WDM CHAMBER PROMOTES MATHESON TO SENIOR DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is excited to announce that Kara Matheson has been promoted to senior director of workforce development effective immediately. Prior to this promotion, Matheson served in two different roles with the WDM Chamber as the director of workforce development and as the events and marketing communications manager. Matheson will celebrate her third year with the WDM Chamber on September 25.“Kara is a highly
WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ADVISORY COUNCIL EXPANDS
The WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Opens New Seats on Advisory Council for Local LeadersWEST DES MONES, IA (SEPTEMBER 8) – As the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) transitions to its 14th year of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA; WDM Leadership Academy), additional leaders have been added to the WDMLA Advisory Council.The WDM Leadership Academy is a 9-month bootcamp that offers a 3-tiered approach of leadership skills training focused on better leading oneself, leading others,
RECIPIENTS OF WDM CHAMBER DEI EXCELLENCE AWARDS ANNOUNCED
WEST DES MONES, IA (THURSDAY, SEPT. 2, 2021) – Yesterday, Wednesday, September 1, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) held its inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI Awards) presented by Wells Fargo. It was a night full of learning, growing and celebrating the work being done to make the region more inclusive. 12 awards were given out to the following organizations/individuals:Small Business (1 – 49 employees): MWH Law Group LLP Medium Business (50 – 249
Partnership Perk — Education and Professional Development Offerings
Through the dual membership with the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and Greater Des Moines Partnership, you have access to numerous educational and professional development offerings throughout the year. Offerings span a wide variety of topics, including marketing plans, implementing internships, human resource issues and inclusion. These educational opportunities are offered via live-stream, webinar and in person. The goal is to provide you with just-in-time information on pertinent business
WEST DES MOINES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2021-2022 CLASS SELECTED
The leaders in the West Des Moines Chamber’s Leadership Academy are announced.WEST DES MONES, IA (JULY 28) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, has announced its 2021 – 2022 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. WDMLA is presented by Carrier Access and supported by Renzo. In addition to the class listed
WDM Chamber and City of WDM Announce Raccoon River Rally Presented by Google Fiber
WEST DES MONES, IA (WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and the City of West Des Moines (WDM) are excited to announce the inaugural Racoon River Rally (RRR) presented by Google Fiber scheduled for October 2. RRR is the first fall festival of its kind at Blue Heron Lake celebrating WDM’s community and waters. Attractions for the event will include a morning bike ride, live music, cardboard boat races, an exhibitor fair, beer sale and food trucks.“As the
“WEST YP” COMMITTEE LEADERS SELECTED FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
The WDM Chamber’s Young Professional Program Welcomes New LeadershipWEST DES MONES, IA (JULY 20) – Due to significant growth throughout the first six months after the launch of West YP, the committee has expanded to welcome new leadership into additional roles.West YP is the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s (WDM Chamber) new program developed by young professionals for young professionals. It provides the opportunity to grow one’s leadership, make an impact on the community, develop
WDM and Clive Chambers to host annual Mentoring for Women event
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) in partnership with the Clive Chamber of Commerce is excited to bring the fourth annual Mentoring for Women event to the West Des Moines Sheraton on Thursday, July 29. The event supported by NCMIC and championed by IMT Insurance will last from 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Programming will consist of breakfast, networking, a keynote address and three breakout coaching sessions with mentors.“This event provides a
WDM CHAMBER TO CELEBRATE FIRST RESPONDERS AT ANNUAL APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, JULY 6, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the date of their annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, presented by West Bank, for Wednesday, September 15. The breakfast, to be held at Glen Oaks Country Club, will be keynoted by John Register.John Register failed to clear a hurdle as he trained for the Olympic Games—a move that led to a tragic accident and altered his life forever. He shifted his mindset and embraced a “new
WDM Chamber to Celebrate DEI Workplace Excellence with Help of Wells Fargo
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021) – Following the Black & Brown Business Summit, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is excited to announce its inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Workplace Excellence Awards (DEI Awards) presented by Wells Fargo. The WDM Chamber’s vision is to make West Des Moines the best suburban city in America to live, work, and play. This community-fueled event is one of the many ways the chamber hopes to promote diversity present in the city and
