News
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
West Des Moines Chamber Announces Pitch Competition Winners for Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 19, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the 2024 Pitch Competition Presented by Bank of America for the fourth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Presented by Wells Fargo. The event was held at the corporate headquarters of Athene in West Des Moines, Iowa on April 18-19. For the 2024 event, more than 100 applications were received from across the U.S., including several from Iowa. Seven finalists were chosen in early April to
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
West Des Moines Chamber Uplifts Minority Businesses at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 16, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces that 17 diverse vendors will participate in the Minority Business Expo sponsored by Elevate by Principal and Holmes Murphy Group Companies for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit on April 18, 2024, at Smash Park from 6-8 p.m. “The Minority Business Expo represents our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our business community,” says Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the
WDM Chamber Announces Recipient of the 2024 Mel Essex Award
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 11, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Blanca Plascencia, Co-owner of El Fogon, as the recipient of the 2024 Mel Essex Award. Plascencia will be honored at the fourth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo on April 19 at 4 p.m. The event will be held April 18-19 at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa. The Mel Essex Award honors business and Iowa community
DMU O.T.D. Chair Receives ''Champion'' Award
Occupational Therapy Program Welcomed First Students in 2023WEST DES MOINES, IA (04/03/2024) Diana Feldhacker, Ph.D., O.T.D., OTR/L, BCPR, chair, program director and assistant professor in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, received the 2024 Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Occupational Therapy from the American Occupational Therapy Association. During the award presentation, held in conjunction with the AOTA's annual conference, she
WDM Chamber Announces Keynote Speakers for Fourth Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
WEST DES MOINES, IA (March 19, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has revealed the keynote speakers for the fourth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, presented by Wells Fargo. Taking place on April 18-19 at the corporate headquarters of Athene (7700 Mills Civic Pkwy) in West Des Moines, Iowa, the event will provide insightful discussions and multiple networking opportunities for all attendees.Over 70 expert speakers and panelists from around the country will be featured
Announcement of 2024 Pitch Competition Finalists: Bank of America Presents Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition
WEST DES MOINES, IA (March 12, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced seven finalists for the 2024 Pitch Competition presented by Bank of America at the fourth annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 18-19.Seven finalists were chosen from a pool of over 100 applicants from across the United States. These finalists will each
Drake University Business Clinic Partners with Athene Black & Brown Business Summit to Offer Complimentary Tickets to Students
WEST DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced a partnership with the Drake University Business Clinic to offer an allotment of complimentary tickets to Iowa high school and college students to attend the 4th Annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo hosted April 18-19, 2024 The Drake University Business Clinic will be recognized as a “Future Innovator Sponsor” of the event as a result of the partnership. Students can
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2024 Board of Directors, a diverse group of leaders that will guide, serve, and shape the WDM Chamber and West Des Moines community. “Our 2024 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.
WDM CHAMBER ANNOUNCES SPEAKERS FOR THE JANUARY LUNCHEON: INSPIRE 2024
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has announced speakers for the January Luncheon: INSPIRE 2024, set to take place on Thursday, January 11 at the West Des Moines Marriott. This event is set to bring together top-tier speakers representing the region’s leading influencers and leaders, informing attendees across four key areas: sustainability, innovation, healthcare, finance, and inclusive leadership. Expert Speakers: HealthcareDr. Angela
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for Second Annual Tina Talks
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY May 9, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced six speakers for its second annual Tina Talks, held on June 6 at The Monroe in West Des Moines Iowa.Giving voices to female leaders in the region, the mission of Tina Talks is to challenge, motivate, inspire, and move attendees. At this event six women will share their impactful stories that will provide attendees with actional nuggets of information and inspiration. This year's theme is
Announcing Pitch Competition Winners Presented by Bank of America
Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2023WEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY April 24, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced winners for the 2023 pitch competition for the third annual, international Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (The Summit) presented by Wells Fargo. The event was held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 20-21. For the 2023 event, 47 applications were received from around the US including
Support Diversity Week April 10-14
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 2023Virtual Vendor Fair & Diversity Week April 10-14Powered by Hy-VeeAthene Black & Brown Business SummitWEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY April 10, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Diversity Week from April 10-14 that will feature twenty diverse virtual vendors for the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (The Summit) presented by Wells Fargo. The virtual vendor fair is made possible through support from Hy-Vee. “Hy-Vee is
WDM Chamber Announces 2023 Recipient of the Mel Essex Award
Athene Black & Brown Business SummitWEST DES MONES, IA (THURSDAY April 6, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Perlla Deluca, Owner and CEO of Southeast Contractors and President of the Iowa School of Construction, as the recipient of the 2023 Mel Essex Award. Deluca will be celebrated at the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit (The Summit) presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West
Announcing Pitch Competition Finalists - Athene Black & Brown Business Summit April 20-21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 4, 2023WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY APRIL 4, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced seven finalists for the 2023 pitch competition presented by Bank of America at the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 20-21.Seven finalists were selected out of 47 applicants from across the US including
National Speakers Announced - Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Presented by Wells FargoAnnounces National Speakers for the April 20-21, 2023 Event WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY March 28, 2023) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced several keynotes for the third annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo. The event is held at the corporate headquarters of Athene at 7700 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa on April 20-21.Over 60 expert speakers and