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
Merchants Bonding Company Announces Retirement of Longtime Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (June 17, 2025) – Merchants Bonding Company announces the planned retirement of Therese Wielage, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, in January 2026. Wielage’s 17-year tenure leaves an indelible mark on the company, the surety industry, and the broader business and nonprofit communities in Iowa. Joining the company in 2008, Wielage was the visionary architect behind Merchants’ marketing and communications function. Under her leadership, the department grew into an
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
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
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
WDM Chamber Reflects on Two Years of Talent Attraction Campaign
West Des Moines, Iowa – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is celebrating the impact of its two-year Talent Attraction Campaign (TAC), an initiative designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and promote West Des Moines as a top destination for career growth. Through targeted programming and marketing, TAC helped businesses connect with job seekers at all levels. TAC was divided into two main pathways to attract and retain talent. The Coast-to-Coast Package expanded West Des
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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
