News
Celebrating Impact and Championing the Future: Highlights from the 2025 Glanton Event
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/23/2025) On Wednesday, Oct. 22, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and the Des Moines community came together for an evening of celebration, inspiration and powerful storytelling at the 2025 Glanton Event presented by UnityPoint Health. Hosted at The Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa, the event honored the legacy of Judge Luther T. Glanton Jr. and Willie Stevenson Glanton while raising support for the Glanton Fund. The fund invests in the next
Sarina (Lily) Jorgensen Joins DMU Clinic - Physical Therapy
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/23/2025) Sarina (Lily) Jorgensen, P.T., D.P.T., has joined the providers at the Des Moines University Clinic - Physical Therapy. Jorgensen will bring a wealth of experience to the clinic, located at 3200 Grand Ave. at the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in Des Moines. Jorgensen earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences in 2021, following a Bachelor of Arts degree in exercise science from Hope College in Holland, Michigan,
Des Moines University and Beloit College Launch Partnership to Expand Health Sciences Pathways for S
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/22/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Beloit College, a private liberal arts institution in Beloit, Wisconsin, have entered a new partnership that opens doors for Beloit students seeking graduate-level health sciences programs at DMU. Effective October 2025, Beloit students who meet academic benchmarks will be eligible for guaranteed interview opportunities at DMU in the following programs: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Podiatric
DMU Clinic to Host 50 and Better Health Fair
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/15/2025) Mark your calendars for the 50 and Better Health Fair, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Des Moines University Clinic, 3200 Grand Ave. This annual event offers free health screenings and information for adults ages 50 and older. Attendees can receive expert health screenings performed by DMU medical students, supervised by faculty, with services including: Skin checks. Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Blood pressure checks. Foot & ankle
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
West Des Moines Historical Society and City of West Des Moines Host First Annual Heritage Jubilee
Celebrating History, Culture, and Community on October 11 WEST DES MOINES, IA — The West Des Moines Historical Society and the City of West Des Moines are proud to present the 1st Annual Heritage Jubilee on Saturday, October 11, from 1–4 p.m. at the historic Jordan House Museum grounds. This family-friendly event marks the 175th anniversary of the completion of the first phase of construction of the Jordan House, one of Iowa’s most significant landmarks. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy an
Two DMU Students Complete Externships in Prestigious Clinical Research Program
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/06/2025) This summer, Ethan Kau and Alisa Pairmore, both second-year students in Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, completed externships in the Robert A. Winn Clinical Investigator Pathway Program. Supported by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, Winn CIPP aims to build a future workforce of clinical trial researchers dedicated to "improving participation in clinical trials to drive better health outcomes in all
Des Moines University Announces DMU32 Health and Business Complex
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/01/2025) A familiar corner of Des Moines is stepping into its next era. Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has officially named its property at 3200 Grand Ave. the DMU32 Health and Business Complex. This name honors the university's legacy at the site and its vision to expand health care access, professional training and community partnerships. The site served as DMU's main campus for decades before the university relocated in 2023 to 8025 Grand Ave. in West Des
Brittney De Jong Joins DMU Clinic as Certified Athletic Trainer
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/30/2025) Des Moines University Clinic - Physical Therapy is pleased to welcome Brittney De Jong, M.A., LAT, ATC, as a certified athletic trainer. "We are thrilled to welcome Brittney to the DMU Clinic," says Lauren Mach, P.T., D.P.T., ATC, head athletic trainer and physical therapist at the DMU Clinic. "Her specialized skills and passion for helping athletes recover and perform at their best are an incredible addition to our team. We're confident that her expertise will not only
Williams Named Director of Development and Planned Giving at DMU
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/29/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has promoted Dave Williams, M.B.A., to the role of director of development and planned giving. As the new director, Williams will lead DMU's planned giving efforts, helping alumni and friends of the university explore charitable options that align with their personal and financial goals. These options include bequests, charitable trusts and other tax-advantaged giving strategies. "Planned giving is a fantastic way for
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
Keynotes and Current Mentor Lineup Revealed for WDM Chamber’s 8th Annual Regional Mentoring for Women Conference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (August 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the current mentor lineup for its 8th Annual Mentoring for Women Conference, presented by Wellabe, on September 19, 2025, at the West Des Moines Marriott. The event provides women in Central Iowa the chance to learn from top regional leaders through fast-paced coaching sessions and interactive learning activities. “The Mentoring for Women Conference is a valuable opportunity to learn directly from
West Des Moines Leadership Academy Graduates Class and Breaks Fundraising Record
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, congratulates the Class of 2025 on graduating. During the nine-month program, participants built leadership skills through hands-on learning, critical thinking, and a Community Impact Project that set a new fundraising record. The 33-member class supported West Des Moines Human Services through its Community of Care Campaign. Instead of hosting one large fundraiser, they took a multi-faceted
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Nomination Deadline for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 30, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the nomination period for Reignite CommUNITY 2025. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. “There are incredible individuals and organizations across Iowa driving real change,” said Kara Matheson, vice president of workforce development & culture for the WDM Chamber. “This extension gives more people the opportunity to highlight their impact and be recognized for their
WDM Chamber Announces Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum Series and Featured Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 6, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has launched the Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum, a new monthly speaker series featuring influential Iowa executives who are nearing or have recently entered retirement after decades of service. Each forum highlights a leader’s personal career journey, key lessons learned, and the legacy they aim to leave behind. The series is designed to inspire both emerging and established professionals through the stories of those who have
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for May 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the May Luncheon: Real Estate & Economic Development Trends, presented by Shive-Hattery, with supporting sponsor Samuels Group and non-profit spotlight Meals from the Heartland. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Arcadia Building, 7000 Vista Drive, West Des Moines, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. The annual West Des Moines Real Estate Trends & Investments Luncheon brings
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER LAUNCHES WEST YP APP & VYP PROGRAM
WEST DES MONES, IA (FEBRUARY 18, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is excited to announce the launch of the West YP App, a groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize the way young professionals connect, learn, and grow. Available exclusively to members of the West YP program, this app is a reimagined experience tailored for Central Iowa’s next generation of leaders. West YP is the young professional program powered by the WDM Chamber that launched in 2021 and has since
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for February 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the February Luncheon: INSPIRE 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and featuring Non-Profit Spotlight on Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. February’s luncheon will feature insights from industry leaders on innovation, collaboration, and ignite action for the year ahead. “INSPIRE 2025 is an incredible opportunity to hear from thought leaders who are shaping our future,” said Katherine
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
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
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




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