From Katherine Harrington, President & CEO | West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
What a milestone year it’s already been for the award-winning West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce—and we have YOU to thank! Now in our 101st year of service, the Chamber is more energized than ever, working to make West Des Moines the best city in America to live, work, and play.
Our impact continues to expand well beyond city limits—30% of our members reside outside of West Des Moines—and we are now one of the largest Chambers in Iowa, approaching 1,000 engaged members.
In 2025, we are hosting over 175 events and gatherings of all sizes, building community connections that matter. These events wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible board, volunteers, committee leaders, sponsors, and partners. With over 30 active committees and micro-groups powering this work, we are deeply grateful for your involvement. Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished together in the first half of the year:
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
NEW! High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) – Presented by NCMIC
This inaugural program, in partnership with the West Des Moines Community School District, welcomed 31 impressive student leaders. With nearly 50 nominations, it’s clear our future is bright. In 2026, HSLA will expand to include full-day experiences, professional development, and off-site business immersion.
This inaugural program, in partnership with the West Des Moines Community School District, welcomed 31 impressive student leaders. With nearly 50 nominations, it’s clear our future is bright. In 2026, HSLA will expand to include full-day experiences, professional development, and off-site business immersion.
17th Annual West Des Moines Leadership Academy – Nationally Recognized
35 professionals participated in this transformative experience focused on leading self, others, and community. Their class project raised a record-breaking $61,000+ for West Des Moines Human Services.
35 professionals participated in this transformative experience focused on leading self, others, and community. Their class project raised a record-breaking $61,000+ for West Des Moines Human Services.
YURtern for Interns – Presented by Palmer Group
This top-rated summer series drew a record-breaking 470+ interns from 50+ companies across the region. With eight interactive events and a 9.2/10 satisfaction rating, YURtern continues to shape Iowa’s future talent.
This top-rated summer series drew a record-breaking 470+ interns from 50+ companies across the region. With eight interactive events and a 9.2/10 satisfaction rating, YURtern continues to shape Iowa’s future talent.
West YP (Young Professionals) – The Largest YP Network in Iowa
West YP continues to be the largest YP group in the state and is thriving with record-breaking attendance, an all-new app, and the launch of “VYP”—an exclusive program with perks for top-tier YPs.
West YP continues to be the largest YP group in the state and is thriving with record-breaking attendance, an all-new app, and the launch of “VYP”—an exclusive program with perks for top-tier YPs.
Reignite CommUNITY Awards – Oct. 22 at the Des Moines Botanical Garden
The 5th annual event has already seen record-breaking award nominations. A panel of 20+ community leaders will determine this year’s honorees who are making culture and community thrive.
The 5th annual event has already seen record-breaking award nominations. A panel of 20+ community leaders will determine this year’s honorees who are making culture and community thrive.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
President & CEO Katherine Harrington and the Chamber played a key role in two landmark city initiatives:
- New Economic Development Strategic Plan: In collaboration with the City of WDM, the Chamber helped select NEWMARK—a top-tier consulting firm—to shape the city’s economic future.
- WDM 2040 Community Vision Plan: Partnered with national futurist Rebecca Ryan to create a bold roadmap for the next 15 years.
Community Impact & Engagement Committee: Featured leaders from Des Moines University, Women Lead Change (WLC), and a dynamic panel of small business owners led by board member Kourtney Perry.
Latino Trade Network: This fast-growing, monthly group of business leaders fosters collaboration, lead generation, and community-building.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Out to Lunch – [Presented by the Explore WDM Committee]
This new dining series boosts foot traffic and business at local restaurants like Paw & Pints, El Toreado, and Urban Cellar.
This new dining series boosts foot traffic and business at local restaurants like Paw & Pints, El Toreado, and Urban Cellar.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
An annual metro-wide celebration of Dr. King’s legacy drawing community members of all backgrounds.
An annual metro-wide celebration of Dr. King’s legacy drawing community members of all backgrounds.
Luncheon Series
From Inspire 2025 to real estate insights and top marketing trends, our luncheons have seen record sold-out attendance and meaningful conversation.
From Inspire 2025 to real estate insights and top marketing trends, our luncheons have seen record sold-out attendance and meaningful conversation.
Visionary Leaders Legacy Forum
We’ve spotlighted Rob Denson, Greg Edwards, and have upcoming sessions with Marta Codina, Michelle Book, Mike McCoy, Therese Wielage, and Dan Houston.
We’ve spotlighted Rob Denson, Greg Edwards, and have upcoming sessions with Marta Codina, Michelle Book, Mike McCoy, Therese Wielage, and Dan Houston.
Civic Connect Committee Events
Legislative Breakfast at the Capitol and powerful conversations with civic leaders Renee Hardman and Tom Vilsack.
