From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
As the proud president and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to share how we are driving economic development in our city, region, and state through various innovative programs and initiatives. Our commitment to supporting minority business owners and fostering a diverse, inclusive community has earned us national recognition, and we continue to build on this success.
In 2022, the West Des Moines Chamber was recognized as one of the top three chambers in the nation by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). This prestigious accolade reflects the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the impactful programs we have developed over the past four years. Our commitment to economic growth has also earned us the Greater Des Moines Partnership Equity Innovation Award for the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, a brand-new category created specifically for this recognition. Additionally, we received the West Des Moines Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Organization Leadership Award in 2021, and I was honored by Public Relations Society of America Iowa Chapter with the 2022 Iowa Advocate Award.
Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Presented by Wells Fargo
One of our flagship events is the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo, which attracts nearly 700 dreamers, innovators, and trailblazers from around the world. This summit provides a platform for minority business owners to learn, grow, and thrive. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and Athene, we have donated over $150,000 to pitch competition winners who are minority business owners in Iowa and across the nation. This event not only celebrates entrepreneurial excellence but also provides critical financial support to help these businesses succeed.
Latino Trade Network
The Latino Trade Network (LTN) is another key initiative designed to support Latino entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals. Nearly 100 participants meet monthly in small groups to share best practices, provide referrals and leads, and learn from LTN mentors. These small group meetings are complemented by larger networking events throughout the year, fostering a vibrant community of collaboration and growth.
DEI Workplace Excellence Awards
Our DEI Workplace Excellence Awards presented by Chase recognizes individuals, organizations, and companies for their efforts in creating welcoming environments for our rapidly growing immigrant population. This event is centered around four pillars: educate, elevate, celebrate, and motivate. By highlighting the achievements of DEI champions, we inspire others to expand their own initiatives and make a tangible impact in their workplaces and communities.
Did you know that Des Moines’ immigrant population has been among the fastest-growing in the country over the past decade? According to a report by Heartland Forward, the number of foreign-born residents in the metro area increased from about 40,000 in 2010 to approximately 60,000 in 2019. This growth represents more than a fifth of the metro’s total population increase during that period. Reserve your space today for the September 10th event.
Support for Minority Owned Businesses
We are proud to support 50 minority-owned businesses that are members of our Chamber, a significant increase from just 2 in 2020 when I started as President. The benefits of being a Chamber member are numerous, and the word is spreading about the value and opportunities we provide.
LGBTQ Leaders Luncheon
This year, we held a special LGBTQ Leaders Luncheon on February 15th, featuring representatives from Capital City Pride, One Iowa, Iowa Safe Schools, Iowa LGBTQ Chamber, and the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. This event focused on how we can better support the LGBTQ community and foster a more inclusive environment for all.
Mentoring for Women Summit
We had our most successful 7th annual regional Mentoring for Women Summit on March 8th at Prairie Meadows this year. This event featured 55 mentors at a special full-day event, including a breakfast, fashion show at lunch, and afternoon cocktail reception. With record attendance of 330 registrants, this event was truly unforgettable. Over the years, the WDM Chamber of Commerce and Clive Chamber have assembled women leaders for this unique experience, providing an unparalleled opportunity for learning and networking. Someone told me the other day that attending this event was life changing.
As our population evolves, we are excited to tell the stories of how people are helping to attract and retain talent, creating a community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or whom they love. Our initiatives are not just about celebrating diversity but also about taking action and making a real difference.
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is committed to driving economic development through inclusivity and support for minority business owners. Our award-winning programs and initiatives continue to foster a thriving, diverse community that is poised for sustained growth and success. Reach out to me and I am happy to see how we can help your business grow and thrive!