A Report of Growth and Celebration: West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce 100 Years of Excellence

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce proudly celebrates a monumental milestone: 100 years of serving, inspiring, and elevating our community. Fueled by unwavering support from the City of West Des Moines, volunteers, members, committees, sponsors, and our dedicated team, this year has been one of unparalleled growth, influence, and innovation. Together, we have honored our history, achieved record-breaking success, and laid the foundation for a future filled with possibility.

Your support has been instrumental in advancing the Chamber’s mission across three strategic pillars: Workforce Development, Community Placemaking, and Business Advocacy. Below are the key metrics and accomplishments that showcase this extraordinary year.

1. Record-Breaking Event Production and Attendance

• 185 Events, Ribbon Cuttings, and Gatherings: The Chamber hosted a record 185 events, representing over a 10% increase in attendance from 2023.
• Luncheons: Four of our eight luncheons sold out, highlighting the strong demand for connection and thought leadership.
• Volunteer Power: Hundreds of volunteers fuels our work who are included in more than 30 committees and micro-groups.

2. Unprecedented Membership Growth and Engagement

• 890 Total Members: The WDM Chamber welcomed 173 new members, representing approximately 40,000 employees in the city of West Des Moines and in the region at large. 30% of members are not in the city of WDM further broadening the scope and influence of the organization.

• A record number of President’s Council Members are part of the WDM Chamber totaling 17, with 4 new joining in 2024 – the Chamber’s highest level of membership. Currently, the Chamber has 220 total investor members, 80 nonprofit members, and 70 minority business members.
• The Latino Trade Network – a chamber within the WDM Chamber – grew from 50 to 65 businesses, representing approximately 350 employees, and served as a key platform to uplift and support minority-owned businesses.
• The WDM Chamber Ambassadors Committee – the longest standing committee at the WDM Chamber conducted 64 ribbon cuttings, introducing new members to our city and Chamber.
• West Des Moines Leads Business Networking Groups: helping organizations grow is at the core of the Chamber. We currently have 3 separate groups who meet regularly to share leads that consists of 54 individuals and members.

3. Workforce Development and Leadership Programs

• YURtern Internship Program: Hosted 360 interns over the summer from 18 colleges across 30 areas of study, reinforcing workforce development in Greater Des Moines.
• Talent Attraction Campaign: Six regional companies participated in a variety of initiatives and success metrics include 475+ direct student connections were made, 54% average open rates for the student newsletter, highly frequented student resume page, and more.
• High School Leadership Academy (Launching Spring 2025): Work is started on a groundbreaking program to prepare local youth for future careers.

• The West YP (Young Professionals) group saw a remarkable increase from 125 to 229 members, making it the largest YP group in Iowa, with representation from 110 area companies.
• The award-winning West Des Moines Leadership Academy, now in its 17th year, included participants from 33 area companies. This year’s class raised an impressive $62,000 for the Youth Justice Initiative (YJI), reinforcing our commitment to leadership development and community betterment.
• The West Des Moines Leadership Academy Alumni Group consists of 470+ leaders who meet on a regular basis and also orchestrate the statewide Day of Kindness sock drive where in 2024 they received over 2,000 pairs that benefited ‘Socks of Love’.

4. Growth in Marketing and Communications

• Social Media: Grew by 12% to 24,525 followers across all platforms including Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. YouTube subscribers grew from 50 to 138.
• CEO Insights: Produced 12 videos with 1,419 views, highlighting influential leaders and businesses from across the city and region.
• Newsletters: The Chamber team distributed 166 newsletters telling the story of our members, city, and region, with an outstanding 36% average open rate.
• 515 West Magazine: A commemorative stunning keepsake edition celebrating the 100-year milestone, featuring 50 advertisers and spotlighting key achievements with mass distribution in 2025.