WDM Chamber Announces Citizen, Emerging Citizen of the Year
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, MAY 28, 2021) – For the 76th consecutive year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced the annual West Des Moines (WDM) Citizen and Emerging Citizen of the Year, Sanjita Pradhan and Scott Cutler. Sanjita Pradhan is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Greater Des Moines Partnership. In 2014 Pradhan was appointed to the WDM Human Rights Commission by Mayor Gaer and served as Chair of the Commission from 2017 – 2020 before retiring in
WDM Chamber Welcomes Two Interns for Summer of 2021
WEST DES MONES, IA (THURSDAY, MAY 13, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is welcoming two new interns to their team for the summer. Haley Turnis and Madeline (Maddi) Kedrowski will serve in their respective roles until the beginning of their fall semesters. Haley Turnis is from Waukee, Iowa. She is a student at the University of Iowa, where she’s studying communications with a certificate in event management. Her intended graduation date is May of 2020. In her free time, Haley
WDM CHAMBER HIRES TOM FLORIAN AS NEW DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP AND GROWTH
WEST DES MONES, IA (WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Tom Florian as Director of Membership and Growth. In this new role, Florian will be working with the WDM Chamber’s sales team to grow membership, sponsorships, and advertising. Florian will begin his role with the WDM Chamber on Friday, April 30. Florian is currently the Coordinator of Business Development with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU), the only state activity
WDM CHAMBER GIVES BACK $15,000 TO COMMUNITY AT INAGURAL BLACK & BROWN BUSINESS SUMMIT
WEST DES MONES, IA (TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021) – Last week’s first annual Black & Brown Business Summit (the Summit), presented by Principal Financial Group®, not only brought minority business owners together for education and networking, it also allowed the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) to donate $15,000 back to the community. The Summit, a hybrid event partially held at Partner Sponsor Athene’s West Des Moines headquarters, was packed full of programming, including a pitch workshop and
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER LAUNCHES “THE INFLUENCER”
WEST DES MONES, IA (MARCH 8, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber (WDM Chamber) just launched a new e-newsletter called The Influencer. This monthly publication consists of leadership and business resources for the West Des Moines (WDM) community.The WDM Chamber knows how much there is to learn from local leaders, but research shows that everyone learns differently. The Influencer opens with a section that includes content from subject matter experts that people can read, listen to, or watch.With West Des
WDM Chamber to Host National Event for Minority Entrepreneurs
WEST DES MONES, IA (WED, MARCH 3, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit (the Summit) presented by Principal Financial Group®on April 22 and 23. This two-day conference was created by the WDM Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) with the goal of elevating ethnic minorities and to bring BIPOC businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to
Jay Mathes named WDM Chamber 2020 Ambassador of the Year
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce Jay Mathes as their 2020 Ambassador of the Year and Mary Anne Kennedy as runner up. The WDM Chamber’s Ambassador of the Year is determined by a point system awarded by individual involvement. “I’ve gained so many new relationships being a member of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce including many I can call good friends,” said Mathes, who is the Community Relations Coordinator at
WDM Chamber signs Liz Nead as moderator for 2021 Elevate Series
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is proud to announce that Liz Nead, adventure speaker, television host, bestselling author and Emmy award winner, as the 2021 moderator for their women’s empowerment event series Elevate. A diversity speaker and researcher for over a decade, Nead specializes in common language and daily communication around race and cultural differences in the workplace. She balances her passionate work with a thriving
WDM Chamber welcomes 2021 Board of Directors Slate
WEST DES MONES, IA (Friday, January 22, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) added nine new members and representatives to its Board of Directors (BOD) for 2021. The BOD is composed of 25 individuals, including 13 Board Members who are elected by WDM Chamber membership, eight representatives and four appointees.Elected Board Members beginning their two-year term in 2021 includes: Dave Baccile, CIO of NCMIC; Sally Cooper Smith, President of Cooper Smith & Co.; Mark Peiffer, Senior
WDM CHAMBER LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Opportunities await through new West YP program developed by young professionals for young professionals.WEST DES MONES, IA (JANUARY 22, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber has launched a new program for young professionals: West YP. It provides the opportunity for emerging leaders across the metro to grow their leadership, make an impact on the community, develop lasting connections, and have memorable experiences. A multitude of benefits and opportunities are available, including:Event fees are waived for
