JEWELS ACADEMY INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER FEATURES DMU PRESIDENT
Local Nonprofit Supports Underrepresented Young Women in STEM & Self-Enrichment DES MOINES, Iowa - (June 14, 2021) - Jewels Academy’s leadership is proud to host Keeping the Brilliance in Jewels, a dynamic virtual fundraising event taking place on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. CST. To RSVP or donate - click here. Des Moines University President, Angela L. Walker Franklin is confirmed as this year’s keynote presenter. Additionally, several other inspirational guest speakers will be participating.
Bubba - Southern Comforts Celebrates Economic Recovery with PRIDE
Pride is a common theme these days for Chris Diebel. The co-owner and managing partner of Bubba - Southern Comforts is proud of the restaurant industry’s resiliency and its ongoing support of the LGBTQ community despite a very challenging year. His positive outlook resonates as the nation celebrates the LGBTQ community during PRIDE Month. Although statistics on LGBTQ-owned businesses are scarce, there is no doubt of their economic impact. A 2015 National LGBT Chamber of Commerce survey of its 900
GRINNELL MUTUAL GROUP FOUNDATION CHALLENGE GRANT
The Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation has partnered with local non-profit Imagine Grinnell and the 1000 Trees project to offer a two-year, $20,000 challenge grant to replace trees throughout Grinnell that were lost to the 2020 Derecho. The grant will match dollar-for-dollar donations received from supporters in 2021 and 2022.Financial gifts to the 1000 Trees project allow the organization to assist residents in the 50112-zip code area with the purchase and planting of new trees, often at no cost or a
WOMEN LEAD CHANGE LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEB SITE
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Women Lead Change (WLC) has launched a new web site designed to help users navigate to programs based on their career experience and leadership journey pathway. The site is live at www.wlcglobal.org.“Our mission has stayed the same, but the Women Lead Change suite of programs has grown tremendously over the past several years, including our reach outside of Iowa,” Tiffany O’Donnell, Women Lead Change CEO said. “This new site is highly focused on the user experience, and engaging all of
Prairie Meadows Names 2021 Scholarship Recipients
More Than $100,000 Awarded in Scholarships to Polk County High School Seniors Tuesday, June 1 – Altoona, IA. As a nonprofit organization, Prairie Meadows strives to promote economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. To continue their dedication to this goal, Prairie Meadows awarded 36 Polk County high school seniors with a $2,500 scholarship to help pay for the Iowa college, university, or trade school of their choice. Prairie Meadows is proud to award two $2,500
Dentons Davis Brown Recognized as Leading Iowa Law Firm
Dentons Davis Brown has once again been recognized as a leading Iowa law firm by Chambers and Partners, a renowned researcher and publisher of global legal guides. In the 2021 Chambers USA guide, Dentons Davis Brown has the most rankings of any law firm in Iowa and is ranked Band 1 in all five available practice areas, the highest possible ranking. Sixteen Dentons Davis Brown attorneys are also honored as leading lawyers in their respective practice areas.Increased Real Estate Attorney RankingsKrystle
WDM Chamber Announces Citizen, Emerging Citizen of the Year
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021) – For the 76th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the annual West Des Moines (WDM) Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year, Sanjita Pradhan and Scott Cutler. Sanjita Pradhan is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. In 2014 Pradhan was appointed to the WDM Human Rights Commission by Mayor Gaer and served as Chair of the Commission from 2017 – 2020 before retiring in
NCMIC PRESENTS MOVIES IN THE PARK
Clive, IA — (May 19, 2021) — Together with the city of Waukee, NCMIC presents Movies in the Park, a free movie series, this summer in Waukee. Three box office hits will be shown June 4, July 3 and Aug. 13 in Waukee’s Centennial Park, 1255 Warrior Lane.Showtime is at dusk (approximately 8:45 p.m.) The family-friendly flicks include: Friday, June 4 "Aladdin" (PG) A kind-hearted street urchin and a power-hungry Grand Vizier vie for a magic lamp that has the power to make their deepest wishes come
IMT Des Moines Marathon Announces Wolfe Eye Clinic to Provide Athletes with Free Digital Images
Des Moines, IA (May 12, 2021) – The IMT Des Moines Marathon is pleased to announce free digital images presented by Wolfe Eye Clinic for all athletes participating in the races this year. MarathonFoto, the official event photography provider for the IMT Des Moines Marathon, estimates they will take over 65,000 digital images throughout the race weekend. Athletes will receive multiple high-resolution impressions of their in-person race day accomplishment, thanks to Wolfe Eye Clinic, which allows for
