the Impact Breakfast. This
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2023-2024 WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS SELECTED
WEST DES MONES, IA (AUGUST 1, 2023) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, has announced its 2023-2024 class. This nine-month program will guide emerging leaders on a path to leadership effectiveness through experiential learning, critical thinking, and a community impact project. WDMLA is made possible thanks to presenting NCMIC. “Once again, we have a strong curriculum for this year’s class,” said Ashley Charnetski, Advisory Council Chair.
West Des Moines Chamber Opens Cardboard Boat Race Registration
WEST DES MONES, IA (July 25, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is thrilled to open the registration for the cardboard boat race competition at the 3rd Annual Raccoon River Rally presented by Superstorm Restoration. Set to take place on October 14 at Raccoon River Park, the event will follow an annual tradition of competition and creativity and bring entertainment and excitement for everyone to enjoy. The competition will feature a variety of awards to be distributed to this
RECIPIENTS OF WDM CHAMBER DEI EXCELLENCE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is holding its third annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI Awards) on September 7 from 4:30 – 8:00 PM at the Community Choice Convention Center.It will be a night full of learning, growing and celebrating the work being done to make Central Iowa more inclusive. Award recipients of 10 categories will be honored, have the chance to share their story to inspire others, and give
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Promotes Meredith Murphy to Talent Attraction Manager
WEST DES MONES, IA (June 17, 2023) –The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the promotion of Meredith Murphy to Talent Attraction Manager effective July 17, 2023. Murphy has been a leader with the WDM Chamber since July of 2022, starting as Talent Attraction Coordinator prior to her promotion. "Meredith's dedication and passion have been a driving force behind the advancements of the WDM Chamber," said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the WDM Chamber. "With her
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2023 First Responders Date & Speaker Announced
WDM CHAMBER ANNOUNCES DATE, KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR ANNUAL BREAKFAST CELEBRATING FIRST RESPONDERS WEST DES MONES, IA (JUNE 27, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2023 First Responder’s Appreciation Breakfast, featuring keynote speaker Jim Olson, a former CIA spy with an extraordinary journey and captivating story to tell. The event is scheduled to take place on September 21, 2023, at the Embassy Club West and is presented by West Bank and supported by Aureon.Recognized
West Bank ranks #13 on national list of Community Banks
West Bank, a subsidiary of West Bancorporation, Inc. (Nasdaq: WTBA), has once again earned the prestigious distinction of being named one of the top-performing community banks in the United States. The highly regarded industry analyst firm, Raymond James, has included West Bank on its exclusive list, reaffirming West Bank's position as one of the leading community banks in Iowa and Minnesota. Securing the impressive 13th position on the 2022 Raymond James Community Bankers Cup list, West Bank has emerged
Litigation Attorney and Former Journalist Steffi Lee Dwyer Joins Dentons Davis Brown
May 31, 2023 Steffi Lee Dwyer graduated with high honors from Drake University Law School and now joins Dentons Davis Brown as an associate litigation attorney. Before joining Dentons, Steffi had several internships and clerkships including the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, the Honorable Judge Romonda Belcher, BrownWinick Law Firm, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, and Disability Rights Texas. Prior to her law career, Steffi was an award-winning journalist. During college, and
Rain Barrel Workshop in Adel
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2023 Rain Barrel Workshop in Adel Adel, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Dallas County will be offering a Rain Barrel Workshop on Monday, June 26 from 6-8 p.m. Come learn about water quality in Iowa and build your own rain barrel to do your part to reduce flooding and stormwater pollution on your property! All materials will be provided. Pre-registration is required. Please only register if you will be available to attend, as space is
WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CLASS GRADUATES
The Class of 2023 Graduates from the West Des Moines Leadership Academy. WEST DES MONES, IA (MAY 30) – The West Des Moines Chamber congratulates the graduating class of 2023 for completing the West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA). This nine-month program guides leaders on a path to leadership effectiveness through experiential learning, critical thinking, and a community impact project. The 15th year of WDMLA was presented by NCMIC and supported by The Shred Method. “I find myself in awe and
NONPROFIT DONATION RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED & EVENT REGISTRATION OPEN
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, MAY 23, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is thrilled to announce both the opening of event registration as well as the selection of the nonprofit donation recipient for the third annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI Awards). Can Play, founded by Melissa Clarke-Wharff and Dylan DeClerck, has been selected as the recipient of the Nonprofit Donation for the 2023 DEI Awards. Can play’s mission is to “bring adapted and
