News

Local Community Leaders Partner with Youth for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa’s Game Show

Des Moines, IA (December 19, 2024) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) will host its 3rd Annual “Big Little Game Show” on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Grand View University’s Viking Theatre. This fun-filled game show is free to attend and open to the public. The Big Little Game Show is BBBSIA’s annual event to showcase the power of mentoring youth in the community. Watch teams of Littles, Bigs, and Community Leaders compete in exciting games, like Generation Gap and Friendly Feud. Cheer on

West Des Moines Chamber Celebrates the Leaders of the President’s Council and Their Impact on the Community

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize and celebrate the esteemed members of the President’s Council – a distinguished group of businesses and organizations that demonstrate unwavering dedication to advancing the West Des Moines region. Their investments and leadership help drive innovation, support local initiatives, and enhance opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. The President’s Council is composed of forward-thinking organizations that understand the value of

Hire DSM becomes The People Co.: Empowering Organizations Through Every Stage of the Employee Lifecy

West Des Moines, Iowa – December 16, 2024 – Hire DSM is excited to announce its rebranding to The People Co., reflecting its commitment to empowering organizations to strategically plan and implement people-focused strategies across all stages of the employee lifecycle. This new name embodies our vision of helping organizations thrive by building engaged, empowered, and productive teams. The People Co.'s mission is clear: to provide expert guidance in attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining top

Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Announces 2025 Charity of Choice

Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Announces 2025 Charity of Choice

The Merchants Bonding Company Foundation has selected its charity of choice for 2025 - the Children’s Cancer Connection. As the charity of choice, Children’s Cancer Connection will be the focus of Merchants’ associates’ volunteer and fundraising efforts throughout the year, highlighting Merchants’ commitment to giving back!   Located in Johnston, Iowa just miles from Merchants’ headquarters, Children’s Cancer Connection is dedicated to supporting Iowa families affected by childhood cancer. The

Local 5 to Host Personal Care Product Drive, to Benefit Students of Des Moines Public Schools

Des Moines, IA – Local 5 invites the community to give back this holiday season, as they accept donations of personal care products this Friday, to benefit the students in Des Moines Public Schools.Central Iowans looking to participate in the drive can drop-off items at the Kurtz Opportunity Center, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, December 13.Recommended donation items include:   Deodorant Shampoo Conditioner Bar soap Ethnic shampoo Ethnic conditioner Toothbrushes Toothpaste   The Kurtz

West Des Moines Chamber Opens Applications for 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition

WEST DES MOINES, IA (December 10, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications starting Tuesday, Dec. 10 for the 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (BBBS) pitch competition, brought to you by exclusive Pitch Competition partner Bank of America. The application submission deadline is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, by 5 p.m. “We believe in the power of diverse businesses to drive innovation and economic growth,” said Annie Brandt, senior vice president and market executive, Bank

Dentons Davis Brown Attorney John Shors Retires after 60 Years

After 60 years of service, attorney John Shors is retiring from Dentons Davis Brown.   Continuing a family tradition John is a fourth-generation lawyer – a proud lineage dating back to 1880. With a love for science and how things work, John initially planned to become an engineer, graduating from Iowa State University in 1959 with a degree in electrical engineering. After serving in the Army for a few years, upon his return to civilian life, he decided to give law school a try after all. John

Save the Date: DMU Mini Medical School Registration Now Open

WEST DES MOINES, IA (12/04/2024) High school and college students interested in health care careers are invited to Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences' Mini Medical School, a free four-week program designed to provide hands-on insights into the medical field. Held every Tuesday evening in February 2025, the program offers a unique opportunity to work alongside DMU faculty and students in an engaging, real-world learning environment.   Mini Medical School participants will gain valuable

New Art Exhibition Opening Reception December 13, 5pm-7pm

Join us for the opening reception of Winter Sampler!Friday, December 13th, 20245:00 - 7:00pm  Winter Sampler is a group show featuring a sampling of local and midwestern represented artists including Michael Brangoccio, Christopher Chiavetta, Mary Merkel-Hess, Anna Lambrini Moisiadis, Jonathan & Allison Metzger, Tim Schiffer, Jim Sincock, Debra Smith, and Molly Wood. We will also have a Small Works Corner with the perfect gift-sized piece for the art lover in your life!Preview the show

