From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
On April 1, 2020—yes, April Fools’ Day—I stepped into the role of President & CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. I had never worked at a Chamber before, the world was on pause, a global pandemic had shut down life as we knew it, and we were a team of just three people determined to serve, support, and find a way forward for our business community.
Today, I look back on this five-year journey with deep gratitude and pride. We now have a powerhouse team of eight full-time professionals—each one a leader in their own right—and we’re driving impact like never before.
We’ve transformed the Chamber into a modern, innovative force in our region, (not your Grandfather’s Chamber!) and in 2024, we celebrated a major milestone: 100 years of serving the West Des Moines business community. But we’re just getting started.
Growth by the Numbers
When I started on April 1, 2020:
- We had 701 members
As of March 31, 2025, we have 911 members — a 30% increase with a 90% membership retention rate. - We had 13 President’s Council members
Now we have 18 — a 38.5% increase - We had 74 Investor-level members
Now we have 99 — a 33.8% increase
This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens because of strong partnerships, bold ideas, and a team of incredible people working in sync toward a common goal.
Meet the Dream Team
I’m so fortunate to work alongside some of the most passionate professionals in the region. We are standing on the shoulders of giants and this work would not be possible without the brilliance and dedication of:
- Kara Matheson
- Tom Florian
- Meredith Murphy
- Everett Mullican
- Tricia Even
- Lauren Watson
- Jarod Galligan
- Intern Bryce Taylor
They are the engine that powers this Chamber and the heart behind every successful initiative.
Innovation & Impact: A Closer Look at Our Signature Programs
Over the last five years, we’ve created new revenue streams and grown a wide range of meaningful, profitable programs and events. Here are just a few that have shaped who we are today:
- West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Focused on workforce development, economic prosperity, and civic engagement, this new 501(c)(3) foundation allows us to build sustainable impact for future generations. - International Athene Black & Brown Business Summit Presented by Wells Fargo
A nationally recognized event that champions equity, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. With speakers from across the globe, it’s one of the largest summits of its kind in the Midwest. - Reignite CommUNITY Workplace Excellence Awards
A first-of-its-kind, statewide awards program celebrating companies in Iowa that are leading the way inclusion and belonging. - Best of the West Awards
Nearly 100 categories recognize the best people, places, and businesses across West Des Moines—voted on by the community, for the community. - Raccoon River Palooza
Our fun, family-friendly summer festival that brings thousands together at Raccoon River Park to celebrate music, food, community, and outdoor adventure. - West YP for Young Professionals
Now the largest young professionals program in the state, this network gives the next generation of leaders a place to grow, connect, and thrive and featuring a new groundbreaking app for members. - Latino Trade Network – A Chamber within our Chamber
A powerful group supporting Latino-owned businesses and professionals with bilingual resources, events, and a strong sense of community and culture. - Talent Attraction Campaign
Telling the story of why West Des Moines is the place to build your life and career—backed by regional marketing, data, and storytelling. - WDM Leads Networking Groups
Monthly networking meetups helping small business owners and professionals connect, grow referrals, and build long-term relationships. - Visionary Leaders CEO Forum
A powerful roundtable featuring C-level leaders sharing lessons on leadership, strategy, and innovation with our business community. - Mentoring for Women Summit
A sell-out event featuring near 100 mentors, a fashion show, and connection opportunities for hundreds of women leaders in the region. - Explore West Des Moines Committee
A community-led initiative highlighting the city’s vibrant districts, hidden gems, and quality of life amenities to residents, visitors, and future talent. - Civic Connect Governmental Affairs Committee
A space for members to hear directly from public officials and decision-makers on local, regional, and state issues impacting business. - Community Impact & Engagement Committee
Advancing meaningful equity work through programs, partnerships, in the regional community. - 515 West Magazine
A beautifully produced publication telling the stories of local businesses, leaders, and community impact. Widely distributed and regionally respected. - CEO Insights Video Series
Spotlighting regional business leaders through video interviews, offering transparent, powerful stories of success, challenge, and leadership. - 515 West Weekly & Email Storytelling
Dozens of new email newsletters that keep our members informed, inspired, and connected—with 166+ editions published annually.
Results We’re Proud Of
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve achieved together:
- Tripled our cash reserves
- Tripled sponsorship dollars coming into the Chamber
- Tripled our social media following across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X
- Over 30% of our members are now outside WDM—showing the Chamber’s strong regional draw
- Hosted 184+ events and gatherings in 2024
- Launched 30+ committees and microgroups (we started with just 2!)
- Donated over $250,000 to nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and students
- Earned 15 awards for our people, programs, and events, including Finalist for Chamber of the Year USA in 2022
- Grew YURtern into the largest intern program in the region
- Elevated the WDM Chamber to one of the top 3 Chambers in our region…and so much more!
Looking back, it’s humbling to think about the challenges we started with—and the energy, innovation, and trust it’s taken to get to where we are now. But we didn’t do it alone.
To our board of directors, members, sponsors, hundreds of volunteers who fuel our work, community leaders, and supporters: thank you for believing in this work, for showing up, and for helping us build something truly special.
Our north star is and always will be to help make West Des Moines the best city in America to live, work, and play. And as I look ahead, I know with certainty…
The WEST is yet to come!
With deepest gratitude,
Katherine Harrington
President & CEO
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce