From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
As the President & CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, I have the privilege of witnessing the unwavering dedication of our chamber members to making the City of West Des Moines the best place in America to live, work, and play. On a recent Saturday night, my husband and I experienced firsthand the vibrant spirit of our community, thanks to our incredible chamber members.
The evening began with a delightful dinner at Hanah Ramen Sushi, a proud member of the WDM Chamber of Commerce. The food was nothing short of spectacular, and we savored dishes like Yellowtail Jalapeno sashimi, edamame, and a shared chicken katsu ramen bowl. As we finished our meal, I found myself in a contented “food coma,” daydreaming about a cozy night on the couch with blankets and a warm fire. However, a special event was on the horizon, hosted by the WDM Chamber – a grand opening VIP Party at Putts & Pins, a new member of the Chamber and an exciting entertainment venue in West Des Moines. Despite my initial assumption that attendance might be low due to it being a Saturday night, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
As soon as we entered Putts & Pins, we were greeted by a sea of familiar faces – chamber members representing various committees and microgroups, the Mayor of West Des Moines, city council members, superintendents from both the West Des Moines and Waukee school districts, and numerous board members, to name a few. What warmed my heart even more was the sight of children running around, their faces lit up with joy as they enjoyed the games and activities.
The event was a resounding success, with chamber members from all walks of life coming together to celebrate and strengthen our community bonds. It was a testament to the dedication and passion that these individuals have for our city. Their presence and enthusiasm on a Saturday night spoke volumes about their commitment to making West Des Moines a better place for all.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the event. Your support and involvement make our community thrive, and your presence that night was a testament to the strength of our chamber. A special thank you to Chamber team member Tom Florian for going above and beyond by hand-delivering VIP boxes throughout the metro, ensuring that everyone felt included and appreciated.
Saturday night was a true celebration of the remarkable community we have here in West Des Moines. The devotion and spirit of our chamber members continue to inspire me, and I am excited to see how we can further contribute to making our city the best in America. Thank you for being the driving force behind our shared vision.