MARCH EVENTS
Ribbon Cutting:
Monday, March 2
9:00 AM
Vision 4 Less
4100 University Avenue, Suite 106
WDM Chamber Board Meeting:
Tuesday, March 3
4:00 PM
WDM City Hall
Ribbon Cutting:
Thursday March 5
5:00 PM
Family Pet Veterinary Center
1215 Prospect Road
Membership Luncheon:
Thursday, March 12
11:30 AM
Des Moines Golf & Country Club
Wednesday, March 18
7:30 AM
Aveda Institute
6905 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 120
Regional Business After Hours:
Thursday, March 19
5:00-7:00 PM
Shottenkirk Waukee Chevy
755 W. Hickman
Waukee
Business After Hours:
Thursday, March 26
5:00-7:00 PM
Hosted by
US Cellular
Event Held at
Sheraton WDM
1800 50th St.
For a complete listing of 2009 WDM Chamber Events, please click HERE |
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WDM Chamber OFFICERS
515.223.8104
515.556.9152
515.440.5601
Bruce Lambert:
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WDM Chamber
Board of Directors
Chris Costa:
515.222.5205
Susan Dunn:
515.224.7619 Steve Gaer:
515.974.5261
Karen Hallagin:
515.223.7885
515.223.4500
515.288.3141
515.333.4056
Kurt Pearson:
515.327.1020
Sid Ramsey:
515.263.5375
515.633.5023
515.237.8631 |
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Congratulations
West Des Moines!
BusinessWeek ranked our city #8 in the top ten list of Most Affordable Suburbs in the Nation.
For complete article, click HERE. | |
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NOTE OF THANKS
Varsity Publications and Dowling Catholic High School would like to thank the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Businesses who helped make the 2008 Winter and Spring Sports Programs so successful. Varsity Publications will soon start calling to give Chamber Businesses an opportunity to participate in the 2009 Fall Programs which we anticipate will be the best season yet! If you are interested in speaking with someone regarding sponsorship, please call Varsity Publications at (877) 477-2056 or contact us through our website at www.varsitypublications.net Many Thanks and God Bless,
Varsity Publications Staff
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March Membership Luncheon |
"SPEED NETWORKING"
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Des Moines Golf & Country Club
1600 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines
Reservations:
Call 515.225.6009
or register online by clicking HERE
$20/person
Sponsored by:
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Wednesday, March 18th
Aveda Institute Des Moines
6905 Mills Civic Parkway
Suite 120
No charge to attend, but please RSVP. Call 515.225.6009 or click here.
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Thursday, March 26th
5:00-7:00 PM
Sheraton Hotel
1800 50th St. - WDM RSVP by calling 515.225.6009
or by clicking here.
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Welcome New Members!
319.266.9800 Ext. 115
Marketing, Website Design & Development, Website Hosting
515.262.9822
Security - Safety/Systems
490 S. 68th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.440.0040
2600 72nd Street, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50322
515.276.2237 Ext. 6864
4100 University Avenue
Suite 106
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.327.6001
Retail Optical
5005 Douglas Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
515.264.1959
6165 NW 86th Street
Johnston, IA 50131
515.274.2957
Interior & Exterior Home Improvement
720 E. 2nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.244.5660
Electronic & Physical Security
821 E. Dunham Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.865.5535
Mobile Marketing
Complete Wellness Chiropractic
1701 22nd Street, Suite 105
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.450.1551
Chiropractic | |
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 Getting Involved as a Young Professional
Having lived and worked in the Des Moines area for the past eight years, it has become apparent to me that Des Moines area young professionals play an active and important role in our community. The greater Des Moines area is the perfect size, allowing young professionals numerous opportunities while at the same time keeping that mid-west, small town feel. Our young professionals have the opportunity to work side by side with business leaders learning how to be better leaders both professionally and within our community. The list of metro companies that actively reach out to their younger workforce is long.
There are numerous groups for young professionals to get involved with, each having its own focus and presenting unique opportunities. From networking groups to social groups, civic groups to charitable groups, the list goes on and on. All of the young professional groups in our area share at least one common benefit, if you truly get involved it always leads to further opportunities, both personally and professionally.
Following is a list of several young professional groups throughout Greater Des Moines:
The Young Professional Connection, Ankeny Young Professional's, Des Moines 20/30 Society, The Bull Moose Club, Twenty First Century Forum, Des Moines Social Club, Young Variety Children's Charity, Des Moines Music Coalition, Clive Jaycees , The OPERAtors, YP Iowa , Des Moines Jaycees and the Beaverdale Young Professionals.
