BANK OF AMERICA MUSEUMS ON US® OFFERS FREE ADMISSION Dec. 6 and 7
WHAT: Bank of America, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank cardholders can receive FREE general admission to the Figge Art Museum in Davenport and the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines Saturday and Sunday. WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7 (+ the first full weekend of each month) WHERE: Learn something new this month with a visit to a participating cultural institution, including: Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second Street, Davenport, Iowa 52801, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and
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Keynote Speakers and Early Bird Registration Announced for the Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (Monday, Dec. 1, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for the sixth annual Athene Beyond Boundaries Business Summit, presented by Chase Bank. The 2026 event will feature Coach Ken Carter and Reggie Love as the keynote speakers. Coach Ken Carter is a successful businessman, author and high school basketball coach best known as the real-life inspiration behind the film “Coach Carter,” starring Samuel L. Jackson. The story comes from his time at
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 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
