News
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
DMU Celebrates its First Biomedical Science Ph.D. Graduates
WEST DES MOINES, IA (05/28/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences will celebrate a milestone when the first two students from the Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences program graduate at the university's 125th Commencement on May 30. Elizabeth McConnaha, Ph.D.'25, and Tanner Wetzel, D.O.'27, Ph.D.'25, will walk the stage after completing the rigorous program. "DMU is one of only seven institutions in the nation to offer a dual Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Ph.D. track,"
Des Moines University Welcomes Tricia Berry as New Leader of Clinical Affairs
WEST DES MOINES, IA (05/27/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has appointed Tricia Berry, Ph.D., as the new director of undergraduate clinical affairs. With more than two decades of experience in health care education, clinical placement strategy and workforce development, Berry says she is eager to bring innovation to the department. "My first goal is to truly understand what's working here at DMU and where we can grow," Berry says. "I believe in collaboration, creative thinking
Des Moines University Launches Faculty Development Academy Through Donor Investment
WEST DES MOINES, IA (05/21/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has established the Dr. Robert and Brenda Good Faculty Development Academy, a new initiative to advance excellence in teaching, educational research and leadership among its faculty members. "This is a bold, forward-looking initiative designed to support faculty throughout their professional growth," says Nehad El-Sawi, Ph.D., DMU's assistant vice president for academic innovation and enhancement. "From peer-led
DMU Honors Student Leaders Who Make a Difference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (05/14/2025) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences recognized 160 students with service and leadership awards on Wednesday, May 7. These awards shine light unto the dedication and compassion each student holds to furthering their health care career through volunteerism and paving the way for the future of medicine and health sciences. "The number of students in attendance today is a wonderful reflection of the heart of service and leadership here at DMU," says Joe
Ivy College of Business receives multiple state and international marketing awards
(Ames, Iowa) —The Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business has received multiple marketing awards in the last two months. The American Marketing Association (AMA) Iowa chapter held its 20th annualNOVA Awards ceremony on May 6 at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa. Embracing this year’s“Grand Slam of Marketing” theme, the Ivy marketing and communications services team took to the field of the Iowa Cubs to celebrate two of their own. Marketing Executive of the Year The evening’s finale featured
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