Hy-Vee, Historic Valley Junction Foundation to Host Pop-Up COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (May 4, 2021) — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that in partnership with the Historic Valley Junction Foundation, it will host a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Valley Junction Farmers’ Markets in West Des Moines, Iowa. The first clinic will be Thursday, May 6, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. No appointment will be required. Individuals will be able to choose between the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine. Pfizer-BioNTech is available for individuals 16
RESTAURATEUR TODD GRAVES AND CELEBRITY FRIENDS HELP SAVE FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANTS ON NEW DISCOVERY+ SERIES RESTAURANT RECOVERY
New Series Available to Stream Exclusively on discovery+ Starting Thursday, April 15th NEW YORK – March 24, 2021 – Restaurateur and philanthropist Todd Graves is rolling up his sleeves to help struggling restaurant owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in the new series Restaurant Recovery, streaming exclusively on discovery+ beginning Thursday, April 15th with double-episodes available each week. As founder and CEO of the popular restaurant chain Raising Cane’s® Chicken Fingers, Todd brings his deep
WDM CHAMBER HIRES TOM FLORIAN AS NEW DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP AND GROWTH
WEST DES MONES, IA (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Tom Florian as Director of Membership and Growth. In this new role, Florian will be working with the WDM Chamber’s sales team to grow membership, sponsorships, and advertising. Florian will begin his role with the WDM Chamber on Friday, April 30. Florian is currently the Coordinator of Business Development with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), the only state activity
WDM CHAMBER GIVES BACK $15,000 TO COMMUNITY AT INAGURAL BLACK & BROWN BUSINESS SUMMIT
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021) – Last week’s first annual Black & Brown Business Summit (the Summit), presented by Principal Financial Group®, not only brought minority business owners together for education and networking, it also allowed the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) to donate $15,000 back to the community. The Summit, a hybrid event partially held at Partner Sponsor Athene’s West Des Moines headquarters, was packed full of programming, including a pitch workshop and
NEW: Outdoor Summer Theatrical Concert Event Cast Announced
Tallgrass Theatre Company Announces Cast for Outdoor Summer Theatrical Concert Event at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater West Des Moines, IA - Tallgrass Theatre Company (TTC) announces the cast for their first production of their Summer Theatrical Concert Series. The Bridges of Madison County: Concert Version cast list: Renee Davenport (Francesca); Charlie Reese (Robert); Jonathan DeLima (Richard “Bud” Johnson); Ann Cravero (Marge); Eric Olson (Charlie); Ashley Schaeffer (Marian); Bailey Dorr (Carolyn); Will
Superstar Las Vegas Entertainer to Perform at Prairie Meadows in 2021
Monday, April 26 – Altoona, IA. Prairie Meadows is proud to announce that popular ventriloquist, impressionist, and stand-up comedian Terry Fator will be live at The Meadows Events Center Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. with his wildly entertaining show entitled “It Starts Tonight.” Fator signed on as the headliner at The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas shortly after winning season 2 of America’s Got Talent. A decade later he’s still commanding sold-out shows with his 15 personable puppets,
Smash Park Announces First Franchise Location in Pella
Pella Venue Anticipated to Open Spring 2022,Locations Around the Country to Follow Pella, Iowa – April 22, 2021 – West Des Moines “eatertainment” venue Smash Park is announcing its first franchise location in Pella, Iowa. Thanks to a collaborative community effort, the Pella location will launch Smash Park’s national expansion plans, with additional locations opening in Omaha, Neb.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Phoenix, Ariz. in 2022 and 2023. Franchisees Dr. Luke
Prairie Meadows Hires Track Announcer Bobby Neuman To Call Races In 2021
Veteran Caller Excited About Return To Booth After Two Years With Horse Racing Radio Network April 19, 2021 – Altoona, IA. Accomplished track announcer Bobby Neuman, whose resume includes successful stints at Calder Race Course in Florida and Los Alamitos Race Course in California, will call the races at Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, and Hotel during the 84-day 2021 live horse racing season that begins on Friday, April 30 and runs through Saturday, September 25. “I’m really excited about getting back
