West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Recipient of the 2025 Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 25, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Rachelle Long, founder and executive director of Taste of the Junction, as the recipient of the 2025 Mel Essex Entrepreneur Award. Long will be honored at the Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo, on April 17. The Summit will take place at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel on April 16–17. Long is a nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for
Zirous Acquires Applied Art & Technology to Expand Creative Technology Capabilities
[West Des Moines, IA] – Zirous, a tech firm with 35 years of expertise, is excited to announce the acquisition of Applied Art & Technology, a creative digital studio renowned for its video production, animation, and interactive media expertise. This transformative partnership combines the creative strength of Applied Art with Zirous’ technical innovation, offering clients a comprehensive suite of services that bridge creativity and technology. Through this acquisition, Zirous will expand its offerings to
Get Ready to Strike Up the Fun as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa Kicks Off Its 32nd Annual
Des Moines, IA (March 14, 2025) – It’s time to lace up your bowling shoes and hit the lanes for a great cause! Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa (BBBSIA) is calling on local businesses and community members to join the fun at our 32nd Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake this March and April. With exciting new locations in Ankeny and Ames, alongside longtime favorites in the Des Moines metro, this high-energy event isn’t just about strikes and spares—it’s about making a lasting impact on our local youth
Krystal Mikkilineni named to the Business Record 2025 Forty Under 40 list
Dentons Restructuring, Insolvency, and Bankruptcy lawyer Krystal Mikkilineni was recently named as a Des Moines Business Record Forty Under 40 honoree. The 40 business leaders are under the age of 40 and have demonstrated impressive career achievements and unparalleled community involvement. Krystal is a shareholder at Dentons Davis Brown, where she serves as a US Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Practice Group Leader. She represents clients in the healthcare, agribusiness, senior living,
Opportunity to Cover DMU's First In-Person Match Day
Media Invitation Only - Not Open to the Public WEST DES MOINES, IA (03/12/2025) With an ongoing physician shortage, particularly in Iowa, and Gov. Kim Reynolds' recent federal request to improve residency access, this event is timely and relevant! Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences invites you to an opportunity to cover a milestone event: our first in-person Match Day in DMU's history on Friday, March 21, at our 8025 Grand Ave. campus. Residency matching is a pivotal moment in a medical
Jordan House Now Offers Virtual Tours for an Immersive Historic Experience
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - The West Des Moines Historical Society is excited to announce a new online virtual 3-D tour of the Historic Jordan House Museum, located at 2001 Fuller Road. This tour is funded through a grant from the Iowa Culture Leadership Cohort, a partnership between the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Iowa Arts Council, which is a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. “It is our mission to preserve and educate. While the Jordan House offers a unique opportunity to
Diamonds & Donations Gala to Support Free Mental Health Services in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA – The Diamonds & Donations Gala, hosted by Diamond Heart Therapy and Foster’s Voice, will serve as the annual fundraiser for the Foster Cares Fund in Des Moines. This highly anticipated event will ensure that funds raised go directly to the Foster Cares Fund at Diamond Heart Therapy, providing free mental health services to individuals in need throughout the Des Moines area. The gala will feature an unforgettable evening with keynote speakers Ken Auge and Tawinee Bunnell from Star 102.5,
2025 Pitch Competition Finalists Announced for Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (March 10, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced seven finalists for the 2025 pitch competition at the Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. The pitch competition is supported by Bank of America, and the Summit is presented by Wells Fargo. “Bank of America congratulates the finalists of the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition,” Annie Brandt, senior vice president and market executive for Bank of America Iowa. “We are proud to
WDM Chamber Opens Registration for YURtern Summer Intern Program
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Mar. 4, 2025) - The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the opening of registration for its YURtern Summer Intern program. YURtern (which get its name from a combination of "It’s Your Turn" combined with the word "intern,"), now in its eighth year, offers opportunities for young professionals to gain insights from industry experts on networking, interviewing, and the transition from college to career. Graduates of the program have gone on to become influential
Jethro’s BBQ Announces $25,000 Food Eating Competition in Celebration of “March Madness”
Des Moines, IA – Jethro’s BBQ restaurants have raised the reward to $25,000 for anyone who can consume the Adam Emmenecker Sandwich and break the current world record of 3 minutes and 1 second. The contest will run throughout the month of March in celebration of March Madness. The current reward stands at $10,000, but this special event doubles the prize for a record-breaking attempt. The Emmenecker Challenge gained national fame when Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food star Adam Richman attempted the
Des Moines and Omaha Brokers Recognized with 2024 CoStar Power Broker Awards
