WDM Chamber Opens Applications for 2024 Citizen of the Year & Emerging Citizen of the Year

WEST DES MOINES, IA (Monday, March 4, 2024) – For the 79^th 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 March 31, 2024.

"This award stands as a testament to the longevity and prosperity of the City of West Des Moines," said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the WDM Chamber. "Amid our 100-Year Celebration in 2024, these recognitions hold heightened significance, resonating deeply within our community and across the region."

Over the last ten years, many people who have made a positive difference in our community have been awarded including: 2017 David Maxwell & Mark Hillenbrand, Collin Nelson (Emerging); 2018 Tim Miller, JJ Kapur (Emerging); 2019 Mary and Milford Cole-Duvall, Nick Brannen (Emerging); 2020 Jim Sandager and Kate Banasiak (Emerging); 2021 Sanjita Pradhan and Scott Cutler (Emerging); 2022 Steven & Kent Gaer, Gianna Pugliese (Emerging).

In 2023, Tina Mowry Hadden was recognized as the 78^th Citizen of the Year. “It was such a great honor to be recognized as West Des Moines' Citizen of the Year for the work I did with the West Des Moines Community Schools foundation these past few years," said Hadden. "One of the characteristics you see in all of us named Citizen of the Year over the years is our life-long commitment to volunteering and focusing on how to make our community better... that's what drives me to keep showing up."

Gianna Pugliese was honored as Emerging Citizen of the Year in 2022 and is the Intercultural Outreach Coordinator for the West Des Moines Community School District. “It's an honor to be recognized for work that I'm so passionate about,” said Pugliese. “I'm grateful to be doing this work alongside so many other committed individuals and organizations. Thank you so much to the community and the WDM Chamber of Commerce for this incredible award."

Both award recipients will be honored at the 100-Year Celebration on May 16 at the Val Air Ballroom. Registration for the 100-Year Celebration is $100 per individual or $1000 for a table of eight. To nominate someone, please visit: https://wdmchamber.org/events/citizen-of-the-year/

Those interested in attending the 100-Year Celebration can learn more and register via the WDM Chamber’s Website
 
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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 800 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org