The March 24^th WDM Leadership Academy Session was held at the Healthy Living Center YMCA in Clive, our featured speaker was Lauri Freking of Wixted Pope Nora Thompson presenting Managing Your Reputation During a Crisis. Our focus was on managing communication during crisis situations.  So why is it important, why is it news and how do you best communicate what your business intent is and to whom do you present it to. Those were all questions that were addressed and followed with actual examples of past media clips that demonstrated good and poor business responses to crisis.

 To start, a communication pyramid was presented that will help a business /persons sort through the maze of who, what, how, when and why of media communication.  At the base, determine your business goal of communicating whether to inform, motivate or persuade your audience.  Next, answer who is your audience. The next layer is the message. The message should cut through all the buzz and hype to begin to answer some of the questions about the crisis. Topping off the pyramid is you, the communicator and how you deliver that message.  The importance of how you make your audience feel will impact how they hear the actual content of the message. The old adage of "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care" becomes extremely important in a crisis situation.

 The Media fits between the audience and the message acting as a filter of the message.  The necessity to engage in the process of communication can determine the long term effects of a crisis and the ability of a business to recover from it. People make decisions about a business by what they see and hear in the media so it is important to develop relationships with the media to communicate who you really are and how much you care. The results of good relationships and the ability to communicate the right message is that people will trust you to resolve the issues in crisis situations.  It is important also to engage aspects of the social media since technology makes everyone with a cell phone a reporter without an editor.

 Overall there were many great nuggets of information and techniques that were presented to us that will help address the communication process. 

 The community leadership piece of our session entailed a panel discussion of Health Care in WDM.  There were representatives from several of our major health care providers in the city. The health care business in West Des Moines presents some unique and important opportunities for the future growth and development of our community.  There are many competitive and cooperative efforts between the many different agencies in our community that all strive to benefit residents in healthier lifestyle choices and emergency care. The level and focus of care offered by these many organizations is gaining some national and international attention.  Other communities are seeking to duplicate what is offered here in their own home towns and cities. This prompts me to say "West Des Moines Rocks!!"

       The Booster Pak Bash is gaining steam so be ready to have fun and help support the students of West Des Moines Schools at our event on May 14^th.  The event will consist of lots of music and games prior to the home opener of the Des Moines Menace match vs St. Louis.

For more information regarding the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, visit the official website at www.wdmleaders.org or contact Linda Hulleman with the West Des Moines Chamber at 515.225.6009.

Submitted by John Weiler, Hy-Vee

Current WDMLA Class Participant

Sponsorships are being snapped up - act fast!

Our 2011 Chamber calendar is booking up quickly and the 2011 West Des Moines Chamber Sponsorships are officially on sale!  With so many great opportunities available, what are you waiting for?  Check out the entire online catalog now by visiting www.wdmchamber.org/2011sponsorships. 

If there is something in particular you are hoping to purchase, you better snatch it up fast because all WDM Chamber sponsorships are sold on a first come first serve basis.  Happy shopping!

Regional Business After Hours at DMACC on March 3rd after Innovation Week. Lovely Ambassadors Susan Dunn, Angie Goodale and Stacy Schoop.

Ribbon Cutting at Skyline Exhibits on March 8th located at

2111 Dixon St., Des Moines.

March 10th Speed Networking Luncheon at Hy-Vee Conference Center.

Ribbon Cutting at Mathnasium located at 160 S. 68th St.,

Suite 1105, West Des Moines. If you know someone that

needs attention in math contact Mathnasium.

  

Ribbon Cutting along with members of the Urbandale Chamber at HCI Giving Tree at 3330 100th St., Urbandale on March 15th.  

Breakfast B4 Business at US Bank ( 3738 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines) on March 16th.

 

Mi Patria Ribbon Cutting- 1410 22nd St. on March 24th. Great Ecuadorian food and fun people!

 

The Big Deal April 1st, West Des Moines Chamber Staff and our Big Deal Event Coordinator - the incomparable Edye Beckerman!

 

MC Gene Meyer and Chris Voggesser giving away prizes at The Big Deal April 1st!

 

Chris Voggesser, Steve and Sally Gaer Enjoying their night at The Big Deal, April 1st! 

 

Some Casino games from The Big Deal, April 1st!