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (February 28, 2025) — R&R Realty Group (R&R) is pleased to announce that several of its brokers have been recognized with CoStar’s 2024 Power Broker Quarterly Deal Awards for their work in office and industrial leasing. The CoStar Power Broker Awards are a benchmark of excellence in the commercial real estate industry, recognizing significant transactions each quarter across various markets. The following brokers and transactions have been recognized:Q1 2024 Top Office Leasing
West YP Seeks Experts on Workplace Boundaries for April 15 Event
WEST DES MONES, IA (FEBRUARY 27, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber’s West YP program is seeking leaders who have mastered the art of setting boundaries at work for an upcoming speaking engagement. A total of 10 dynamic professionals are needed who can share their experiences and insights at an event on April 15. This unique event will focus on real-world lessons in overcoming burnout, managing expectations, advocating for oneself, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Instead of a traditional
West Des Moines Chamber Launches High School Leadership Academy to Empower Future Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (February 25, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the High School Leadership Academy (HSLA), a new initiative designed to equip students with leadership skills, real-world experience, and career exploration opportunities. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and direct engagement with professionals, HSLA will help students in grades 9-11 within the West Des Moines Community School District develop the confidence and
WDM Chamber Reflects on Two Years of Talent Attraction Campaign
West Des Moines, Iowa – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is celebrating the impact of its two-year Talent Attraction Campaign (TAC), an initiative designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and promote West Des Moines as a top destination for career growth. Through targeted programming and marketing, TAC helped businesses connect with job seekers at all levels. TAC was divided into two main pathways to attract and retain talent. The Coast-to-Coast Package expanded West Des
Strategic America founder and chairman Mike Schreurs announces retirement
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 24, 2024) – Mike Schreurs, chairman and chief strategist of Strategic America (SA), an employee-owned, integrated marketing and public relations firm based in West Des Moines, announces his retirement, effective March 1, 2025. Schreurs founded SA in 1980 in Waterloo, Iowa, with a goal of being Iowa’s finest integrated marketing firm, known for character and for delivering outstanding performance, innovation and accountability for its clients. In 1987, Strategic
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
FIFTH ANNUAL DAY OF KINDNESS PROCLAIMED AS FEBRUARY 28
Governor Kim Reynolds and Mayor Russ Trimble approved the proclamation for “Day of Kindness,” championed by the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni. WEST DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 11, 2025) – The Governor of Iowa and Mayor of West Des Moines have proclaimed February 28, 2025, as “Day of Kindness.” This special occasion returns for a fifth year of impact after being created by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s (WDM Chamber) Leadership Academy Alumni who were seeking a way to make a positive impact
WDM Chamber Announces 2025 Citizen, Emerging Citizen of the Year
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 11, 2025) – For the 80th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and the City of West Des Moines has announced the annual West Des Moines (WDM) Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year, Jennifer Hahn and Robert Palmer. “Jennifer Hahn and Robert Palmer exemplify the heart and soul of West Des Moines through their leadership, passion, and dedication to community service,” said Katherine Harrington, president and CEO of the WDM Chamber. “Jennifer’s
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Deadline for Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Jan. 31, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the application period for the 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition, sponsored by pitch partner, Bank of America. Applications will be accepted until midnight on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025. “We’re passionate about creating opportunities for all entrepreneurs,” said Angela Jackson, senior vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at Athene. “This effort is a meaningful stride
Second Keynote Announced for Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Kely Nascimento as the second keynote speaker for the Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. Nascimento is co-founder and chief impact officer of Hadaf Global, which helps organizations worldwide inspire change through the universal language of sports. Her work focuses on fostering cultural connections, building international partnerships and advancing
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 Announces Q1 Luncheons for 2025
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 7, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its quarter-one luncheons for 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery. These events will focus on welcoming new members in January and the annual INSPIRE theme in February.January Luncheon: New Member AppreciationPresented by Shive-Hattery The January Luncheon will recognize new members who joined the WDM Chamber since December 2023. Featuring a Non-Profit Spotlight on Waukee Area
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 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.
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
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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
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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 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
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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