WDM Chamber Hires Everett Mullican as Marketing and Communications Coordinator
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, MAY 16, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the hiring of Everett Mullican as the organization’s marketing and communications coordinator. Mullican currently serves as a workforce intern with the chamber and recently graduated from Drake University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication. His first day with the Chamber will be Thursday, May 18, 2023.“As the West Des Moines Chamber continues to grow, it is crucial that
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for Second Annual Tina Talks
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY May 9, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced six speakers for its second annual Tina Talks, held on June 6 at The Monroe in West Des Moines Iowa.Giving voices to female leaders in the region, the mission of Tina Talks is to challenge, motivate, inspire, and move attendees. At this event six women will share their impactful stories that will provide attendees with actional nuggets of information and inspiration. This year's theme is
Announcing Pitch Competition Winners Presented by Bank of America
Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2023WEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY April 24, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced winners for the 2023 pitch competition for the third annual, international Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (The Summit) presented by Wells Fargo. The event was held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 20-21. For the 2023 event, 47 applications were received from around the US including
Announcing Citizen of the Year 2023: Tina Mowry Hadden
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2023 Citizen of the Year Honoree is Tina Mowry Hadden. For the 78th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has been recognizing outstanding individuals who commit their time and talent to bettering our community.“Tina Hadden is a tremendous advocate for the West Des Moines community,” Jana Rieker- Director of Client Services for Amplimark said in her nomination.
Get ACTIVE for #BBBS23 supporting By Degrees Foundation
Get ACTIVE for #BBBS23 supporting By Degrees Foundation Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Fundraiser 2023WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced that donations are now open for the Get ACTIVE fundraiser benefiting By Degrees Foundation through April 21. The fundraiser is for one nonprofit 501©3 organization who helps to support social justice programming in Greater Des Moines Iowa. Fundraising efforts are held in conjunction with the
Support Diversity Week April 10-14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2023Virtual Vendor Fair & Diversity Week April 10-14Powered by Hy-VeeAthene Black & Brown Business SummitWEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY April 10, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Diversity Week from April 10-14 that will feature twenty diverse virtual vendors for the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (The Summit) presented by Wells Fargo. The virtual vendor fair is made possible through support from Hy-Vee. “Hy-Vee is
WDM Chamber Announces 2023 Recipient of the Mel Essex Award
Athene Black & Brown Business SummitWEST DES MONES, IA (THURSDAY April 6, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Perlla Deluca, Owner and CEO of Southeast Contractors and President of the Iowa School of Construction, as the recipient of the 2023 Mel Essex Award. Deluca will be celebrated at the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (The Summit) presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West
Announcing Pitch Competition Finalists - Athene Black & Brown Business Summit April 20-21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2023WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY APRIL 4, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced seven finalists for the 2023 pitch competition presented by Bank of America at the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 20-21.Seven finalists were selected out of 47 applicants from across the US including
Tina Hadden Named First Executive Director of In Harmony Farm
Tina Hadden has been chosen to lead the newly formed non-profit, In Harmony Farm, as its first full-time executive director, starting April 3.In Harmony Farm is a newly created organization focused on helping historically underserved farmers build specialty crop farm business in Central Iowa by providing access to land, infrastructure, and business capacity building resources. In its first year, the 70-acre farm created 9 parcels of land to be crop-ready and invited 6 farm families to begin their 5-year
National Speakers Announced - Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Presented by Wells FargoAnnounces National Speakers for the April 20-21, 2023 Event WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY March 28, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced several keynotes for the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 20-21.Over 60 expert speakers and
FAREWAY HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR NEW WEST DES MOINES STORE ON MILLS