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

DMU Marketing Department Receives Five CASE Awards

WEST DES MOINES, IA (12/02/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences Marketing and Communications Department has won five prestigious 2024 Best of District VI awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. CASE awards recognize institutions that set the bar for excellence in alumni relations, fundraising, advancement services, special events and marketing and communications. The winning projects include the following: Alumni Wall - Environmental Graphics When DMU

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Three New Team Members

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, December 3, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the hiring of Tricia Even, Jared Galligan, and Lauren Watson. Even will serve as the organization’s events and experiences coordinator, while Galligan and Watson will serve as the WDM Chamber’s new account executives. All three team members started on Monday, December 2, 2024. “We are proud to welcome new talent to our team at the WDM Chamber, as we continue to grow and expand our impact

WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY, November 25, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, a diverse group of leaders that will guide, serve, and shape the WDM Chamber and West Des Moines community. “Our 2025 Board of Directors are made up of key leaders in our city and region who represent a wide range of industries and businesses from small, medium, and large.” said Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce.

Historic Valley Junction Announces Small Business Weekend

West Des Moines, 11/21/24 – The Historic Valley Junction Foundation is pleased to announce Small Business Weekend in Valley Junction, a weekend-long holiday shopping event to support local businesses and the local economy. The event will combine three shopping days: Plaid Friday on November 29th celebrates the diversity of small business and offers an alternative to the big box store frenzy, Small Business Saturday on November 30th is the biggest small business shopping day of the year and will be kicked

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 Launches “Google Fiber Founding Member Challenge”

WEST DES MOINES, IA (November 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation (WDM Chamber Foundation) and a Google Fiber Match Challenge at a ribbon cutting on November 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the WDM Chamber office. At the ribbon cutting, the Board of Trustees announced a “$5,000 Foundation Founders Gift and Google Fiber Match Challenge” where organizations and individuals become founding

Keynote and Registration Announced for Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has opened registration for the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. The 2025 event will feature Christine Hà as the keynote speaker.Christine Hà is a Vietnamese American chef, writer, and TV host who rose to fame as the first blind contestant and winner of MasterChef Season 3 in 2012. Despite losing her vision due to an autoimmune condition called neuromyelitis

Bank of America Renews as Presenting Sponsor for Pitch Competition

West Des Moines, IA – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bank of America has renewed its commitment as the exclusive presenting sponsor of the Pitch Competition at the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. Bank of America's sponsorship will extend for the next three years, through the 2027 event.   The Pitch Competition is a signature component of the Summit, providing a platform for ethnic and racial minority entrepreneurs to pitch their business to a panel of judges. The

Zach Ripka Promoted to Chief Operating Officer

Gilbert & Cook is pleased to announce Zach Ripka’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer.With over a decade in finance, Zach has become known for his commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals. Formerly the firm’s Planning & Tax Strategist, he brings expertise in both accounting and financial planning, enabling clients to benefit from well-structured strategies.  Throughout his tenure, Zach has embodied Gilbert & Cook’s values, building strong relationships with clients and colleagues. “At

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Winners of Fifth Annual Best of the West Awards

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 5, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the community vote winners of the Fifth Annual Best of the West Awards. The Best of the West Awards supported by Silver Sponsors, The Iowa Clinic, Trilix, and Champion Sponsor, Allo Business, is a West Des Moines-focused, community vote contest featuring 100 categories. A list of all 100 winners can be found at https://wdmchamber.org/best-of-the-west/. “We are thrilled to recognize these

WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE UNVEILS THEME AND DATE FOR 2025 ANNUAL DINNER

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Friday, November 1, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the date, location, and theme for its 2025 Annual Dinner. The celebration is set for Wednesday, March 5, at the Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines. This year's theme, "Wild Wild West," features a country-inspired community celebration complete with live entertainment and surprises.   “We are incredibly grateful for the community support we have received as we celebrate the final months

WDM Chamber Now Accepting Nominations for 2025 Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year Awards

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Thursday, October 31, 2024) – For the 80th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the annual West Des Moines Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year nominations are now open through January 15, 2025. “This award celebrates the remarkable contributions of our Citizen of the Year, whose impact resonates throughout West Des Moines,” said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the WDM Chamber. “As we mark the WDM Chamber’s Annual Dinner

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

West Des Moines Chamber Announces 2024 WDM Candy Cane Trail

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 15, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the 2024 WDM Candy Cane Trail, running from November 1 through December 25, 2024. This festive, digital scavenger hunt is designed to support small businesses, retailers, and experiences throughout Central Iowa, making holiday shopping a fun and rewarding adventure. Participants in the WDM Candy Cane Trail can earn points by visiting and checking in at participating local businesses. At the

