West Des Moines Leadership Academy 2025-2026 Class Announced
WEST DES MONES, IA (JUNE 24, 2025) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber), has announced its 2025-2026 class. This nine-month program will guide emerging leaders on a path to leadership effectiveness through experiential learning, critical thinking, and a community impact project. “This year’s class represents a dynamic group of leaders who are passionate about growth, not just for themselves, but for their teams and
West Des Moines Chamber Celebrates Fifth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce reflects on the success of the fifth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. Attendees gained tools, insights and connections to help overcome barriers, access resources and spark collaboration. The event featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, a pitch competition, entrepreneurial excursion and networking sessions. “The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit plays a vital role in tackling
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. "We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering
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
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
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
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
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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