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MAYOR OF WEST DES MOINES PROCLAIMS JANUARY 29 AS WDM DAY OF KINDNESS
Mayor Steve Gaer approved the proclamation for “WDM Day of Kindness,” championed by the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni Committee.WEST DES MONES, IA (JANUARY 20, 2021) – The Mayor of West Des Moines has proclaimed January 29th, 2021 as “West Des Moines Day of Kindness.” This special occasion comes as a result of the WDM Chamber’s Leadership Academy Alumni Committee seeking a way to make a positive impact on the community. Now more than ever, small acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in
LEARN TO LEAD AND SUCCEED WITH LYNN SWANN AT WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S ANNUAL DINNER
WEST DES MONES, IA (January 14, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced Lynn Swann, former football player, broadcaster, politician, and athletic director, will be the keynote speaker at their 2021 Annual Dinner. The event will take place virtually on Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.Born in Tennessee, Swann attended the University of Southern California and played football as a wide receiver where he was a consensus All-American. He is regarded as one of
WDM CHAMBER BRINGS ON TWO SPRING INTERNS
WEST DES MONES, IA (January 6, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) welcomed two new spring interns to their team in the new year. Ling Rudicil and Matthew Bates will serve in their roles throughout their spring semesters. Michael Conlon, Frani McDermott, Corinne Thomas, and Mallory Behrens will continue in their previous intern positions.Ling Rudicil is from Kansas City, Missouri. She is a student at Simpson College, where she majors in Human Services and Social Justice. Her
Nominations and applications now accepted for MLK Jr. Youth Scholarship and Community Leadership Awards
Please join West Des Moines as we celebrate the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by encouraging a deserving high school student to apply for our WDM Youth Scholarship Award or nominating an adult or organization for our Community Leadership Award! Applications and nominations are due by Monday, January 4, 2021. Award recipients will be announced at the MLK Day virtual celebration hosted by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce on Friday, January 15, at 11:30 a.m. These awards are
WEST DES MOINES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INTRODUCES NEW BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUPS
WEST DES MONES, IA (December 1, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced today WDM LEADS, an opportunity to help businesses grow, network, and develop. WDM LEADS is a new executive group where members can network with other top business development professionals, build trusted relationships, share business leads and help each other build sales. Each WDM LEADS group is limited to one professional industry per team. Groups are limited to approximately 20 people and more than
Davis Brown Voted “Best Law Firm” by West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
Davis Brown Law Firm is proud to be recognized as “Best Law Firm” by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce in the first annual “Best of the West” awards. For Davis Brown, being “the best” means:In good times and bad, we are committed to showing up for each other, our clients, and our communityHelping clients and policy leaders by identifying issues, answering questions, and solving problemsWorking hard now to make us better and stronger in the future The Chamber asks citizens to vote for their
Evora Group recognized among Best of the West
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and City of West Des Moines announced the winners of the first annual UScellular™ Best of the West Awards, recognizing Evora Group as the 2020 Community Vote Winner in the Best Small Employer to Work for category. Evora Group who is celebrating 25 years of business in 2020, is a three-time winner of the Top Workplace in Iowa award and is excited to receive special recognition from our local community in West Des Moines. “2020 has certainly been a year where we see
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce celebrates Annual Small Business Saturday® virtually
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 2020 holiday season and 11th Annual Small Business Saturday® virtually as an American Express® Neighborhood Champion. WEST DES MONES, IA (November 17, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announced today that, as a member of the American Express® Neighborhood Champion Program, it will be highlighting its small business membership through a social media campaign as part of Small Business Saturday, which takes place on Nov 28 and
WDM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CITY OF WEST DES MOINES ANNOUNCE USCELLULAR™ BEST OF THE WEST AWARDS
WEST DES MOINES, IA (NOVEMBER 9, 2020) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) and City of West Des Moines are proud to announce the winners of the first annual Best of the West Awards (BOW) presented by UScellular™. BOW is a West Des Moines (WDM) focused, community-voted contest featuring 50 business categories.BOW winners will receive a window cling featuring the 2020 BOW logo identifying them as a winner, a plaque featuring the 2020 BOW logo identifying them as a winner and a logo for use
