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 leaders in the community, including receiving recognition as Forty under 40 recipients. 

In the summer of 2024, over 360 interns from 80+ businesses and 18 colleges and universities participated in the YURtern program, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. As part of the program’s commitment to cultivating talent within the DSM Metro, participation in YURtern is completely free for every intern. View the program’s spotlight video by R Productions here. 

CEO Dave Leto of Palmer Group, our Presenting Sponsor, shared the following: “Palmer Group has been honored to support the YURtern Program since its inception. This program not only equips college interns with valuable skills and insights to prepare for their post-graduation careers but also fosters a sense of community, encouraging them to return to our region after graduation. Investing in the growth of young professionals today ensures a stronger, brighter future for us all." 

Employers with interns participating in or interested in learning more about YURtern are encouraged to register for the Employer Only Summer Kick-Off on May 14 at BeerStyles from 3:30-5:00 to learn more about the 2025 summer schedule, connect with other HR Professionals, and enjoy complimentary food and beverages, courtesy of Presenting Sponsor, Palmer Group. 

The YURtern program would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors.  
The Presenting Sponsor for the eighth year in a row, Palmer Group and Supporting Sponsors for this summer’s program include Baker Group, Spare Time Entertainment, Farm Bureau Financial Services, IMT Insurance, Merchants Bonding Company, Wellabe, and Zirous.  

To learn more about the YURtern Summer Intern Program, visit the WDM Chamber’s website, or you can register for the program directly.   

### 

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 900 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.