Allow me a moment to share a bit of personal reflection and acknowledgment of a 15 year relationship with a person I consider to be a mentor, advocate, and dear friend. Shar Pardubsky, known by many of our Chamber members, is stepping down from her position as Senior V.P. of Affiliate Relations at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, after 26 years. She will be missed.

Over the years, Shar's working relationship with the West Des Moines Chamber was a "partnership" our organization will long appreciate. With any long term relationship comes occasional trials and tribulations, as well as great growth and achievements. Without question, the ultimate beneficiaries of our shared experiences working together were the WDM Chamber and Affiliates.

On behalf of all of the members, present and past, of the West Des Moines Chamber - THANK YOU, Shar!

Submitted by Linda Hulleman,

West Des Moines Chamber Executive Director

The Academy Ends Its Inaugural Year With Culture

Nine months ago, the West Des Moines Leadership Academy conducted its first session with 30 of the community's best emerging leaders. On Thursday, May 14, the Academy members enjoyed their final session WDMLA - May Pic

together before graduation.

The session's topic was "Culture, Civics and the Community," and the main event was a three-person panel discussion:

� Gary Scott, Director, West Des Moines Parks & Recreation,
� Kaye Lozier, Director of Development, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, and
� Loretta Sieman, West Des Moines City Councilwoman and co-founder of Bravo Greater Des Moines.

The discussion's focus was the intersection of community and culture. Gary Scott presented the current plan for the proposed community and recreational center to be located near the West Des WDMLA - May 2

Moines civic campus, and told how the initial idea has progressed to where it is today. Kaye Lozier, who also spoke at the Academy's session on charitable giving, explained the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation's funds that facilitate individual giving. Loretta Sieman offered anecdotes from her various charitable initiatives and also insight into the creation of Bravo Greater Des Moines, an institution that today supports arts and cultural activities across the Greater Des Moines region.

The session was capped with special leadership training by Deborah Rinner of Tero International called "Developing an Intercultural Mindset." This training explored how cultural differences manifest themselves in business and leadership as obstacles to success and WDMLA - May 3 Pic

how we as leaders can understand and overcome them. Academy members studied approaches to cultural understanding, differences between cultures around the world, and differences in how other cultures perceive elements of business such as hierarchy, success and values. It was an intriguing session on a topic in which Americans traditionally lag behind their global counterparts.

With the final session of the inaugural class now past, we now look forward to the graduation ceremony which will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 4:00 pm in the Winston Churchill room at Glen Oaks Country Club. Several city and Chamber officials will speak, and the keynote speaker will be Bernie Saggau, former Executive Director of the Iowa High School Athletic Association.

There is still time to submit applications for next year's class. Anyone who lives, works or has an interest in West Des Moines is eligible to join the Academy. Application forms can be found at www.wdmleaders.org/enroll and are due Tuesday, June 30. We expect more competition for the 30 available spots so begin your application today!

Submitted by Jeremy Schultz,

WDM Chamber Board Member and WDMLA '09

Business of the Month - EmbarkIT

EmbarkIT, Inc. is a woman-owned, small business provider of integrated IT solutions. We have a dedicated staff of knowledgeable Technicians, Systems Engineers, Account Managers, Training and Consulting teams that understand and anticipate customer needs.

Our accomplishments over the past year include Microsoft Certified Gold Partner, Microsoft Certified Learning Solutions Partner, Citrix Silver Solutions Provider, Cisco Premiere Certified Partner while still holding our partnerships with HP, IBM, DELL, Symantec, Adobe and many others. From our varied product lines to our comprehensive range of technical services, EmbarkIT is a great choice to be your service provider.

EmbarkIT
1303 50th St., Suite 100

West Des Moines, IA 50266
www.embarkit.com
515.440.1451

A Welcome Addition

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Lynn McRoberts to the Chamber staff.

Lynn will serve as our Communication and Events Intern, assisting Julie Weeks with the many responsibilities of managing and planning our various Chamber activities.

Lynn graduated from Drake University this past December and most recently served as a clerk in the Iowa House of Representatives. Her past work experience includes an internship in the Office of Presidential Appointments and Scheduling at The White House as well as assisting with Senator McCain's campaign during the Iowa Caucus and Michigan Primary.

Lynn brings a wealth of experience to the Chamber and we are very excited to add her to our Chamber team.

30th Annual Historic Valley Junction
Antique Jamboree

Nineteen seventy nine was the first year of the Antique Jamboree, held in Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, Iowa. Ruth, Bob and Victoria had a great idea on how to promote the area and to get more people interested in antiques. They raised some money flipping pancakes, got feedback from area residents and businesses and spruced up 5th Street with flowers and colorful banners. The word went out that vendors were wanted and 35 antiques dealers signed up for the first show.

That seems so long ago... Jimmy Carter was President and Muhammad Ali retired from boxing that year. One very important goal was to make the dealers feel welcome so that they continue to return. The antique dealers are the ones who really make the show a success and we would like to say "Thank You". The show has expanded to two Sundays a year, (June 14th and September 13th), along with a growing number of vendors and avid shoppers.

Now, 30 years later the Valley Junction Antique Jamboree has become one of the largest outdoor antique shows in Iowa. It is widely advertised in Iowa and surrounding states and dealers come from all over the Midwest to participate. Some of the featured items are primitives, oak furniture, vintage textiles and clothing, mid-century, toys, pottery and stoneware, costume jewelry, glassware, folk art and even garden accessories. The Antique Jamboree has become a tradition, with many people returning year after year.

This year is no exception... with discounted booth rates, dealer incentives, free admission and friendly volunteers to help and answer questions. We also have a wide assortment of food vendors that will be tempting you with their many offerings. We are accepting dealers from now until the day of the shows. Thank you for your continued patronage and support.

Applications are available online at www.valleyjunction.com under the "Event Registration" tab or by telephoning the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office (515) 222-3642.

Congratulations for 30 successful years!!

Hy-Vee Triathlon Fundraiser in Memory of Jim Goodman

As activities evolved for the 2009 Hy-Vee Triathlon, a team was recently created to remember Jim Goodman and the family he left behind. Jim, a civic leader and businessman who passed away last June while competing in the Hy-Vee Triathlon, is remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him. A memorial fund has been established for his three daughters; Natalie - 11, Ellie - 7 and Rubie - 4. All funds received in the Hy-Vee Triathlon fundraiser will benefit the "REN Girls - Goodman Memorial Trust." Contributions will be added to this educational scholarship fund set up for Jim's daughters and continue to build funds towards their college educations. Jim was highly involved in several area chambers and organizations. His wife has agreed to bring her daughters to the closing ceremonies on Sunday, June 28th, 2009, to accept a check on their behalf.

Please mail your check made out to REN GIRLS SCHOLARSHIP FUND and mail to: Golden Openings, Inc, 14947 Northview Drive, Urbandale, IA 50323.

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