Blog

Don’t Live with the Pain
Millions of Americans suffer from back pain. Whether it’s acute or chronic, you know the drill: workout regimens interrupted, trouble performing household tasks or picking up groceries – back pain can blow up your normal routine and leave you unable to remember what it was like not to be in pain. Continue Reading Don’t Live with the Pain

Tallgrass Theatre Company has a New Home
West Des Moines’ only community theatre company has recently signed a lease to occupy 2019 Grand Ave. Suite 100 in West Des Moines. Continue Reading Tallgrass Theatre Company has a New Home

Strategizing Beyond the Pandemic: Tips for Effective Facilitation
The plans leaders make in the first 90 days of 2021 could last a lifetime. Massive shifts have occurred in nearly every sector of the economy and returning to the pre-pandemic normal is simply not realistic for many organizations.
Many leaders consider 2021 as a transition year to the new normal and are planning now for the opportunities and realities which lie ahead. Crafting effective plans frequently involves resolving difficult issues and making critical decisions. Continue Reading Strategizing Beyond the Pandemic: Tips for Effective Facilitation

West YP
West YP is a program of the West Des Moines Chamber developed by young professionals for young professionals.
It provides the opportunity to grow your leadership, make an impact on the community, develop lasting connections, and have memorable experiences.
To move forward with your personal and professional goals, go west. Go West YP. Continue Reading West YP

Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs face a variety of obstacles when starting a new venture, from obtaining financing, hiring a team, marketing their product or service, keeping up with competitors, and so much more. For some Black entrepreneurs and business owners, these challenges can be even harder to overcome. Thank you to Bankers Trust for compiling this guide. Continue Reading Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs

We Only Get Today Once
What are you going to do? How are you going to use your 365 days wisely and get to where you want to go in 2021? At the WDM Chamber, we are family. You can lean on us and Chamber members to help propel yourself and your business forward. Continue Reading We Only Get Today Once

West Des Moines Chamber Holiday Activities
By Michael Conlon, Editorial Intern
With the holiday season upon us and COVID-19 still very much part of our lives, this holiday season is going to look different. That being said, the West Des Moines area still has a lot of great opportunities to celebrate the season and spread holiday joy, not COVID-19. Continue Reading West Des Moines Chamber Holiday Activities

Traditional New Year’s Resolutions are a Thing of the Past in 2021
By Mallory Behrens, Social Media Intern
We can all agree that 2020 has been a year of many unknowns, and much chaos. The Covid-19 global pandemic has thrown a curveball into our lives we were not expecting. This may have put a halt to the resolutions we made at the beginning of this year. Continue Reading Traditional New Year’s Resolutions are a Thing of the Past in 2021

COVID-19 is Demanding all Leaders to Do More
By Tom Mulrooney, FACHE – Vice President of Surgical and Cardiovascular Services/Chief Operating Officer for Iowa Lutheran Hospital and Methodist West Hospital
In March 2020, the COVID pandemic was just beginning to cause extensive damage to the health of our fellow citizens, our way of life, and our financial well-being. As a hospital administrator, my colleagues and I were faced with an endless number of difficult decisions. In reality, the decision was already made for us. Continue Reading COVID-19 is Demanding all Leaders to Do More

WDM Chamber Launches DEI Committee in a Big Way
By Baillee Furst, Events & Marketing Manager
Following the death of George Floyd and protests across the country earlier this year, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce knew it wanted to help make a positive difference in the business community of the most diverse suburb in Iowa. Continue Reading WDM Chamber Launches DEI Committee in a Big Way

Knowing Your History: The Jordan House
By Michael Conlon, Editorial Intern
The Jordan House has a long history of being an important part of West Des Moines. There are endless stories that revolve around the Jordan house and James Jordan himself. Continue Reading Knowing Your History: The Jordan House

What it Means to be an Intern for a Female Run Business
By Mallory Behrens, Social Media Intern
As a young professional woman, I realize how important it is to inspire others to speak up. The reason I am so passionate about this topic is because I am learning from strong women everyday. Continue Reading What it Means to be an Intern for a Female Run Business

Holiday Parties in the COVID-19 Era
By Frani McDermott, Editorial Intern
Check out some of these fun, COVID-19 approved ideas for your company’s holiday gathering! Continue Reading Holiday Parties in the COVID-19 Era

Knowing Your History: The History of Valley Junction
By Michael Conlon, Editorial Intern
Valley Junction has a long and storied history of being a foundation of West Des Moines. Continue Reading Knowing Your History: The History of Valley Junction

An Apollo Astronaut Made Me Dinner
By Anthony Paustian, Ph.D.
In March, we lost an Apollo astronaut, a beloved member of the space community, and in my own case, a personal friend––Al Worden, the Command Module Pilot for Apollo 15. Continue Reading An Apollo Astronaut Made Me Dinner

United Way’s 21-Day Equity Challenge
The 21-Day Equity Challenge is a powerful opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and our community. Continue Reading United Way’s 21-Day Equity Challenge


WDM Watch List: Macy McAllister
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Macy McAllister



Strategy in Motion: Why agility is your competitive advantage
By Blake E. Crow, CPA | Eide Bailly Partner/Des Moines Market Leader Continue Reading Strategy in Motion: Why agility is your competitive advantage

WDM Watch List: Jaden Adams
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Jaden Adams


WDM Watch List: Jacob Repp
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Jacob Repp


Leading with MERCI: A Leadership Philosophy of Gratitude and Growth
By Katherine Harrington, President & CEO Continue Reading Leading with MERCI: A Leadership Philosophy of Gratitude and Growth

WDM Watch List: Emani Brinkman
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Emani Brinkman

Paid and Unpaid Breaks: What Employers Need to Know
By Katherine Harrington, President & CEO Continue Reading Paid and Unpaid Breaks: What Employers Need to Know



West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce – “The WEST Report: Mid-Year Momentum 2025” – (WEST = Work. Engage. Serve. Thrive.)
By Katherine Harrington, President & CEO Continue Reading West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce – “The WEST Report: Mid-Year Momentum 2025” – (WEST = Work. Engage. Serve. Thrive.)
