News
DMU Receives Innovation and Excellence Award for Clinical Education
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/14/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and its College of Health Sciences have been honored with the Innovation and Excellence in Clinical Education Award from the Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions. The prestigious award recognizes DMU's groundbreaking project, "Bridging Theory to Practice: Integrating JEDIB Principles in Health Professions Clinical Education," co-authored by Cindy Utley, P.T., D.P.T., from DMU's Doctor of Physical Therapy
DMU and Voorhees University Forge Partnership to Enhance Diversity in Medical Education
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/13/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and Voorhees University have formed a partnership to establish a pathway for Voorhees students to pursue advanced degrees in medical and health science professions. This partnership, DMU's inaugural collaboration with a historically black university, expands opportunities for diversity in medical education. "DMU's partnership with Voorhees not only increases access to health science degrees, but also follows our
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
CDC Journal Features DMU and USDA Study on Spread of Prion Diseases Between Animals and Humans
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/12/2024) A study by Zoe Lambert, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences and a visiting scientist at the United States Department of Agriculture, was recently featured in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research focuses on chronic wasting disease, a prion disease that affects white-tailed deer, and its potential risks for both animals and humans. Prion diseases
Principal® names Deanna Strable next president and CEO
Dan Houston to remain executive chair of the Board (DES MOINES, Iowa) – Principal Financial Group® (Nasdaq: PFG) today announced the Board of Directors has appointed president and chief operating officer Deanna Strable as the company’s next president and chief executive officer, effective January 7, 2025. Strable succeeds Dan Houston, who will continue to serve as executive chair of the Board. “I’m incredibly proud of the company
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
Jon Hummel Honored by American Banker Association with 2024 Emerging Leader Award
Jon Hummel, Vice President, Commercial Banker at West Bank was honored by the American Bankers Association as a recipient of the 2024 ABA Emerging Leaders Award. This award recognizes the next generation of bank leaders who are committed to the highest standards of achievement and service to both their industry and their local communities. Hummel was honored at the ABA Annual Convention on October 27-29 in New York, New York. Dave Nelson, Chair and CEO of West Bank, stated, “We congratulate Jon on the
Iowa Chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to Host Seventh Annual 65 Roses Gala
West Des Moines (Nov. 8, 2024) – The Iowa chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CF Foundation) will be hosting the seventh annual 65 Roses Gala sponsored by Boesen the Florist, Exec1 Aviation, Morgan Stanley – Betsy & Bryan Boesen, White Willow Events, and Willow on Grand. The event aims to raise funds to find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system of over 40,000 Americans which often results in chronic lung infections, hospitalizations,
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
DMU Promotes Allison Larson to Director of Clinical Education
WEST DES MOINES, IA (11/04/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has promoted Allison Larson, P.T., D.P.T., to director of clinical education in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Larson began her new role on Oct. 7, 2024. With extensive experience and a deep commitment to physical therapy, Larson has been an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program since 2021, where she played an integral role in shaping the clinical education curriculum. She graduated from
Palmer Group Releases 2025 Salary Guide
November 4, 2024 – Palmer Group publishes its 2025 Salary Guide in collaboration with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Central Iowa SHRM, and Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. As the region's leading employment agency, Palmer Group's annual salary guide is their most comprehensive summary of Iowa's job market. Featuring survey data from Iowa business leaders and salary ranges for hundreds of local positions across eight major industries, the guide forecasts employment trends going into next
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
DMU Joins Effort to Investigate Drug Shortages in the U.S. and Canada
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/31/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Toronto and the University of California - San Diego, has shared new findings from a multinational study on drug shortages in the U.S. and Canada. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study "Differences in Drug Shortages in the U.S. and Canada" provides key insights into the impact of supply chain issues on drug
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
DMU Dean of Student Advancement Joins AACOM Graduate Medical Education Development Fellowship
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/30/2024) The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, in partnership with the University of North Carolina Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, has announced the inaugural cohort of AACOM Graduate Medical Education Development Fellowship. Jennifer Beaty, M.D., FACS, FASCRS, associate dean for graduate medical education and designated institutional official for the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences,
Elevator Brings Co-Warehousing to Des Moines to Support Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
Des Moines, Iowa – October 30th, 2024 – Elevator, a co-warehousing and community concept, is expanding its unique small business ecosystem to Des Moines, Iowa, backed by $1.6 million in new funding from its latest equity round. This marks Elevator’s second location following the success of its Omaha, Nebraska location, now home to over 100 businesses and more than 300 members. Elevator reimagines warehousing in Des Moines by seamlessly blending it with co-working spaces tailored specifically for
Technology-Driven Research Takes Center Stage at DMU's 2024 Symposium
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/29/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is set to host its 2024 Research Symposium on Nov. 21, 2024, at 8025 Grand Ave., West Des Moines. This annual event, open to faculty, students, staff, members of the regional medical and scientific community and high school students, will spotlight the innovative research conducted across multiple disciplines at DMU and beyond. This year's symposium theme, Path Forward: Technology-Driven and Patient-Centered, highlights
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
DMU PA Program Clerkship Coordinator Receives Prestigious National Award
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/21/2024) Heidi Kennedy, clerkship coordinator for the Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, has been awarded the 2024 PA Education Association Administrative Support Staff of the Year Award. This prestigious national award is given to a single recipient each year from over 300 PA programs in the country. Kennedy received her award at the PAEA Forum Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., in October. "It's humbling
Des Moines University Hosts Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists Conference
WEST DES MOINES, IA (10/16/2024) Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences will host the Psychiatry for Non-Psychiatrists conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. The event is designed to equip non-psychiatric health care professionals with essential mental health care skills. Registration is $99 for both in-person and online participation. This full-day conference will address the growing need for mental health care as the demand for services has outpaced the availability of
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
Mark Mills Awarded 2024 GlobeSt. Influencers in Industrial Real Estate Award
GlobeSt. Selects Top Industrial Leaders for Annual Honor R&R Realty Group (R&R) is proud to announce that Mark Mills, Vice President of Commerical Real Estate, has been named a recipient of the 2024 GlobeSt. Influencers in Industrial Real Estate Award. This recognition highlights Mark’s leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to the industrial real estate sector. Mark Mills is deserving of this recognition for his exceptional leadership and impactful contributions to the industry. He has a
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
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
Hy-Vee Becomes Joint Owner of Exemplar Care
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 30, 2024) — Hy-Vee, Inc. announces today that it has become a joint owner of Exemplar Care as it works to bring more affordable primary care and urgent care services to Iowa patients and employers. Under the agreement, Exemplar Care medical clinics will be renamed to Hy-Vee Health Exemplar Care, offering direct primary care and 24/7 urgent care (where available). Locations are currently open in West Des Moines, Ankeny and soon Bondurant, Iowa. These clinics will be managed by
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
Lay a Strong Foundation for Your Des Moines Business's 2023
The fourth quarter is upon us, which means it's time to start wrapping up the year and preparing for the next one. For small businesses, that means taking stock of what you've accomplished this year, setting new goals for next year, and planning your holiday marketing strategy. It also means reviewing your inventory, accounting, and tax paperwork, as well as making sure your website and social media profiles are up to date. From the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, here's a rundown of what you need to