West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes Foster Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, March 3, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Foster Group has joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “At Foster Group, we believe meaningful impact is built over generations through trusted relationships and thoughtful planning,” said Rachel Edge, Head of Business Development at Foster Group. “As an independent, employee-owned
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes GuideOne Insurance
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Monday, February 16, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that GuideOne Insurance has joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “At GuideOne, we rally around a clear purpose – to make positive change possible by safeguarding the organizations that strengthen and support our communities,” said Travis Sheets, SVP and General Counsel at GuideOne
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes Athene and Lincoln Savings Bank
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, December 16, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Athene and Lincoln Savings Bank have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “We are driven to make a lasting difference in the places where we live and work,” said Kristi Kaye Burma, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Athene. “Joining the West Des Moines
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes HPE Juniper Networking and R&R Realty Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 21, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that HPE Juniper Networking and R&R Realty Group have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “Engaging with the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce as a President’s Council member is more than a badge,” said Tom Florian, Account Manager for HPE Juniper Networking, “It’s a commitment to the
West YP Sets New Membership Record
WEST DES MOINES, IA (July 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals program, West YP, has reached a new milestone with 273 members representing 106 businesses across Central Iowa—the highest in program history. Membership continues to grow weekly. West YP offers monthly events focused on professional development, networking, and leadership. Anyone can join year-round, with 2025 dues currently prorated to $40. "We're building something special here. West YP is about
WDM Chamber President’s Council Expands with Hubbell Realty and ITA Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, July 15, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Hubbell Realty Company and ITA Group have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. "At ITA Group, we believe that when you care about your people, growth follows," said Sarah Borchers, Global Marketing Leader – Enterprise. "For more than 60 years, West Des Moines has been the place we proudly
Recipients of the 2025 Reignite CommUNITY Awards Announced, Registration Now Open
WEST DES MOINES, IA (July 8, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) will host its fifth annual Reignite CommUNITY reception on October 22 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The evening will focus on learning, growth, and celebrating efforts to uplift Iowans across the state. Honorees in nine award categories will be recognized throughout the night. The individuals and organizations being recognized include: Government: Mazahir Salih Student: Isaiah
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 Extends Nomination Deadline for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 30, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the nomination period for Reignite CommUNITY 2025. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. “There are incredible individuals and organizations across Iowa driving real change,” said Kara Matheson, vice president of workforce development & culture for the WDM Chamber. “This extension gives more people the opportunity to highlight their impact and be recognized for their
WDM Chamber Opens Applications for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has opened applications for the 2025 Reignite CommUNITY event. Applications close May 30 at 11:59 p.m. Reignite CommUNITY focuses on action and impact around four pillars: educate, elevate, celebrate and motivate. The event is designed to strengthen businesses, organizations, and communities through conversation and recognition. The 2025 Reignite CommUNITY event will be held October 22 from 5–7 p.m. at the Des
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
