Get involved!
Utilize your talents, develop new skills, and expand your network while being a part of meaningful initiatives that help make West Des Moines the best place to work, live, and play in America.
Submit an application at the bottom of this page for any committees you are interested in joining.
Ambassador Committee
These Chamber Champions are a dynamic group of dedicated individuals who serve as the enthusiastic and welcoming face of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. They play a crucial role in fostering a strong sense of community and engagement within the Chamber. Their primary mission is to support and connect with new and existing members and serve as liaisons between the Chamber, its members, and the broader community, while actively promoting networking opportunities and events that contribute to the growth and success of local businesses and the West Des Moines community as a whole.
WDM Chamber Names Connie Blodgett as 2023 Ambassador of the Year – View Full Press Release
CIVIC CONNECT – Government Affairs Committee
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’ Government Affairs Committee focuses on Education, Engagement, Encouragement for its members. This is a nonpartisan group of leaders and connectors who help to provide access, information, and proactive engagement that enhances the economic environment of West Des Moines businesses, and community.
Educate by providing situational awareness and information to members about relevant issues.
Engage members with the process and introduce them to the decision makers in the process.
Encourage policies that are good for members of the Chamber and the City of West Des Moines.
Priorities:
- Support annual Westside Legislative Breakfast with candidates in January.
- Host Candidate Forums for the West Des Moines Community School District, and the City of West Des Moines and additional opportunities to meet candidates.
- Host special events that include an opportunity to meet the Governor of Iowa and other political officials and dignitaries.
- Provide informational events to educate members about critical issues and the general public.
- Share information about legislative issues in newsletters and communications.
- Host trips to visit the Supreme Court, and other key areas of our government and political system.
CIVIC CONNECT is open to all Chamber Members, Investors, government partners and community citizens. To learn more, contact Katherine Harrington – President & CEO / West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce katherine@wdmchamber.org 515-689-4447
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
At the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, we champion inclusion as a fundamental value. We strive for justice, equity, and love in all that we do, embracing the rich tapestry of humanity within our community. We believe that belonging is the key to our shared success, and we extend a warm welcome to all.
The mission of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is to help promote and advance all voices within the BIPOC community in West Des Moines – and the State of Iowa and to put a spotlight on West Des Moines as the most inclusive city in the world. We welcome all ideas and perspectives and know that collaboration among a wide variety of groups with different backgrounds leads to a stronger community.
Watch this video to learn more about why leaders across the community prioritize diversity, equity & inclusion.
“This is one of the most gratifying volunteer opportunities I’ve ever had.” – Bobbi Segura, Women Lead Change
DEI Workplace Excellence Awards Committee
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Workplace Excellence Committee actively supports and organizes the DEI Workplace Excellence Awards, an annual recognition program designed to celebrate and honor individuals, teams, and initiatives that have made significant contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. Through this committee’s work, the purpose of the DEI Awards is to celebrate, educate, elevate, and motivate the inclusion work of our community.
Explore WDM Committee
A WDM Chamber Committee working to bring more visitors and economic development opportunities to our region through community festivals, concerts, athletics, and events.
- MISSION: To attract and host community & cultural events that exploits our venue assets and adds to our quality of life, workforce & business attraction, and helps to serve as an economic driver for our area restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
- GOAL: To increase perception that West Des Moines is the ‘most happening’ suburban city in America, help fill the entire Greater Des Moines region’s event gaps and see measurable differences in our area’s growth.
WDM Leadership Academy Advisory Council
The WDMLA Advisory Council provides support for the curriculum planning, recruitment, alumni engagement, and marketing of the program. Terms are one year with a maximum limit of four years of service, with each term beginning in July. Graduates of the program can be a part of this group of leaders who work to positively influence the future of WDM and the Greater Des Moines community through strategic leadership development.
West YP (Young Professional) Committee
Join the group of young professionals who lead the West YP program. These emerging leaders grow personally and professionally, expand their networks significantly, and positively impact the community. Members also have the opportunity to receive recognition as YP of the Year, Emerging Citizen of the Year, or an individual on the WDM Watch List for heightened exposure as a leader in the community. One spot in the WDM Leadership Academy will also be reserved for a West YP leader. One-year terms begin in January of each year with the option to continue with no maximum term limit. Learn more here about opportunities to join the leadership team.
100-Year Anniversary Committee
The 100-Year Anniversary Committee is a special group dedicated to planning and coordinating the celebratory events and initiatives for the upcoming centennial milestone of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, set to occur in 2024. This committee’s mission is to honor the Chamber’s rich history, celebrate its achievements, and engage the community in commemorating a century of business excellence, economic development, and community support. The committee aims to highlight the Chamber’s significant contributions to the region and its commitment to fostering growth and prosperity over the past 100 years.