WDM CHAMBER
3 STAR PACESETTER
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WDM CHAMBER
1 STAR PACESETTERS
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Business Boot Camp
Thursday, April 15
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting & Open House
Friday, April 16
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Ciao
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Travel & Transport Vacations
Thursday, April 22
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting
Thursday, April 29
5:00 PM
Carolyn Goodwin State Farm Insurance
Citizen of the Year Reception
Friday, April 30
WDM City Hall Patio
5:00 - 7:00 PM
For a complete listing of the April 2010 WDM Chamber Events, please click HERE |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Becky Klisares, General Manager
5525 Mills Civic Pkwy., Suite 400
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-223-7885
11111 University Ave.
Clive, IA 50325
515-222-2002
Bank
1515 Chance Ct.
Adel, IA 50003
515-710-8372
Food Service Contract Mgmt.
Carrie Christensen, Center Manager
7601 Office Plaza Dr., Suite 115
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-222-0550
MRI Diagnostic Imaging
Highgates Construction
255 S. 41st St.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-865-9700
New Construction
P.O. Box 65250
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-225-2025 x 614
Office Supplies
Sears Holdings Corp.
Des Moines, IA 50323
515-440-5022 Retail
Jeremy Baumann, Sr. Account Exec.
1125 SE Westbrooke Dr., Suite D
Waukee, IA 50263
515-987-9226
Telecommunications
Whisper Ridge Apartment Homes
9005 Bridgewood Blvd.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-664-8754
Apartment Homes
Ballenger Chiropractic and Acupuncture
225 Prairie Veiw Dr.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
913-244-5801
Health Care/Chiropractic
120 5th St., Suite 202
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-279-0712
Advertising/Marketing
1501 42nd St., Suite 575
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-223-1348
Printing & Ad Specialties
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Thursday, April 15
3:30 - 5:00 PM
Location:
 DeWaay Capital Management
$40 to attend. RSVP by calling 515.225.6009 or click HERE |
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Wednesday, April 21
7:30 - 8:30 AM
Location & Host:
 Travel & Transport Vacations
No charge to attend, but please RSVP.
Call 515.225.6009 or click HERE |
 Thursday, April 22
5:00 PM -7:00 PM
Location & Host:
 Great Southern Bank
No charge to attend, but please RSVP. Call 515.225.6009
or click HERE.
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WDM CHAMBER OFFICERS
515.288.3279
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WDM CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
515.222.5205
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 Spring Has Sprung - Are You Ready???
I was going to try to be creative and find the lyrics to an old song to start out my newsletter..... still haven't found the name of the actual song, but it goes like this -"Are you Ready"....."Yes I'm Ready"...."to fall in love"......and so on. I can't promise that you'll "fall in love" by attending these newly unveiled events, but can guarantee that you'll have a wonderful time, meet new friends and/or business associates and learn a little  along the way. It's time to "get ready" for a couple of events that your WDM Chamber is "springing" during the month of April/May.
First......it's the new and rejuvenated Citizen of the Year award. As you most likely remember, this has been presented during the Chamber's Annual Dinner. We proactively decided to make this a stand-alone event to truly honor the individual receiving the recognition. It will also be a more informal gathering .....additional time to network and celebrate the well-deserving recipient.
The new date of the Citizen of the Year Award/Presentation will be Friday, April 30th, on the patio at City Hall from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments, cocktails and music will be provided. This is also the "eve" of our city's month-long celebration, Amayzing Days.....our Citizen of the Year will have numerous opportunities to be recognized during the month of May.
Secondly..... the WDM Chamber is hosting the first Regional Affiliate Luncheon on Thursday, 5/13, at the HyVee conference center on Westown Parkwy. We're inviting all 23 affiliate chambers to participate....what a tremendous opportunity to network with business associates you don't have the chance to interact with on a regular basis. This is also an excellent venue to invite guests that would like exposure to the chamber and the exponential benefits that go along with membership.
The program is yet to be titled, but the presentation will be given by The Brave New Workshop out of Minneapolis. The presentation will be valuable to every position within a company as the premise will be directed to the communication skills needed for a synergistic work environment. I had the opportunity to attend one of their presentations a couple of years ago.....it was more fun and educational than any seminar I had attended in years. This is a rare opportunity to network with hundreds of your "affiliate" business partners and have a fabulously fun time learning valuable insight as how to take your company to a new level. Please keep a lookout for additional information that will be coming soon. This is the ONE EVENT you won't want to miss in 2010.