Fareway Stores, Inc. hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today for a new store located at 9080 Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. The 21,00 square foot store provides for a full-service butcher counter and the highest level of customer service. An impressive grocery selection, with fresh-cut produce, healthy varieties, and locally sourced items, in addition to a variety of craft beer, fine wines, and top-shelf spirits will be available. The store will provide for Fastlanes, a self-service checkout option,
WDM Chamber Announces Keynote, Mentors for Sixth Annual Mentoring for Women Event
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce its keynote speaker and mentors for its sixth annual Mentoring for Women Conference in partnership with the Clive Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place on March 8th from 7:00am – 11:00am at The Rewind Hotel in West Des Moines, Iowa featuring keynote speaker Renee Hardman - Chief Diversity Equity Inclusion Officer & Vice President of Human Resources, Broadlawns Medical Center
WDM Chamber Announces 2023 Citizen, Emerging Citizen of the Year Nominations are Now Open
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, FEB 7, 2023) – For the 78th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the annual West Des Moines (WDM) Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year nominations are now open through March 8, 2023.“This is the longest running program within the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce,” said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the Chamber. “As we lead up to our 100-year anniversary in 2024, this award is more important than ever.”Over the
Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics Spine Expert Lynn Nelson, MD Seeing Patients In Des Moines
Des Moines, Iowa (January 31, 2023) – Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics is pleased to announce that Dr. Lynn Nelson, Spine Surgeon, will begin seeing patients in its Iowa Weight Loss Specialists Des Moines location. Dr. Nelson is an Iowa native who joined Iowa Specialty Hospitals & Clinics in 2020. He was previously with DMOS Orthopedic Centers after completing his fellowship training at Kansas University Medical Center in the treatment of spinal injuries and disorders. Over the past 28 years, Dr.
2023 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition presented by Bank of America Now Accepting Applications
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is accepting applications starting Wednesday February 1 for the 2023 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (BBBS) pitch competition, brought to you by exclusive pitch competition partner Bank of America. Deadline to submit applications is Wednesday, March 1 by 5 p.m.“The West Des Moines Chamber Black & Brown Business Summit pitch competition is a great opportunity for minority-owned businesses to propel
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces New Team Members
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 1, 2023WEST DES MONES, IA (WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce three new team members joining the organization: Tiffany Piper, Richard Salas, and Everett Mullican.Tiffany Piper joined as the WDM Chamber’s events & experiences coordinator. She has an extensive background in event planning including experience as sales & events services manager at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Des Moines, vice president of
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Call for Applications: Nonprofit Organizations Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Fundraiser 2023
WEST DES MONES, IA (THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced that applications are now open through January 27, 2023, for nonprofit 501©3 organizations who help to support social justice programming in Greater Des Moines Iowa. Fundraising efforts held in conjunction with the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (the Athene Summit): Get ACTIVE for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (Get ACTIVE Fundraiser). Bike, walk, run, or get active the week
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2023 Board of Directors, a diverse group of leaders that will guide, serve, and shape the WDM Chamber and West Des Moines community. “Our 2023 Board of Directors is 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
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
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WDM Chamber’s Tom Florian Honored as 2022 ACCE 40 Under 40 Recipient
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022) – West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of Membership and Strategic Marketing, Tom Florian, was named a 2022 40 Under 40 honoree by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) on Monday, November 21, 2022. The program recognizes the top emerging leaders in the chamber of commerce industry who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions in the communities they represent. “Tom is a rising star who is
WEST DES MOINES NAMED 2022 TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022) – West Des Moines, Iowa has been named 2022 Technology Community of the Year by the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI). The recognition was revealed at the 2022 Prometheus Awards presented by UHY LLP, Certified Public Accountants on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Ballroom in Des Moines, IA. Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, presented the award. The qualifications for the
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
