The West Des Moines Chamber is fortunate to have a significant number of young professionals and professionals that are young at heart. Our newest group, New View, caters to our young professionals under 35 that are interested in networking, professional development and outreach. We know there are a lot of you out there interested in New View because we did our research.

According to a survey completed in December by the West Des Moines Chamber, 95% of young professionals said they would participate in a young professionals program. Just as exciting is the fact that 86% of West Des Moines Chamber employers stated they would support and encourage their young professionals to attend a young professionals program.

The first event will be held on March 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cabaret West Glen. Expect lots of networking, games, prizes, food and much more. And for those of you that need a break from Iowa's winter wonderland, be sure to register for a trip for two to sunny Las Vegas! Anyone attending the event will be eligible for the drawing.

We anticipate 200+ young professionals so be sure to bring plenty of business cards. While you are there, give a shout of thanks to our sponsors, Cabaret West Glen and Coach's Pizza.

RSVP to Hannah@wdmchamber.org.

Submitted by Kathleen Riessen

Measured Intentions

New View Executive Committee Member

WDMLA Educated on Education

The February 2010 session of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy focused on two main areas - performance coaching and education in West Des Moines. Monte Wyatt from WDMLA - Monte

Action Coach presented on the idea that leadership is about helping people think for themselves - to reach their full potential. Wyatt than gave the academy members insight on how leaders can coach employees and co-workers. As always, the Leadership Academy gave all members great techniques to become a better leader.

Following the focus on how to become a better leader based on helping others think for themselves, the session moved to focus on the nationally recognized secondary education that exists within the City of West Des Moines. A panel of education experts, Vicky Poole, Principal of Valley High School, Jerry WDMLA - Michele

Deegan, the President of Dowling Catholic High School, Susan Moritz, a former 12-year West Des Moines Community Schools school board member, and Jeff Blosser, an architect with RDG Planning & Design that assisted both Dowling and Valley High Schools with creating master plans, shared their thoughts with the leadership academy. Topics covered included the secondary schools located in West Des Moines, the importance of the master planning process, working with educators to provide the most effective teaching environments and quickly evolving technology and its influence on the classroom. Members of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy were also able to visit a classroom at Dowling Catholic and have an WDMLA - Students

opportunity to see the new technology that exists for educators. The class members were blown away by the technology that our educators are using to educate our City's youth! The session wrapped up with a panel of high school students and their take on technology in the classroom and how it has helped them become better students - and citizens of West Des Moines.

For more information regarding the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, visit www.wdmleaders.org or contact Julie Weeks at the Chamber by calling 515.225.6009 or sending an e-mail to julie@wdmchamber.org.

Submitted by:

Lynn McRoberts, WDMLA 2009-2010 Class Liaison

Business of the Month - Upper Iowa University

What can Upper Iowa University offer you? Everything. Whether you're looking for an on-campus community, educational center near your home, or global access to online and independent study courses, we've got it. Pick from more than 40 majors, master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and undergraduate certificates in a variety of specialties. Fully accredited with more than 150 years of experience providing quality education, Upper Iowa is the University in your future.

The UIU-Des Moines Center is geared toward the adult learner with flexible evening and weekend classes. Thinking about finishing that four-year degree in accounting, human resources management, public administration, human services, elementary education, or IT? Don't wait. Call now.

Classes begin every eight weeks at the Des Moines Area Centers. For more information about Upper Iowa University, please contact Des Moines Area Director Karin Dunn or go to www.uiu.edu. We invite potential learners to attend the WDSM Center Open House, Thursday, March 25th - from 3:00- 6:00 p.m. Those attending can waive their application fee ($50 value). If you are interested I meeting with an admissions advisor or to RSVP for the Open House, contact Dianna Gray (grayd@uiu.edu) or call 515.225-1800.

UIU-Des Moines Center

1119 5^th Street

West Des Moines, IA 50265