Career Search Associates
WDM Chamber Vice President |
 SCOTT A. HATFIELD NAMED WDM CITIZEN OF THE YEAR The West Des Moines Chamber is pleased to announce Scott A. Hatfield as the recipient of the 2010 West Des Moines Citizen of the Year Award. He is the 65th recipient of this annual award.
Mr. Hatfield is Chairman of the Board of SVPA Architects Inc. SVPA Architects are responsible for many projects throughout central Iowa including the Wells Fargo West Des Moines Campus, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Aviva USA Headquarters, and HyVee Corporate Headquarters. Scott is the recipient of numerous professional awards and designations including Past President of Central Iowa Architects and the Master Builder Architect Excellence Award.
Scott has been unanimously selected as Citizen of the Year based on a long history of service to the West Des Moines community. He has served on the WDM Planning and Zoning Commission for 15 years, serving 3 years as Chair. He has been actively involved in Valley Junction Revitalization projects and various projects detailing the history of West Des Moines. Scott has served on several boards and committees of the West Des Moines Community Schools, among them, the President of the Dollars for Scholars Committee, Board member of the Foundation for Educational Excellence. His children are 4th generation graduates of Valley High School. He has served on the Board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa, Annual Chair of the United Way Funding for SVPA Architects, Juvenile Diabetes Association and the AIA Canstruction for the Iowa Food Bank. In addition to his charitable involvement, Scott is active in a wide variety of professional and trade organizations both on a local as well as national level, and is an alumni of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.
Scott and his wife Diana are parents of three grown children, Shani, Brandon, and Nathan, and grandparents of three.
Scott will be honored as West Des Moines Citizen of the Year at a special reception to be held on April 30, 2010 on the City Hall Patio on West Des Moines' City/School Campus. The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. For more information on the reception, please contact the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce at 225-6009. |
 WDMLA Focuses on Government The March session of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy convened on Thursday, March 25th at City Hall for an educational session on the City of West Des Moines. Mayor Steve Gaer, City Councilman Charles Schneider and City Manager Jeff Pomeranz participated in a roundtable answering questions from class members.  Questions focused on issues of importance to the City in the next twenty-five years, threats to West Des Moines' success, explaining the form of government that the City operates under, importance of collaboration and economic development. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the community and government in the city that we live and work in.
Following the educational session on WDM government, the class moved into a group simulation called Fish Banks. Each group was a fishing company with the goal  to maximize assets. Each "year" we as a team choose whether we wanted to fish in the deep-sea, coastal or leave the ships in the harbor. Each area had costs and benefits (fish), but a gamble as well as we didn't know how many fish we would catch. A great simulation to work as a team and some very valuable lessons we as leaders could take back and apply in our daily lives!
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy is excited to announce a community event to benefit the Des Moines Area Religious Council's nine emergency food pantries!  On Saturday, May 1st the West Des Moines Leadership Academy will be hosting "Putt Your Best Food Foreward" from 9am-1pm at West Glen. This is a miniature golf event with fun for every member of your family. $5 or 5 food or household items will get you 18 hole tickets. The WDMLA Class of 2010 hopes you will join us for this event to benefit a wonderful charity and to bring recognition to the West Des Moines Leadership Academy. If you have specific questions about the event (or how your company might be able to sponsor), please contact either Anita Messerschmidt at anita@embarkit.com or Dr. Christi Taylor at ctaylor@iowaclinic.com.
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:
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Business of the Month - Remedy Intelligent Staffing
If you Googled "the importance of screening," you would see thousands of sites for the medical and health care industry. That's because "screening" is a proactive measure used to shield or protect us from injury, danger, or undesirable situations. We are screened in nearly every aspect of life, from medical exams to entrance exams, even throughout the trials and tribulations of dating; we're basically reviewing and testing our partner to see if they're that perfect match!
In the world of business, screening is equally important and essential. With every job opening, companies essentially open their doors to unfamiliar candidates and the unknown. Who will be exposed to their products, their trade secrets? But many companies do not have the time or resources to thoroughly screen each candidate before allowing them to work within their facility. When in a pinch, any "warm body" will do!
