West YP Logo

Sign up HERE, it’s only $40 for the rest of 2024!

Looking for advice on asking your boss to support your membership? Good news! See here.

Want to get an idea of what events are ahead this year? Check out the list here.

What is West YP?

West YP is the largest YP program in the state! This West Des Moines Chamber program is developed by young professionals for young professionals. 

It provides the opportunity to grow your leadership, make an impact on the community, develop lasting connections, and have memorable experiences

To move forward with your personal and professional goals, go west. Go West YP. 

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Tell me more!

Young professionals across the metro can join this dynamic and driven group that meets monthly, rotating between socials and professional development opportunities. Check out the 2024 schedule of events below to give you an idea of what’s ahead, as well as all the benefits and opportunities to set you up for success. 

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  • Event fees waived for the whole year. No additional payments each month!  
  • Read what the CEOs are reading. Get a one-year Business Record membership for $31, discounted from $75.
  • Position yourself as a connector and resource with 3 free guest passes throughout the year.
  • Recognition opportunities such as the monthly WDM Watch List, YP of the Year, and Emerging Citizen of the Year. 
  • Automatic acceptance into the WDM Leadership Academy for one nominated West YP leader (others can go through the regular application process here).

You get all of this and more for only…

  • $80/year if your business is a member of the WDM Chamber
  • $100/year if your business is not a member 

Businesses who have 5+ young professionals they want to experience West YP can select a “business package” level below which comes with discounted group pricing.

  • $400/year for 5 – 10 young professionals
  • $800/year for 11 – 20 young professionals
  • $1,500/year for 21 or more young professionals 
*Rates will be automatically prorated
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Looking for help asking your boss for their support in paying for your membership? Keep scrolling! 

West YP Event Partner

West YP is brought to you by

How do I get involved (OR RENEW)?

Businesses looking to sign up 5+ members, simply send us those names & emails. Individuals looking to join, complete the form below. 

If we haven’t already, we can’t wait to meet you! Welcome to West YP. 

Once you complete the form above, you will be redirected to a page for payment options. Once paid, you will receive a welcome email that will provide all information needed to start taking advantage of your benefits. 

New Member Meet Ups:

If you’re a new member who would like to meet some friendly faces before going to your first big event, we encourage you to join us for an upcoming New Member Meet Up. These will be held from 4 – 5 PM on April 3, June 20, and October 10. New members will receive an invite directly, but connect with our Membership Co-Chairs (contact information below) if you have any questions.

Looking for advice on asking your boss to support your membership?

Good news: They’ll likely be thrilled to hear about your interest! Getting involved shows you have initiative, want to develop as a professional, are interested in expanding your circle of influence, and value making a greater impact on the community. Talk about employee goals! 

We created a resource you can use as a template to seek your employer’s support in paying for the membership. See email template here

ADDITIONAL TIPS:

  • Customize this to your voice before you send it.
  • Confirm if your business is a WDM Chamber member (see here) to make sure you include the accurate West YP membership amount.
  • Remember that pricing is prorated each quarter, so adjust the pricing in the template accordingly.
  • If you’re asking on behalf of a group of YPs, you might qualify for the “business package” discounted group pricing. All of this information is above! 

Already a member but want a fellow YP connection to join?

When you refer someone to join West YP (it’s only $40 for the rest of 2024!), both you AND the new member will receive a gift card as a token of our appreciation. Plus, they’ll never forget who introduced them to the program that led to so many game-changing connections, learning, and growth!

Step 1: Tell someone what you love about West YP.

Step 2: Encourage them to join on this very page, and they can include your name in the last “referral” field above.

Step 3: We’ll then have gift cards with your names on them at the next event.

Simple as that! Spead the word, earn rewards, and let’s have some fun paving the way as young professionals in Central Iowa.

Thank you to the following host & supporting sponsors for welcoming our young professionals:

Questions? Reach out to Kara Matheson, VP of Workforce Development & Culture or the leaders on the 2024 West YP Leadership Committee: 

Learn more here about opportunities to get involved with the West YP leadership team. 

Kara Matheson,
Chamber Lead

WDM Chamber 

Britton Klomstad,
Chair

SVN Create

Headshots (4)

Haley Gutschenritter,
Vice Chair

Merkle Retirement Planning

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Nora Walsh,
Past Chair

SVN Create

Evan Guest,
Membership Co-Chair

American Equity

Brock Hilton,
Membership Co-Chair

MidWestOne Bank

Headshots (3)

Richelle Smith,
Marketing Chair

Merkle Retirement Planning

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Emily Cooper Smith,
Design Lead

Cooper Smith & Company

Headshots (8)

Edward Wollner,
Professional Development Co-Chair

UCS Healthcare

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Jason Mata Vargas,
Professional Development Co-Chair

Northwestern Mutual

Ross Palmer,
Philanthropy Chair

Genuine Cable Group

Isabel Schwabe,
Social Co-Chair

Iron Horse Wealth Management

Headshots (9)

Gretchen Schrock,
Social Co-Chair

Country Financial

Chelsey Kimmel-Kendrick,
Social Media Lead

West Bank

Morgan Ramsey,
Video Lead

MidWestOne Bank

Levi Lefebure

Levi Lefebure,
Newsletter Lead

Iowa Association of Business & Industry

Jacob Olson,
WDM Watchlist Lead

Palmer Group

Noah Slagter,
Engagement Lead

Northwest Bank

Colin Guthrie,
Ambassador Lead

American Equity

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