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Launches New Foundation on November 12, 2024, to Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary

WEST DES MOINES, IA – (October 7, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation (WDM Chamber Foundation) at a ribbon cutting on November 12, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the WDM Chamber office. All are welcome to attend. The new foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing community and regional needs in innovative ways and is one of ten special initiatives celebrating the WDM

West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Opens Voting for 5th Annual Best of the West Awards

WEST DES MOINES, IA (October 1, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is now accepting votes for the annual Best of the West Awards. The Best of the West Awards is a West Des Moines-focused, community vote contest now featuring 100 categories. The award ceremony is set to take place on December 3, 2024, at the Rewind Hotel in West Des Moines. “We encourage everyone to cast their vote for the Best of the West Awards,” said Katherine Harrington, president and CEO of the WDM Chamber.

New Dean of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University

Accomplished physician, educator and visionary in osteopathic medicine to spearhead college's futureWEST DES MOINES, IA (04/25/2024) After an extensive national search, David Connett, D.O., has been appointed dean of the Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, effective July 1, 2024.  "An accomplished physician, educator and visionary in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Connett brings exceptional experience and qualifications to his new role. He is a recognized leader in osteopathic medicine

DMU President Franklin Receives CASE Chief Executive Leadership Award

WEST DES MOINES, IA (04/18/2024) Angela L. Walker Franklin, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, was honored April 16 with the 2024 Chief Executive Leadership Award for District VI of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. The award recognizes an outstanding president, chancellor, headmaster or system head of a District VI CASE member institution for outstanding efforts in promoting and supporting education and institutional

Various Health Services Available at Iowa Specialty-Des Moines Clinic

Des Moines, Iowa (March 25, 2024) – Iowa Weight Loss Specialists, a dedicated center for weight loss success in central Iowa, is conveniently located at the Iowa Specialty Hospital-Des Moines Clinic at 5901 Thornton Ave, Des Moines.  Established in 2014, IWLS focuses on the diverse needs of their patients, offering weight loss services through both bariatric surgery and medical weight loss (non-surgical). Their patient-specific program includes the expertise of registered dietitians, behavioral health

Turner Growth Results in Office Relocation & Expansion

Des Moines, IA:  Turner Construction, a leading construction management company, is thrilled to announce the relocation and expansion of its Iowa office. The office, which serves as the home-base for 300+ of Turner's Iowa-based employees, will now be situated at 4200 Corporate Drive in West Des Moines.Turner is spearheading the design-build efforts for an 8,000+ SF comprehensive renovation of the space, with an estimated completion date set for the summer of 2024.To commemorate this significant milestone,

Palmer Group Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Palmer Group Announces Senior Leadership Changes  March 4, 2024 | West Des Moines, Iowa – Palmer Group announced the promotion of three employee-owners. The newly created senior leadership positions are a part of the company’s realignment strategy and succession planning. “I’m very excited about the strategic planning we have been doing as an organization,” said David Leto, President and CEO. “All three of these leaders are tenured professionals and have had a tremendous impact on our

Rock Valley, West Des Moines Physical Therapy Join Forces to Better Serve the Des Moines Metro Area

Rock Valley, West Des Moines Physical Therapy join forces to better serve the Des Moines metro area.Two clinics under the West Des Moines Physical Therapy umbrella have joined the Rock Valley Physical Therapy family and will continue to provide great care to those in and around West Des Moines, Iowa.West Des Moines Physical Therapy and Pleasant Hill Physical Therapy, will unite under the Rock Valley banner March 4, 2024.West Des Moines Physical Therapy is located at 3701 E.P. True Parkway, Suite 300, West

R&R Realty Group Secures Top Rankings in the 2024 Business Record Book of Lists

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (January 22, 2024) – R&R Realty Group proudly announces its outstanding achievements in the highly regarded 2024 Business Record Book of Lists, again solidifying its position as a leader in the real estate industry. These rankings, determined through submissions encompassing square footage and employee metrics, showcase R&R Realty Group’s excellence across multiple categories. This publication is published annually as a definitive resource guide for business professions in Central

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2024 CONTACT: Ernst_Press@ernst.senate.gov  Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Lola’s Fine Hot SauceThroughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.  RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce of Polk County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to