Blog

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
Minority-Owned Businesses in West Des Moines & Des Moines
View a list of Black and African owned businesses in West Des Moines. Continue Reading Minority-Owned Businesses in West Des Moines & Des Moines

The 2019 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide
View the 2019 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide. Continue Reading The 2019 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide

Greater Des Moines Partnership Resources
View this list of resources provided by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Continue Reading Greater Des Moines Partnership Resources

Resources Provided by Teree Caldwell-Johnson
A list of resources on being an ally and the BLM Movement provided by Teree Caldwell-Johnson. Continue Reading Resources Provided by Teree Caldwell-Johnson
Free Resources
A list of free movies, shorts and best practices provided by Angela Jackson. Continue Reading Free Resources
VĂ¡zquez Law Office
Member Spotlight – VĂ¡zquez Law Office Hi, I’m Gabrielle VĂ¡zquez, founder of VĂ¡zquez Law Office, launched right here in West Des Moines in August 2025.… Continue Reading VĂ¡zquez Law Office Continue Reading VĂ¡zquez Law Office
What Makes a Workplace Work Today
By Jenny Livingston, Vice President – Human Resources, R&R Realty Group Continue Reading What Makes a Workplace Work Today
Allegra Marketing Print and Mail
Member Spotlight – Allegra Marketing At the core, all of Allegra’s products and services help businesses get noticed, attract customers, and grow. Whether it’s a printed… Continue Reading Allegra Marketing Print and Mail Continue Reading Allegra Marketing Print and Mail

WDM Watch List: Cal Wagner
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Cal Wagner
Reka Luxury Travel
Member Spotlight – Reka Luxury Travel My name is Elaine Ware, and I am the founder of Reka Luxury Travel, a boutique travel design firm.… Continue Reading Reka Luxury Travel Continue Reading Reka Luxury Travel
Building the Future: Exploring Hubbell’s Homebuilding Opportunities
by Brendtly Lauck | Risk Advisory Manager Continue Reading Building the Future: Exploring Hubbell’s Homebuilding Opportunities

WDM Watch List: Nick Paoli
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Nick Paoli
Building an AI-Ready Data Foundation: Turning Information into ROI
by Brendtly Lauck | Risk Advisory Manager Continue Reading Building an AI-Ready Data Foundation: Turning Information into ROI

WDM Watch List: Jessica Amundson
WDM Watch List highlights emerging leaders each month that you should know. Continue Reading WDM Watch List: Jessica Amundson
Investing in What Matters: Customers, Properties, and Long-Term Value
By Jeremy Shepherd, President, R&R Realty Group Development Services Corporation Continue Reading Investing in What Matters: Customers, Properties, and Long-Term Value


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