If you are a young professional reading this newsletter and you've always said, "Next year I'm going to get more involved", I'd encourage you to make 2009 the year. After all, you never know where that one introduction will lead you. Information for all the groups mentioned above can be found online, so do your research, make the decision and take a proactive approach to professional and community involvement.
Sincerely,
Justin Washburn
Submitted by Justin Washburn, Director - Commercial Real Estate Division
Peoples Company West Des Moines Chamber Board Member |
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We're TEXTING!! Sign-up Today. 
The WDM Chamber has a new method of communicating upcoming events and promotions. TEXT MESSAGING! Can't remember if there is a business after hours this evening? Now you can simply check your phone to make sure you don't miss out.
To sign up, click HERE. You may also text: WDMCHAMBER to 74700. It's quick, it's easy and it won't cost you a thing if your phone plan includes text messaging. The Chamber will not text more than 8 texts per month.
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 Pomeranz and Gaer Teach WDM Government to WDMLA
The February session of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA) was devoted to the topic of West Des Moines' city government, and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz and Mayor Steven Gaer were on hand to immerse Academy members in the inner workings of the city, its elected and appointed officials, and the organizations involved in keeping the city government running smoothly.
 Pomeranz explained that West Des Moines is structured with a council-manager form of government, which has become relatively common and is often associated with small cities. 92 million people in the United States live in a city with a council-manager government. Its structure is borrowed from the CEO-board structure found in the private sector. The Office of the City Manager links and coordinates the elected City Council with a variety of departments such as the Fire and Police Departments, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Library and other city-run departments. The Mayor handles appointed, non-administrative boards such as the Board of Adjustment, Human Rights Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and other committees and commissions appointed as needed.
The discussion also turned to the Comprehensive Plan developed and adopted by the city in 1993, which set the policy and goal-oriented vision for the community's future and is still helping to guide the city today. The plan included goals to direct how  growth would occur in West Des Moines and also included the steps needed to execute the goals and policies. From an operational standpoint, the Comprehensive Plan helped city workers and departments share ideas and tackle challenges together, streamline training and become more efficient. The result is a reputation for quality services and support for its citizens and an operational model that is highly regarded around the nation.
The discussion was not without its share of interesting stories from both Pomeranz and Mayor Gaer. Pomeranz has had a wide-ranging career track, from the heat of Del Rio, Texas to cool Port Angeles, Washington, and shared stories from his more than 20 years experience. Mayor Gaer drew from his perspective on city government as an elected official and also as the son of a city councilman from the 1960s, who saw West Des Moines through some of its most transformational years.
The other news coming out of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy is the announcement of its class project, a local educational program designed to provide West Des Moines youth with opportunities to attend educational and community events. These include sporting events and meeting local athletes; touring community landmarks and getting involved with community events; visiting educational institutions; and attending plays and concerts in Greater Des Moines. This will all be done with the support of West Des Moines Human Services and developed by Academy members. If you have ideas for helping see the program come to fruition, please e-mail us at info@wdmleaders.org!
Submitted by Jeremy Schultz,
WDM Chamber Board member and WDMLA '09 |
 Sign-Ups Taken Now to Serve Beer in Junction
It's hard to believe in these cold winter months, but spring is around the corner and with spring comes Music in the Junction. One of the most popular opportunities we offer our members is the chance to work for a night in the beer tent in Valley Junction during the Thursday night Music in the Junction events. It's fun - easy - a good opportunity to serve the community - and a great way to promote your business! What does it involve? Businesses sign up through the WDM Chamber office to volunteer for one Thursday night during the summer series (weekly from May 7 through October 1). You will need to provide from 3 to 6 volunteers, depending on length of time each person serves - from approximately 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. Servers must all be over the age of 18. You'll be assisted in the booth by two experienced "professional volunteers" who help serve each week. The beer tent will be set up and taken down by Valley Junction staff and volunteers. You're encouraged to wear "team" t-shirts advertising your business and if you wish to provide give-aways or literature - you will need to provide one or more additional volunteers to circulate in the crowd. For more information, or to sign up to volunteer your assistance for a Thursday night - please call Linda Hulleman at the WDM Chamber office at 225-6009. These available slots fill up INSTANTLY - first come, first serve, so call ASAP!
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 It's Going to be AmayZING! Put a little ZING in your step and join a 5K Fun Run/Walk on the West Des Moines trails system on Saturday, May 9, 2009.
Registration will open at 7:00 a.m., 5K Run/Walk to begin at 8:00 a.m. All ages are welcome to participate. The routes being and end at West Des Moines City Hall.