5. Celebrating 100 Years with New Initiatives

• Community Placemaking: The Chamber and City of West Des Moines partnered with Habitat for Humanity Greater Des Moines for a Valley Junction build.
• Introduced the Civic Connect Governmental Affairs Committee, hosting pivotal conversations with leaders such as Senator Charles Grassley, Representative Jennifer Konfrst, and State Representative David Young.
• Created the Visionary Leaders Forum for CEOs, with eight meetings featuring influential speakers, made possible by Principal Financial Network of Central Iowa including:
  • • Dan Houston, President & CEO, Principal Financial Group.
    • Doug Jacobson, University Professor and Director of the ISU Center for Cybersecurity Innovation and Outreach.
    • Tim Coonan, Government Relations Special Counsel, Dentons.
    • Josh Budke, Partner and President of Benefits and Financial Services, The Accel Group.
    • Kevin Dresser, Head Wrestling Coach, Iowa State University.
    • Jo Christine Miles, Director of the Principal Foundation and Principal Community Relations.
• VIP Events: Special celebrations at homes of regional leaders who are instrumental in shaping our region including Joanie and Dan Houston, Mary and Suku Radia, plus Kristi and Jason Edwards.
• Fundraising Innovations: Worked with the 100 Year Anniversary Committee and released a stunning limited-edition mural by Bozz Prints and custom whiskey through The Foundry.
• Digital Placemaking: Programs like the Candy Cane Trail inspired local business exploration. The most recent Candy Cane Trail holiday promotion saw 40 total location spots, 137 participants, 1,829 unique map viewers, and 3,769 locations viewed. Users came from locations including 48% from DSM, 19% Chicago, 5% Minneapolis/St. Paul, and 5% Omaha, 3% Washington DC, 3% Kansas City.

6. Signature Community Events

• 100-Year Anniversary Dinner & Citizen of the Year: A historic “Roaring 20’s” celebration at remodeled Val Air Ballroom honoring community leaders and Al Womble as the 79^th Annual WDM Citizen of the Year.
• Mentoring for Women Summit Presented by Wellabe: Achieved record participation as a regional powerhouse event featuring near 100 mentors.
• Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Presented by Wells Faro: Advanced minority business growth and innovation that included 100 speakers, 28 workshops, 690 attendees, 50 sponsors, over 100 volunteers, and a total purse of $150,000 for the Pitch Competition since 2021.
• Raccoon River Palooza Presented by Superstorm Restoration: Co-hosted with the City of WDM Parks & Rec and produced by the Explore WDM Committee, attracting over 10,000 attendees who enjoyed a family fun zone, touch a truck, cardboard boat races, bands, and more.
• DEI Workplace Excellence Awards Presented by Chase: A total of 53 applications were received and 11 people and organizations where honored, with over 300 attendees, 14 nonprofit partners, and 11 sponsors.
• Best of the West Awards: Spotlighted 100 people, places, and organizations that make West Des Moines extraordinary.

7. Launch of the West Des Moines Chamber Foundation

A landmark achievement, the Chamber established the West Des Moines Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3), focused on:

• Workforce Development
• Civic Engagement
• Economic Prosperity

The Foundation is a long-term investment in the community’s success, with founding support from Google Fiber, Renee Hardman, Collette & Doug Loots, Elizabeth &Sheldon Ohringer, Merchants Bonding Company, Athene, and Katherine Harrington & Craig Walter.

8. Community Impact and Philanthropy

Since 2011, the Chamber has reinvested $500,000+ into nonprofits, scholarships, and local initiatives:

• Youth Justice Initiative: $62,000 raised in 2024.
• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: $13,000 in scholarships to empower future leaders.
• Raccoon River Pedestrian Bridge: $11,378 raised since 2021.

Conclusion: Gratitude and Vision

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s 100-year celebration has been a testament to our community’s strength, resilience, and vision for the future. This historic year—marked by record-breaking numbers, innovative initiatives, and extraordinary collaboration—would not have been possible without the support of:

• City of West Des Moines
• Chamber Members and Investors
• Volunteers and Committees
• Board of Directors
• Sponsors, Partners, and Advocates
• Foundation Trustees
• Chamber Team
• WDM Community

Together, we have achieved extraordinary milestones, amplified West Des Moines’ influence, and set the stage for an even brighter future. As we look ahead to the next century, one thing is clear:

The West is Yet to Come! #GoWestWDM