Legislative Breakfast at the Capitol and powerful conversations with civic leaders Renee Hardman and Tom Vilsack.
Networking Events
- Rush Hour: Hosted by BANK, Kerton Insurance, Blue Zoo, Smash Park, and The Cunningham Apartments
- Breakfast B4 Business: Hosted by Truth Chiropractic, DMU, Buena Vista University, Werner’s Stellian, and Shive-Hattery
- West Des Moines Leads: A monthly opportunity for members to grow business through meaningful connections
Volunteer Leader Kickoff
30 committee leaders gathered for a professional development session on influence, thanks to ATW and Shive-Hattery.
30 committee leaders gathered for a professional development session on influence, thanks to ATW and Shive-Hattery.
SIGNATURE EVENTS
Annual Dinner
A sold-out crowd of 510 celebrated “Wild Wild West Des Moines!”—a memorable evening with mechanical bulls and spotlights on Citizen of the Year Robert Palmer and Emerging Citizen Jennifer Hahn.
A sold-out crowd of 510 celebrated “Wild Wild West Des Moines!”—a memorable evening with mechanical bulls and spotlights on Citizen of the Year Robert Palmer and Emerging Citizen Jennifer Hahn.
Athene Black & Brown Business Summit – [Presented by Wells Fargo]
This global, award-winning event attracted 500+ attendees, 100 speakers, and $40,000 awarded in pitch competition prizes. Since 2021, over $190,000 has been awarded to entrepreneurs. This year introduced a Latina-owned business tour and powerful panels.
This global, award-winning event attracted 500+ attendees, 100 speakers, and $40,000 awarded in pitch competition prizes. Since 2021, over $190,000 has been awarded to entrepreneurs. This year introduced a Latina-owned business tour and powerful panels.
Raccoon River Palooza
Over 10,000 attendees enjoyed live music, family fun, 39 exhibitors, and 10 cardboard boat entries. It was our biggest year yet!
Over 10,000 attendees enjoyed live music, family fun, 39 exhibitors, and 10 cardboard boat entries. It was our biggest year yet!
INVESTOR EXPERIENCES
This year’s investor-exclusive events include:
- Iowa Wild Social
- Topgolf Social
UPCOMING EXCLUSIVE PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL EVENTS
- Sept 11: Dinner at the Governor’s Mansion, Terrace Hill
- Dec 4: Holiday Dinner at Ruth’s Chris
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH: JAN – JUNE 2025
- 24 Ribbon Cuttings
- 106 New Members
- 8 New Investor Members including:
Des Moines Buccaneers, Edward Jones – Cody Smith, Bolton & Menk, Ahern Fire Protection, Quantum Fiber, Walk Your Plans, B-Bop’s, ZarleyConley PLC - 935 Total Members
- 19 President’s Council Members
- 42 Ambassadors
MAYOR + CHAMBER SURVEY
NEW! A joint survey between the City of West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble and Chamber President & CEO Katherine Harrington gathered community insights with overwhelmingly positive feedback. See the results here.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
NEW! CEO Insights Podcast & YouTube Series – [Presented by ITA Group]
Produced by Trilix, this new multimedia platform features weekly conversations with Iowa’s top leaders and will be released soon.
Produced by Trilix, this new multimedia platform features weekly conversations with Iowa’s top leaders and will be released soon.
Influence & Reach
- 21,000+ active social media followers
- 5,500+ newsletter subscribers across 7 newsletters including The Weekender, 515 West Weekly, The Influencer, West YP Monthly, and Student Digest
- 18 press releases issued with 9 picked up by the Des Moines Business Record
- 6 CEO Insights videos released
TEAM & OPERATIONS
- Meredith Murphy promoted to Director of Future Workforce
- Everett Mullican promoted to Marketing & Communications Manager
- The Chamber is exploring new, creative office space to support future growth and entrepreneurial innovation
- April Panell of AKW Financial is the new Chamber accountant – Contact her at accounting@wdmchamber.org
CHAMBER FOUNDATION UPDATES
The West Des Moines Chamber Foundation is gaining momentum:
- $10,000 donation to the #BBBSummit pitch purse
- Record-breaking $61,000+ raised for WDM Leadership Academy class project
- Strong alignment with the city’s long-range economic strategy
KATHERINE HARRINGTON MILESTONE
- Katherine celebrates her 5-Year Anniversary with the Chamber! Read her story here → Five Years In
- This year, she was selected as a keynote speaker for two national Sammons Financial events. Her message, “The 6 Pillars of Influence: Build Your Reputation & Business” is inspiring leaders across the country.
THANK YOU
None of this would be possible without your support. Whether you’re a member, partner, sponsor, volunteer, or community leader—you are helping shape the future of West Des Moines.
Together, we’re not just building a Chamber.
We’re building a movement.
Here’s to what’s next and the WEST is yet to come! KH