Welcome to the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation
At the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, we are an award-winning organization dedicated to filling community gaps in new, unique, and innovative ways. Recognizing the potential to expand our impact, we brought together key stakeholders from across the region in the fall of 2023 to form the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation. By establishing a 501(c)(3) foundation, we can address community and regional needs in novel ways, ensuring sustainable growth for our city for the next 100 years. This initiative is part of ten new initiatives celebrating the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s 100-year anniversary. We aimed to do something big and meaningful to serve our population, and the foundation stands as a testament to our commitment to creating a thriving future for West Des Moines.
Mission
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation collaborates with area business leaders and key stakeholders to secure our future as a thriving community. We solve community problems, create opportunities, and serve as a support mechanism for our city, region, and state, helping position West Des Moines as the best place in America to live, work, and play.
Vision
Our vision is to be the premier nonprofit organization in our region that fosters innovation, addresses community needs, and acts as a catalyst for new ideas to help our community thrive.
Values
The core principles of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation are to:
- Innovate
- Create
- Collaborate
- Accelerate in serving the needs of our community.
- President: Katherine Harrington
- Chair: Chris Nelson – Principal / Shive-Hattery
- Chair Elect: Tina Mowry Hadden – Owner & Principal / Mowry Strategies and 2023 WDM Citizen of the Year
- Treasurer: Paul Schut – Technology Advisory / Marco Technologies
- Secretary: Renee Hardman – President & CEO / Lutheran Services in Iowa & West Des Moines City Council Member; Member At-Large
- Annie Brandt – Senior Vice President, Market Executive / Bank of America
- Kristi Burma – Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer / Athene
- Jon Hummel – Vice President Commercial Banking / West Bank
- Mike McCoy – CEO / NCMIC
- Matthew McKinney – Gov. Relations Counsel & Litigation Attorney / BrownWinick & West Des Moines City Council Member; At-Large & Mayor Pro Tem
- Jo Christine Miles – Director / Principal Foundation & Community Relations
- Eugene Meyer – Past Mayor / City of West Des Moines
- Loretta Sieman – Owner / LJS Consulting & Past West Des Moines City Council Member
- Therese Wielage – Chief Marketing & Communications Officer / Merchants Bonding Company
The Advisory Committee of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting and amplifying the Foundation’s mission and initiatives. Unlike the Board of Trustees, members of the Advisory Committee do not have voting rights and are not required to attend regular meetings. Instead, these esteemed leaders serve as advocates and champions for our work, providing valuable advice and direction as needed.
Members of the Advisory Committee help the Foundation by:
- Advocacy: Actively promoting and supporting the Foundation’s mission within their networks and the broader community.
- Advice and Direction: Offering strategic advice and guidance based on their expertise and experience, helping to shape the Foundation’s initiatives and projects.
- Connecting to Funding Sources: Linking the Foundation to potential funding opportunities, helping secure the resources necessary for our success.
- Idea Generation: Contributing innovative ideas and insights to enhance the Foundation’s efforts and amplify our impact.
- Facilitating Collaborations: Connecting the Foundation with individuals and organizations for potential collaborations and partnerships.
- Cheerleading: Serving as enthusiastic supporters and advocates, helping to build awareness and excitement around the Foundation’s work.
The members of the Advisory Committee are distinguished leaders in our region, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to the community. While they do not engage in the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, their support and involvement are invaluable. Their endorsement and affiliation with the Foundation underscore the importance and potential impact of our work in ensuring a strong and vibrant future for West Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Region.
We are grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication, and we are honored to have their names associated with the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Advisory Committee Members
- Brenda Cushing – Retired Insurance Executive & Board Member
- Dan Houston – Chairman & CEO / Principal Financial Group
- Jeff Reed – Founder and CEO / Momentum Studios
- Kathryn Kunert – Vice President Economic Connections and Integration / MidAmerican Energy Company
- Richard Hurd – Founder & President / Hurd Real Estate
- Sonya Jackson – Founder and President / eSJay Creative works
- Suku Radia – Retired Community Leader & Board Member
- Georgia Van Gundy – Deputy Director / Iowa Workforce Development
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to recognize the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to launching the organization:
- Dr. Anne Cooper
- Blake Crow
- Esfand Dinshaw
- Kristi & Jason Edwards
- Sarah & Tom Florian
- Renee Hardman
- Katherine Harrington & Craig Walter
- Joanie & Dan Houston
- Shanda & Jon Hummel
- Susan Judkins
- Harrison Kruse
- Rhonda & Mike McCoy
- LegacyBridge Private Family Office
- Chris Nelson
- Mark Peiffer
- Kourtney Perry
- Jaci Robson
- Sailu Timbo
Our Foundation Focus Areas
Workforce Development
Our foundation is committed to strengthening the local workforce by equipping individuals with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations, we aim to provide training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development initiatives that empower individuals at all career stages. By investing in workforce development, we strive to create a more skilled and adaptable labor force that meets the needs of our region’s employers, supports upward mobility, and ensures long-term economic vitality for West Des Moines and beyond.
Economic Prosperity
We believe that a thriving local economy is essential for the well-being of our community. Our foundation’s focus on economic prosperity involves fostering an environment where businesses can grow, innovate, and create jobs. We support initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, attract investment, and enhance the economic infrastructure of our region. This includes providing resources for small business owners, facilitating connections between businesses and potential partners, and advocating for policies that promote economic growth. Our goal is to build a diverse, dynamic, and resilient economy that benefits all members of our community and contributes to regional and state-wide prosperity.
Civic Engagement
A vibrant community is built on the active participation of its citizens. Our foundation is dedicated to promoting civic engagement by encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the future of West Des Moines. We support programs and initiatives that foster community involvement, leadership development, and collaboration among diverse groups. By engaging with local government, nonprofits, and community leaders, we aim to create a more inclusive and connected community where every voice is heard, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the common good. Through civic engagement, we build stronger, more cohesive communities that are better equipped to address local challenges and seize opportunities for growth.
National Trends –Â 501(c)(3) foundations have become a popular vehicle for chambers of commerce to support their community impact work and diversify their revenue. Workforce, education and talent, leadership programs, and scholarship programs were identified as the top focus areas for chamber foundations. Nearly two-thirds of chamber foundations nationwide are led by the chamber president/CEO.
Our Commitment –Â We are dedicated to helping fill gaps and supporting our members for the next 100 years in West Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Region, and the state of Iowa, ensuring that West Des Moines remains the best place in America to live, work, and play.
For more information, contact Katherine Harrington – President / West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation at katherine@wdmchamber.org or 515-689-4447 mobile.
Thank you for your interest. We are just getting started and look forward to making big impacts in the future.
Interested in your project being considered for the foundation?
Send us a brief email spotlighting your organization’s work and how it relates to the Foundation Focus Areas to help build West Des Moines – and our region and state – as the best in Iowa to live, work, and play. Send your information to katherine@wdmchamber.org in 300 words or less with your contact information for the Board of Trustees to review. Â