Mediacom Communications Recognized as a US Best Managed Company
Mediacom Park, NY – April 13, 2021 — Mediacom Communications Corporation is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2021 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams.The 2021 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well
McGowen Hurst Clark Smith hosts shred and donation event on May 7, 2021
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (March 25, 2021) - McGowen Hurst Clark Smith (MHCS) invites you to join their annual shred and donation event on Friday, May 7, 2021. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the West Des Moines office. This event is free of charge and open to the public. The event will give the community a variety of opportunities to kickstart their spring cleaning, support others, and enjoy some treats while doing so. A list of activities is as follows:Securely
THE CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MAY DAY FUNDRAISER
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Iowa Chapter is kicking off CF Awareness Month in May with a fun virtual fundraiser. Please celebrate May Day by purchasing a Virtual May Day Basket for $5 or become a 65 Roses Supporter for $65. The 65 Roses Supporter includes up to 5 Virtual May Day Baskets and recognition throughout CF Awareness Month in May. This is a fun and safe way to reach out to family, friends or your CF Fighter! Each Virtual May Day Basket will include a fun and bright email with a personalized
HEALTHY BIRTH DAY, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR GLENNON DOYLE
HEALTHY BIRTH DAY, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR GLENNON DOYLE AS EVERY WOMAN COUNTS EVENT SPEAKER DES MOINES, Iowa --- (March 11, 2021) --- Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is excited to announce that New York Times bestselling author Glennon Doyle will headline its Seventh Annual Every Woman Counts event. Doyle was the speaker for the first Every Woman Counts event in 2015, and is the author of UNTAMED, which has sold over two million copies.The Count the Kicks Founders' story is described on
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Tallgrass Theatre Company Announces Summer Theatrical Concert Series at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater
West Des Moines, IA - Tallgrass Theatre Company (TTC) announces their Summer Theatrical Concert Series. In collaboration with West Des Moines Parks and Recreation TTC will be producing two concerts at the new Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. On June 25th and 26th, 2021 Tallgrass Theatre Company will present the Concert Version of the hit Broadway musical The Bridges of Madison County and on July 17th, 2021 Tallgrass Theatre Company will present An Evening with Sondheim; A Musical Theatre Cabaret, featuring local
Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines present Acts of Resilience | Vision
Johnston, Iowa — A groundbreaking partnership between dance, music and video arts continues as Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines present Acts of Resilience | Vision. The hour-long performance premieres on-air and online Friday, February 5 at 8:30 p.m. with an encore presentation on Sunday, February 7 at 1 p.m.Award-winning and inspiring choreographers designed three separate and compelling ballet performances by Ballet Des Moines highlighting the strength of classically trained dancers while showcasing the
ATHENE RECOGNIZED AS LGBTQ+ FRIENDLY EMPLOYER BY HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FOUNDATION
Athene rated on Corporate Equality Index for first time in 2021 HAMILTON, Bermuda – January 28, 2021 – Athene Holding Ltd. ("Athene") (NYSE: ATH), a leading provider of retirement savings products, announced today it has been recognized as part of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s annual Corporate Equality Index (CEI). CEI is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees. Athene joins the ranks
Chris Lorenz Announced as the New Executive Vice President of Palmer Group View Larger Image
January 26, 2021, West Des Moines, IA – Palmer Group announces the promotion of Chris Lorenz to Executive Vice President, effective January 4, 2021. This newly created position is part of the overall succession planning strategy of the company. President David Leto states: “Chris has excelled in every role he has held in his seven-year career at Palmer Group, and I am extremely excited to move forward with this important position for our company. Chris has a great passion for the employment industry
StoryStruck Marketing announces new name after rebranding from M Ryan Media
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — Marketing agency owner Mackenzie Ryan Walters announced this week that the company’s name has changed to StoryStruck Marketing. Walters, who serves as the Chief Storytelling Officer, explained that the new name reflects both the company’s growth and the mission to discover and tell a business or nonprofit’s story to inspire results. The agency serves clients in Iowa and Minnesota.“I believe in the power of a story to inspire results,” said Walters, a former national award-winning
