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 Leadership Academy Graduates Class and Breaks Fundraising Record
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, congratulates the Class of 2025 on graduating. During the nine-month program, participants built leadership skills through hands-on learning, critical thinking, and a Community Impact Project that set a new fundraising record. The 33-member class supported West Des Moines Human Services through its Community of Care Campaign. Instead of hosting one large fundraiser, they took a multi-faceted
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 Announces Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum Series and Featured Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 6, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce has launched the Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum, a new monthly speaker series featuring influential Iowa executives who are nearing or have recently entered retirement after decades of service. Each forum highlights a leader’s personal career journey, key lessons learned, and the legacy they aim to leave behind. The series is designed to inspire both emerging and established professionals through the stories of those who have
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
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
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
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER LAUNCHES WEST YP APP & VYP PROGRAM
WEST DES MONES, IA (FEBRUARY 18, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is excited to announce the launch of the West YP App, a groundbreaking tool designed to revolutionize the way young professionals connect, learn, and grow. Available exclusively to members of the West YP program, this app is a reimagined experience tailored for Central Iowa’s next generation of leaders. West YP is the young professional program powered by the WDM Chamber that launched in 2021 and has since
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
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for February 2025 Luncheon
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the February Luncheon: INSPIRE 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and featuring Non-Profit Spotlight on Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. February’s luncheon will feature insights from industry leaders on innovation, collaboration, and ignite action for the year ahead. “INSPIRE 2025 is an incredible opportunity to hear from thought leaders who are shaping our future,” said Katherine
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Announces Q1 Luncheons for 2025
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, January 7, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its quarter-one luncheons for 2025, presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery. These events will focus on welcoming new members in January and the annual INSPIRE theme in February.January Luncheon: New Member AppreciationPresented by Shive-Hattery The January Luncheon will recognize new members who joined the WDM Chamber since December 2023. Featuring a Non-Profit Spotlight on Waukee Area
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEST DES MONES, IA (MONDAY, November 25, 2024) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced its 2025 Board of Directors, a diverse group of leaders that will guide, serve, and shape the WDM Chamber and West Des Moines community. “Our 2025 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.
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
