News
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
Art + Yoga + Meditation at Olson-Larsen Galleries
Event Timing: Saturday, October 11, 9:00am - 10:30amEvent Location: Olson-Larsen Galleries 542 Fifth Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265 Contact: 515-277-6734 or alyss@olsonlarsen.com Join us in the gallery for some slow, stretchy yoga and learn about the artwork on view. Led by yoga practitioner, Michele Slawson, this class that will allow you to explore a gentle & grounded yoga practice paired with seated mindfulness meditation amidst the current exhibition, The Female Gaze. This practice will allow us
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
DMU's White Coat Ceremony Marks Entry into Health Careers for 457 Students
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/24/2025) On Friday, Sept. 19, the Grand Ballroom of the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines was buzzing with excitement as 457 clinical students from five programs at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences received their white coats during the university's annual White Coat Ceremony. "The White Coat Ceremony reflects a symbolic entrance into medical school," DMU President and CEO Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., told the students. "You assume
Des Moines University Named a 2025 Great College to Work For
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/22/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work Fora, a national workplace recognition program administered by ModernThink and showcased by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The results, released on Sept. 19 in a special Chronicle insert, are based on employee feedback from 199 participating colleges and universities. DMU is among only 76 colleges and universities selected this year for the recognition. DMU is included in
Des Moines University Appoints Good to Board of Trustees
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/17/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has named Robert Good, D.O., MACOI, to its Board of Trustees. A 1977 graduate of DMU's College of Osteopathic Medicine, Good adds decades of experience in internal medicine and a strong record of leadership in health care and medical education to the board. "Dr. Good's deep understanding of osteopathic medicine and his passion for developing the next generation of health professionals make him an outstanding addition to
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
DMU to Host 2025 Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program
WEST DES MOINES, IA (09/15/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is set to host its 2025 Research Symposium and Young Scientist Program on Nov. 14-15, 2025, at 8025 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. The event is open to DMU faculty, staff and students, as well as partners and members of the larger medical and scientific community in the region. Up to 20 individuals from Iowa higher education institutions will be able to submit their posters for this competitive event. It also includes
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