Board Meeting:
Tuesday, Nov. 3
4:00 PM
WDM City Hall - Training Room
Ribbon Cutting:
Thursday, Nov. 5
5:00 PM
Membership Tune-Up:
Tuesday, Nov. 10
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
WDM City Hall - Council Chambers
Ambassador Reception:
Wednesday, Nov. 11
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
New Member Appreciation Luncheon:
Thursday, Nov. 12
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Ribbon Cutting:
Thursday, Nov. 12
5:00 PM
Wednesday, Nov. 18
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Regional Chamber Legislative Breakfast:
Thursday, Nov. 19
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Business After Hours:
Thursday, Nov. 19
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
For a complete listing of November 2009 WDM Chamber Events, please click HERE |
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
1700 Valley West Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.223.4597
Food-Beverage/Grocers
1990 Grand Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.223.8151
Food-Beverage/Grocers
202 W. Lakeshore Drive
Lincoln, NE 68528
402.730.3468
Advertising/Directories
205 5th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.255.9827
Restaurant
5508 Woodland Avenue
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.657.3641 Business Services/Consulting
2100 Dixon Street, Suite A
Des Moines, IA 50316
515.264.8825
Construction
8832 Kingman Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.554.1037
Individual Member
505 Market Street, Suite 100
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.276.5400
Retail-Shops-Stores/Jewelers
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.865.4229
Individual Member
HLT Development Services
6647 Holcomb Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50322
515.681.5603
Business Services/Consulting
1025 Ashworth Road
West Des moines, IA 50265
515.222.1977
Travel/Incentive Program
3305 104th Street
Urbandale, IA 50322
515.252.9932
Contractors/Mechanical
4023 Fleur Drive
Des Moines, IA 50321
515.287.1717
Communications/Television
4401 Westown Parkway, Suite 310
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Insurance-Finance/Agencies
925 9th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.252.2500
Computer/Services
1725 Jordan Creek Parkway
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.226.8753
Food-Beverage/Grocers
1010 60th Street
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.440.1481
Food-Beverage/Grocers
510 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
515.724.3425
Government/State
933 41st Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.327.5006
Retail-Shops-Stores/In-Home Parties
5949 Meadow Valley Court
West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.556.5777
Business Services/Consulting
5550 Wild Rose Lane, Suite 400
West Des Moines, IA 50266
Business Services/Consulting
5550 Wild Rose Lane, Suite 400 West Des Moines, IA 50266
515.664.6551
Financial/Brokerages
R & E Development, Inc.
609 31st Street
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515.664.8026
Contractors/General |
| MEMBERSHIP
TUNE-UP
"Get more mileage out of your membership"
Tuesday, November 10
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
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WDM City Hall
Council Chambers
To RSVP, call 515.225.6009
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| Learn more about the ambassador program at the
AMBASSADOR RECEPTION
Wednesday,
November 11
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM |
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Graze
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| NEW MEMBER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
The WDM Chamber is
Giving Thanks
Thursday, November 12
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
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Des Moines Golf & Country Club
Sponsored by:
 Edgewater,
A Wesley Life Community
To RSVP, call 515.225.6009
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| Join the WDM Chamber Ambassadors at |
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Wednesday, Nov. 18
7:30 - 8:30 AM
No charge to attend, but
please RSVP. Call 515.225.6009
or click HERE |
Thursday, Nov. 19
5:00 PM -7:00 PM
RSVP by calling 515.225.6009
or by clicking HERE.
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| REGIONAL CHAMBER LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
Thursday, November 19
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM |
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WDM Marriott
West Des Moines, Clive, Waukee and Windsor Heights are hosting a breakfast with area State House and State Senate elected officials.
$15/person
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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:
515.865.4229
515.223.4500
515.288.3141
515.333.4056
Kurt Pearson:
515.327.1020
Sid Ramsey:
515.263.5375
515.633.5023
515.669.2845 | |
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 Healthcare in West Des Moines - An Outstanding Community Asset
The nation and our elected representatives are currently struggling with the difficult questions of healthcare reform. It is clear that many aspects of healthcare will be changing in the future in order for care to be sustainable and available for the majority of Americans. Amid all of this uncertainty, it is appropriate to pause for a moment and take an account of all West Des Moines has to offer in healthcare services.
While Iowa is primarily a rural state, central Iowa has exploded with population growth and younger families. At the other end of the scale, Iowa's baby boomers are reaching retirement age and needing more specialized healthcare services. Compared to many other metropolitan areas across the country, central Iowa enjoys a relatively high population of primary care physicians, specialists and access to clinics and outpatient services. We are fortunate to have high quality healthcare systems - Iowa Health - Des Moines, Mercy Medical Center and Broadlawns Medical Center, Polk County's public hospital. While there is a certain level of competition among health providers, we all participate in a high level of dialogue and collaborative effort to insure that overall community health goals are met.
