Des Moines University Hosts Annual Pre-Health Summit for High School Students
WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/19/2026) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences invites high school students to a free Pre-Health Summit from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. The interactive virtual event is designed for students who are interested in exploring what it means to be a health sciences professional. The annual event, led by DMU's admissions team and current students, gives high schoolers a preview of their future by providing insights into medicine and health sciences. Attendees
Beyond the Textbook
Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Anatomy Ambassadors Program Lets Students Hold Science in Their Hands WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/18/2026) At an Anatomy Ambassadors Program event at Ankeny Centennial High School this past spring, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students fielded questions from high schoolers in Chad Fickbohm's anatomy classes. The curiosity in the room was unmistakable - and so was the impact of seeing human anatomy up close. Through hands-on exposure to
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Keynote Speaker for October Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (August 18, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Marc Dummer, CAIA, CIMA®, Managing Director and Client Portfolio Manager at Principal Asset Management, as the keynote speaker for its October Luncheon: Economic Forecast, presented by Shive-Hattery. The event will take place on October 15, 2026, at Glen Oaks Country Club. Marc Dummer is one of Principal Asset Management’s leading voices on the economy, financial markets, and investment strategy.
Milestones From 15 Years at DMU
WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/17/2026) When Angela L. Walker Franklin, PhD, became Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' 15th president in 2011, few could have predicted how transformative the next 15 years would be for the university. What followed reshaped the university's campus, culture and trajectory. "I came to a place with high hopes and aspirations of coming and doing a great job and being of service to this institution," Franklin says. "We've actually transformed this entire
News Release: 8/15/2026
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Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty Help Shape Understanding of Ancient Human Relatives
WEST DES MOINES, IA (08/05/2026) Two Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences researchers are helping unravel one of the most intriguing mysteries in human evolution. New findings from the ongoing Homo naledi project suggest that all 20 fossil individuals from a cave in South Africa were female - a discovery that is prompting scientists to reconsider assumptions about this ancient human relative's behavior, social structure and treatment of the dead. Heather Garvin, PhD, a forensic
Des Moines University Professor and Physical Therapist Earns Prestigious APTA Outstanding Research Award
WEST DES MOINES, IA (07/27/2026) Shane McClinton, PT, DPT, PhD, who practices at Des Moines University Clinic and teaches at his alma mater, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, earned the American Physical Therapy Association's 2026 Outstanding Research Award. This award promotes the publication of outstanding physical therapy research articles, including both foundational and clinical research impacting practice and patient care. It ties to McClinton's published research in PTJ: Physical
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
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West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Open Nominations for 2026 High School Leadership Academy
WEST DES MOINES, IA (October 14, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) today announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 High School Leadership Academy (HSLA)—a free, spring-semester program exclusively for students in grades 9–11 within the West Des Moines Community School District (WDMCS). Led by Meredith Murphy, Director of Future Workforce at the WDM Chamber, HSLA will select 30 students for its 2026 program, featuring four full-day sessions designed to build
City of West Des Moines and West Des Moines Chamber Release Findings from 2025 Business Survey
WEST DES MOINES, IA (September 16, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of West Des Moines, has released the results of its 2025 Business Survey, conducted in May to better understand the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing the local business community. The survey gathered input from businesses and the community across the region. Responses will help shape future policies, programs, and initiatives designed to support economic growth, enhance city