The staffing industry helps companies overcome this challenge. Having access to potential employees who have been pre-screened and interviewed allows businesses to hire with confidence. Don't be fooled, however; not all staffing companies are alike! In some instances, candidates simply have to sign on the dotted line, and they are released to work. This is notthe case at
Proper screening goes beyond the evaluation of work ethic, performance capabilities, and skill sets. When job seekers apply with us, they must also pass our unique verification process that thoroughly confirms:
- References are documented according to your policy
- Skills are tested and matched to your specific need (Remedy Knowledge Bank)
Employment eligibility is verified through I-9 documentation (E-Verify)
Personal integrity is tested (Remedy X-Ray)
Physical limits and reasonable accommodations are investigated and recorded
Essential functions can be performed
Strict criminal background enforced on all associates
Proper orientation is administeredFurthermore, we thoroughly screen, test, and interview every applicant using a five-step application process. From integrity testing and behavioral interviews to social security verification and background checks, we turn every candidate inside out to gain an accurate snapshot of their character, motivation, and career goals. That way, we can make the best placement for you!
Whether your staffing needs are temporary, long-term, part-time, or full-time, The Remedy Intelligent Staffing's screening process delivers true talent for every assignment. Ask for more details about our behavioral interview!
Remedy Intelligent Staffing
1200 Valley West Drive, Suite 105
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515-225-4000 (Phone)
515-225-9670 (Fax)
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 LEARNAPALOOZA: GOING GREEN
The West Des Moines Community Education Fun, Fabulous and Free family event, Learnapalooza is "Going Green" this year! Join us on Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. until noon at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School, 625 South 35th Street, West Des Moines.
Learnapalooza is a learning zone that has many fun and educational activities for children of all ages. Families can experience and enjoy hands-on interaction with educational animals from the Blank Park Zoo, the critters of ISU's Insect Zoo, and origami with Valley High School's Japanese Club. Children will be able to explore city vehicles including a fire truck, water truck and snow plow. There will be performances by Crossroads Park Elementary, World of Difference, and Stan Dahl Steel Drums. Your preschooler will enjoy going to Preschool Palooza where they can listen to a story, sort recycled goods, get a tattoo, or build with recycled blocks. A big room designed for little people! There will be door prizes, bingo for books, and many other interactive games taking place throughout the event. Enjoy complimentary drink and snacks in the forum.
Organizations from around the Des Moines metro area will be participating in Learnapalooza including - Campfire USA, DMACC, Safe Kids Greater Des Moines, West Des Moines Library, Science Center of Iowa, and these are just to name a few. For a full listing of all of Learnapalooza participants and activities please visit our website at www.wdmcs.org/commed.
NEW! This year at Learnapalooza we are helping people that are in need. The first 1,000 families that bring in a personal care item (i.e. toothpaste, deodorant, diapers, laundry detergent, shampoo and conditioner) for West Des Moines Human Services will receive a free reusable tote bag! Human Services assists approximately 240 low-income households with personal care products.
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Check out this month's Chamber storyteller, Bill Gentsch of NorthStar Photography. Bill has been with the Chamber for two years and will be featured throughout the entire month of April! |
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Viewing Gallery
 Many chamber members got St. Paddy's Day off to a great start with Breakfast B4 Business at Midwest Heritage Bank on March 17.
 Many thanks to Wanda Nelson & Connie Blodgett of US Coffee & Tea for generously providing the coffee for the Midwest Heritage Breakfast .
A great crowd, and a beautiful spring day were the ingredients for a festive Business After Hours hosted by SpeedPro Imaging on March 25.
 SpeedPro Imaging owner and host, Bruce Benson, welcomes the WDM Chamber members to his Business After Hours by explaining how someone was going home with Jay Haas that night. (You had to be there!) Ben and Stephanie Trannel, of Case Handyman & Remodeling of Des Moines, celebrated the opening of their new location at 5904 Ashworth Road, with a ribbon cutting on March 4. Great folks - real handy, too! This guy and his business are really on the move! Brad Taylor, owner of GameTruck of Iowa invited Ambassadors for a sneak peek at his new business on wheels, at his ribbon cutting on March 10. Great party idea!
 Bradley and Tania Burt proudly launched their new line of barbeque Maid-Rites at the same time as celebrating the opening of the Jordan Creek Maid-Rite at the Galleria on March 23.
 Lots of folks anxious to hear all about the plans for this year's Hy-Vee Triathlon, attending the WDM Chamber's March Membership Luncheon, featuring speaker Darin Hirl, Director of Event Marketing for Hy-Vee. Can't wait for the big events June 11-13.  Over 150 young professionals from throughout the Metro area let us know that New View is just what they have been looking for! They attended the inaugural event on March 10 at Cabaret in West Glen. Many thanks to the entire New View committee who have worked so hard to bring this fresh new program to the WDM Chamber. |
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