West Des Moines in particular is now positioned very well for the future, with the recent opening of both Methodist West Hospital and Mercy West Lakes. These new hospitals join a large family of healthcare providers in the "Medical Mile" near University and 60th Street. This area is quickly becoming a major medical destination site for the entire Central Iowa region. Ignited by the opening of Lakeview Medical Park in 1991, there is now a full range of medical care and diagnostic services that complement one another, and the location of these facilities near the interstate provides good access for residents throughout the region. And West Des Moines is also blessed with a highly skilled and coordinated emergency medical response (EMS) system. High quality healthcare is a magnet for new businesses and residents.
In many respects, these hospitals were built at a perfect time for the community. The new hospitals were very large building projects that kept thousands of skilled workmen and women busy and employed for more than two years at a time the economy had slowed. The Methodist West Hospital project alone pumped $34 million in labor salaries back in the local economy.
We know that healthcare is important to a community's overall quality of life as well as its economic development. The community of West Des Moines should take great pride in the quality of services available to its residents and businesses, and the long-term planning that will result in better healthcare services for all, for a long time to come.
Submitted by Sid Ramsey,
Vice President Business Development
West Des Moines Chamber Board Members |
 Leadership Academy Rolls Through WDM The members of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy gathered for the second session on Thursday, October 15th at Fire Creek Grill. The first item on the agenda for the evening was a bus tour of the city- highlighting both the history and the economic development of West Des Moines.  Former Mayor Gene Meyer and his wife, Kathy, Chris Shires, Development Coordinator for the City, and Todd Osterhout from the West Des Moines Historical Society led the hour-long tour.
Heading east the motor coach took us past the Bennett School and the Jordan House and into Historical Valley Junction, learning about the 110-year history of the City of West Des Moines. As  we headed west, the tour focused more on the development of the city, including Valley West Mall, Westown Parkway, Hy-Vee Headquarters, Methodist West and Mercy West Lakes hospitals, Kum & Go Jeadquarters, Wells Fargo, Aviva, Jordan Creek Town Center and West Glen. Mayor Meyer shared anecdotes with the class about the rapid development in recent years and ways in which the city has become one of the most desired cities in the country by both residents and businesses.
As the bus tour came to an end, the class assembled for a session on "Speaking For Success" led by Deborah Rinner of Tero International. Deborah presented information on speaking for leaders - whether in front of a group of five or an audience of one hundred. According to research, only seven percent of an audience's impact comes from the content of a presentation. Fifty-five percent comes from non-verbal communications and thirty-eight percent  from the vocal quality of the speaker. As leaders often times we focus solely on the content of what we are presenting and overlook the body language that we present to an audience. Application followed with exercises on utilizing eye contact correctly, using hand gestures correctly and facial expressions.
The West Des Moines Leadership Academy encompasses a variety of activities each session including a facet on leadership skills, learning about the City of West Des Moines and a dinner where the members of the academy can get to know each other better in a laid-back social setting. The next session of the WDMLA will meet on Thursday, November 19th for leadership training on dealing with emotions in the work place and showcasing the health care facilities present in the City.
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 - Senior Helpers
Senior Helpers provides a wide range of personal and companion care services to assist senior citizens living independently at home, with a strong focus on both the quality of life for the client and peace of mind for the family. A few of the services include: help with housework, meal preparation, errands, transportation, medication reminders and Alzheimer's care. Dressing, bathing, and personal hygiene assistance is also provided by qualified caregivers and Certified Nurses Aids (CNAs). Services are provided for a few hours to all day everyday as required by the client.
Senior Helpers employee's are compassionate, trustworthy, and experienced caregivers. They receive ongoing educational support through their own Senior Helpers University. This reinforces the dedication to have the best trained caregivers to meet our senior's special needs.
Senior Helpers ensures that the best care possible will be provided with the mission of making a positive difference in the aging experience. Every client is treated as family and every task performed with honor.
For more information regarding Senior Helpers or available services; contact:
Brian Hilgenberg
Senior Helpers 8450 Hickman Road, Suite 22
Clive, IA 50325
www.seniorhelpers.com
515.251.7444
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 Don't Forget to Submit
The West Des Moines Chamber is seeking nominations for the coveted Business of the Year award.
The one large business (50 or more employees) award and one smaller business award (49 or less employees) will be given at our annual dinner in January.
The selection committee will consider each nomination's investment into our West Des Moines community - what type of outreach they have made to non-profits and how their employees have stepped up as volunteers for worthy causes and events. The committee will weigh how participative the company is in our West Des Moines Chamber activities and how their professional ethics and work environment assist them in being an employer of choice. You will recognize these qualities and community contributions in our 2009 winners, LADCO Development and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse.
