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A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN: An Evening of Wine, Cheese & Connection
A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEANAn Evening of Wine, Cheese & Connection Join Reka Luxury Travel at The Rabbit Room for a delightful evening celebrating the flavours of Greece, Spain and Italy. Discover six carefully selected Mediterranean wines — three whites and three reds — paired with a shared charcuterie board in a relaxed, intimate setting. Whether you love discovering new wines, enjoy Mediterranean flavours, or simply appreciate good company, this is an evening to savour. - Six Mediterranean wines
West Des Moines Chamber Announces November Luncheon: Nonprofit Spotlight
WEST DES MOINES, IA (October 20, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) will host its November Luncheon: Nonprofit Spotlight, presented by Bank Iowa, on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Glen Oaks Country Club, located at 1401 Glen Oaks Drive in West Des Moines. The luncheon will spotlight the important role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening our community. Business professionals and community leaders are invited to connect with and recognize the
Cook the South Pacific: A Culinary Journey Through New Zealand, Australia & Fiji
A TASTE OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC New Zealand • Australia • Fiji Through the Eyes of a Local Join Elaine of Reka Luxury Travel and Chef Cassandra for an intimate culinary experience celebrating South Pacific flavours, culture and connection. Discover island-inspired dishes, savour local favourites and enjoy the stories behind the food — from Fijian kakoda to New Zealand pavlova. Thursday, November 19 | 6–9 PM Culinary Annex: $70 Purchase tickets in advance Here. Spaces are limited, so book early to secure
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Establishes International Partnership With Indian Health Sciences University
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/19/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Malla Reddy Vishwavidyapeeth University, a health sciences university in Hyderabad, India, are expanding opportunities for research collaboration and student learning. Through the partnership, the two institutions will engage in visiting scholar initiatives and student exchange programs. The partnership also supports joint research initiatives, including co-designed research projects, scientific publications and
DMU Professor Receives NIH Funding to Study Why Sleep Apnea Poses Greater Health Risks for Women After Menopause
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/12/2026) Millions of women experience sleep apnea, yet it's not fully understood why the condition becomes increasingly associated with high blood pressure and kidney disease after menopause. To help answer that question, Noah Marcus, PhD, associate professor of physiology and pharmacology at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has received a $553,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health. With the funding, Marcus will investigate the underlying mechanisms
HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN
Nominate a WDMCS student grade 9-12 for High School Leadership Academy. Nominations will close on November 2nd, 2026. WEST DES MONES, IA (OCTOBER12, 2026) –The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber), in partnership with the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS), announced that nominations are now open for the 2027 High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) class, presented by Microsoft.This free program gives students in grades 9-12 in the WDMCS district the chance to expand their leadership
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
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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
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
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 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 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,
SIXTH ANNUAL DAY OF KINDNESS PROCLAIMED AS FEBRUARY 27
Mayor Russ Trimble approved the proclamation for “Day of Kindness,” championed by the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni. WEST DES MONES, IA (FEBRUARY 17th, 2026) – Mayor of West Des Moines have proclaimed February 27, 2026, as “Day of Kindness.” This special occasion returns for its sixth year, created by alumni of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s (WDM Chamber) Leadership Academy who wanted to make a meaningful difference in the community. The day is dedicated to encouraging intentional
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
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 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
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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