STOREY KENWORTHY REBRAND Des Moines Furniture & Office Supply company has a new identity for 2021
Des Moines, IA (January 18, 2021) - Today, Storey Kenworthy, the Des Moines based office products and furniture supplier, is launching a rebrand with an updated website, branding, logo, and video content are all part of this year-long passion project. John Kenworthy, the President since 2011, is following in his grandfather's footsteps in tackling a transformational project in uncertain times, just as Arthur Kenworthy started Storey Kenworthy right out of the Great Depression in 1936. "It was time. The
WDM Chamber signs Liz Nead as moderator for 2021 Elevate Series
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce that Liz Nead, adventure speaker, television host, bestselling author and Emmy award winner, as the 2021 moderator for their women’s empowerment event series Elevate. A diversity speaker and researcher for over a decade, Nead specializes in common language and daily communication around race and cultural differences in the workplace. She balances her passionate work with a thriving
WDM CHAMBER LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Opportunities await through new West YP program developed by young professionals for young professionals.WEST DES MONES, IA (JANUARY 22, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber has launched a new program for young professionals: West YP. It provides the opportunity for emerging leaders across the metro to grow their leadership, make an impact on the community, develop lasting connections, and have memorable experiences. A multitude of benefits and opportunities are available, including:Event fees are waived for
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MAYOR OF WEST DES MOINES PROCLAIMS JANUARY 29 AS WDM DAY OF KINDNESS
Mayor Steve Gaer approved the proclamation for “WDM Day of Kindness,” championed by the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni Committee.WEST DES MONES, IA (JANUARY 20, 2021) – The Mayor of West Des Moines has proclaimed January 29th, 2021 as “West Des Moines Day of Kindness.” This special occasion comes as a result of the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni Committee seeking a way to make a positive impact on the community. Now more than ever, small acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in
LEARN TO LEAD AND SUCCEED WITH LYNN SWANN AT WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL DINNER
WEST DES MONES, IA (January 14, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Lynn Swann, former football player, broadcaster, politician, and athletic director, will be the keynote speaker at their 2021 Annual Dinner. The event will take place virtually on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.Born in Tennessee, Swann attended the University of Southern California and played football as a wide receiver where he was a consensus All-American. He is regarded as one of
DMACC ANNOUNCES SPEAKERS FOR 2021 CELEBRATE! INNOVATION SERIES
ciLive! 12 will be held virtually March 10-11 ciLive! at DMACC is celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2021. This year’s event theme is “Amplified” and features nine inspiring speakers from a variety of fields. Speaker presentations will be livestreamed and free for viewers to enjoy via YouTube, Facebook Live and through the free e360TV app available for Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Android and more. DMACC
AS COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS INCREASE, NEED FOR CONVALESCENT PLASMA BECOMES CRITICAL
DES MOINES, Iowa (November 11, 2020) – LifeServe Blood Center, the sole provider of blood to more than 120 hospitals across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, is seeking community members who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have COVID-19 antibodies to donate convalescent plasma to meet the dramatically rising plasma needs of local hospitals. As the number of daily COVID-19 cases in our region rises, so does the need for convalescent plasma (CCP) in local hospitals. This month has seen the highest CCP
WDM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CITY OF WEST DES MOINES ANNOUNCE USCELLULAR™ BEST OF THE WEST AWARDS
WEST DES MOINES, IA (NOVEMBER 9, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and City of West Des Moines are proud to announce the winners of the first annual Best of the West Awards (BOW) presented by UScellular™. BOW is a West Des Moines (WDM) focused, community-voted contest featuring 50 business categories.BOW winners will receive a window cling featuring the 2020 BOW logo identifying them as a winner, a plaque featuring the 2020 BOW logo identifying them as a winner and a logo for use