We have much to be proud of in West Des Moines. Click here to make your business nomination. |
 HVJ's Holiday Open House
Historic Valley Junction will hold its annual Holiday Open House events on Thursday, November 19, December 3 and December 10. The businesses in Historic Valley Junction and the streets will be lined with over 150,000 twinkling lights.
The Historic Valley Junction Foundation is excited to be partnering with Hospice of Central Iowa this holiday season in memory of our dear friend, Caren Sturm. Participating merchants will decorate wreaths, which will be on display in store windows beginning November 19th. On Thursday, December 10th, from 7:00 -8:00 p.m.  in Railroad Park, twelve wreaths will be chosen for live auction. The remainder will be sold at silent auction with proceeds to benefit Hospice of Central Iowa.
Holiday Open House celebrations will also include FREE horse-drawn carriage rides, merchant  events and specials, caroling provided by local groups, holiday food vendors and photos with Rudolph.
This event wouldn't be complete without......Santa and Mrs. Claus! Our favorite holiday celebrities will be visiting Historic Valley  Junction for each Holiday Open House. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be listening to wishes at the West Des Moines Community Center, 217 5th Street, in Historic Valley Junction.
Historic Valley Junction is six blocks of specialty shops that include art galleries, antique shops, fashion boutiques, salons, service businesses and restaurants. Most of the shops will be open until 9:00 the evenings of the Holiday Open House.
For more information on Valley Junction or event details, visit www.valleyjunction.com or call (515) 222-3642. |
West Des Moines Human Services
is in need of
HOLIDAY SPONSORS
to help low-income, elderly & disabled households this holiday season.
If your business would like to participate as a group, please fill out the Holiday Sponsor Form
and e-mail to Melinda Hotovec at
West Des Moines, Iowa 50265
Questions? Please call Melinda at 222-3663
On behalf of the West Des Moines Chamber
and
West Des Moines Human Services
THANK YOU! |
 Independent Contractor or Employee: Get Your Classification Right!
Misclassification of workers as "independent contractors" rather than "employees," is a growing problem in Iowa and across the nation. Iowa employers must report employee wages to Iowa Workforce Development's Unemployment Division. They must report wages to the Iowa Department of Revenue for withholding income taxes. When employers misclassify workers, they avoid paying these taxes. They might fail to provide workers compensation coverage to their workers. They may fail to follow wage, contractor registration, or other employment and labor laws. As a result, employers who misclassify workers could pay significant penalties and fines.
The Iowa Legislature provided special funding for extra help to protect workers, businesses, and taxpayers. A Misclassification Unit within IWD's UI Division will focus on this issue. A webpage provides general information, FAQs and contact information for reporting businesses that appear to misclassify workers: www.iowaworkforce.org/misclassification/. Contact the Misclassification Unit by telephone at (515) 281-5387 or (800) JOB-IOWA (800-562-4692), or email at Misclassification@iwd.iowa.gov, or by regular mail at Misclassification Unit, Iowa Workforce Development, 1000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319. Please contact the Misclassification Unit to arrange an educational presentation on this topic. |
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Viewing Gallery
The West Des Moines and Clive Chambers came together on Wednesday, September 30th to celebrate Iowa Family Chiropractic's brand-new location.
Savannah Homes held a ribbon cutting for their new housing development, Heritage Hills, on Wednesday, October 7th. This development just west of Jordan Creek Parkway will cater to the young families of West Des Moines.
Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar hosted our membership luncheon on Thursday, October 8th. After being led through stress management techniques by Denny Kelly and eating the wonderful steak, all members left relaxed and refreshed!
Edgewater, A Wesley Active Life Community, celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 14th. This state of the art facility is taking retirement living to new heights!
Gateway Market at the Village of Ponderosa hosted a wonderful Breakfast B4 Business on Wednesday, October 21. They served up eggs Benedict, a great way to kick the day off right!
 William Penn University College for Working Adults has moved to a new location - the "R2D2" building. A ribbon cutting was held on Wednesday, October 21 to celebrate the grand opening.
Struxture Architects is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year and hosted this month's Business After Hours. Congratulations to Struxture on an excellent event and best wishes for another 75 years in business!
The West Des Moines Chamber got their weeks started early with a 7 AM ribbon cutting on Monday, October 26th. This first-ever in the dark ribbon cutting was a historic moment as West Des Moines welcomed its second hospital, Iowa Health Methodist West, to the community!
The Mayor and eight candidates running for three seats on the City Council participated in the City Council Candidate Forum hosted by the Chamber. Chris Voggesser, Vice-President of the Chamber and Chair of the Government Relations committee, hosted the educational event!
Amerigem Diamonds moved to a brand new location in the Village of Ponderosa and celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, October 29th. They have a beautiful selection of jewelry! | |
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