Register online by clicking here or by visiting www.runningroom.com. Pre-register by April 30th and adults can participate for $15; youth (12 and under) can participate for $10. Each pre-registered participant will receive a commermorative T-shirt.
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Need Employees? Sign Up For The 2009 Jobs Expo! 
As you know, if you were around this area last year, West Des Moines' A-MAY-Zing Days makes for a truly amazing month! Organizations, companies, and individuals all come together with a month-long series of fun-filled activities and programs designed to showcase our community at its finest! West Des Moines Development Corporation is no exception. Plans are set for the second annual WDM Jobs Expo, organized by the WDM Development Corp. and Iowa Workforce Development. These organizations are actively seeking both employers looking for quality employees - and the job seekers to fill the vacant positions.
The WDM Jobs Expo will take place on Thursday, May 28th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel. Plans are in place for up to 60 companies to participate. Four on-site seminars will be presented throughout the day to job seekers on topics such as writing and critiquing resumes; interviewing skills; presentation style; and networking tips. Booth spaces filled up quickly last year, and due, in part, to the success of last year's event, we expect even greater response for this year. Don't wait - reserve space for your company to participate TODAY.
For further information, or to sign your business up to participate in the Jobs Expo, click HERE. |
 West Des Moines' Neighborhood Stabilization Program The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) provides emergency assistance to state and local governments to acquire and redevelop foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities. The NSP funds were authorized by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) as an adjunct to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
The State of Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) is projected to receive an allocation of $21,607,907 of NSP funds. IDED created a formula to determine the allocation of the funds. Based on the formula, the City of West Des Moines is eligible to receive up to $264,481. The City's intent with this new program is to address the vacant and blighted properties in the Valley Junction neighborhood before they have a significant impact on the surrounding properties. With these funds the City is developing a program with two non-profit agencies; HOME, Inc and Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC). The non-profit agencies will purchase foreclosed homes in the Valley Junction neighborhood, rehabilitate them, and sell them to low and moderate-income homebuyers. This program is still in the planning phases and has not been finalized; it is anticipated the program could begin in the Sumner of 2009. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program is being administered by the Community and Economic Development Department. If you would like additional information, please contact Christine Gordon at 515-273-0770.
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Tip of the Month
They're here! The revised 2009 required labor posters are now available from Iowa Workforce Development at no cost.
The revised posters contain updated information regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act and changes made to the Iowa Civil Rights Act over the past several years. Both Federal and State of Iowa requirements are contained on the poster. You can pick the posters up at the nearest Iowa Workforce Center, http://www.iowaworkforce.org/; email your requests to craig.immerfall@iwd.iowa.gov or by calling 515-242-5985.
This Workforce Tip is provided as a courtesy by Iowa Workforce Development. |
 Dreaming of Greens and Golf!How can this be? Snow is still piled all around us, but already we're thinking (dreaming?) about golf in September?? That's right, pardners! Friday, September 11 is the date for this year's Wild, Wild West Golf Shoot-Out, and planning for another fun-filled day on the links is already underway.
The Urbandale Chamber is once again responsible for selling and managing all aspects of sponsorships for the outing. This means, any of our Chamber members from West Des Moines, Clive or Urbandale who might be interested in a hole sponsorship, pin event sponsorship, presenting sponsorship, or any other kind of sponsorship for the golf outing, will make arrangements through the Urbandale Chamber office and their volunteers.
Anyone interested in learning more about the sponsor opportunities available for this year can go to http://ygmtrc.com/urbandale/, scroll down to the Wild Wild West Golf Tournament and click on whatever option you would like to learn more about. You can fill out a contract, print it and fax it to Tiffany Menke at the Urbandale Chamber at 331-2987. The deadline for golf sponsorship is March 10, so act now to get in on the fun - and start thinking GOLF! |
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Viewing Gallery
Ambassadors welcomed StylEyes into the community and the chamber with a ribbon cutting held on Wednesday, February 4th.
Mimi's Cafe celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting held on Thursday, February 19th. Mayor Steve Gaer helped cut the ribbon.
Iowa Chamber of Commerce Executives enjoyed meeting with legislators at the ICCE Conference Day on the Hill.
EP True Chiropractic hosted the February Breakfast B4 Business. Pictured above are members of EP True's Staff.
Ambassador Marty Baddeloo of Solutions Kept Simple gave a short commercial after winning a raffle prize at last month's Breakfast B4 Business held on Wednesday, February 18th.
Knapp Properties hosted last month's Business After Hours on Thursday, February 26th. The event was hosted at one of Knapp's available properties, 6000 Westown Parkway.
February's Business After Hours, hosted by Knapp Properties, drew a crowd of over 100 chamber members! |
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