2025 West YP Memberships are officially open! Join or renew your membership HERE.

Want to learn more? Come to the free Information Session on March 11 at BeerStyles. Sign up 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.

Tell me more!

YPs across the metro can join this dynamic and driven group that meets monthly, rotating between socials and professional development opportunities. Check out the 2025 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.

What's included?

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.
Recognition opportunities such as the monthly WDM Watch List, YP of the Year, and Emerging Citizen of the Year.
Position yourself as a connector and resource with 3 free guest passes throughout the year.
Automatic acceptance into the WDM Leadership Academy for one nominated West YP leader (others can go through the regular application process here).

What's the cost?

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

Or, 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

Asking your boss to support your membership?

Good news: They’ll 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!

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. New members will receive an invite directly, but connect with our Membership Co-Chairs (contact information below) if you have any questions.

Next New Member Meet Up: March 18 at 5 PM

Want to check out what we’re all about before joining? Sign up for the January event. Otherwise, join below and you’ll receive a link to register for free. We can’t wait!

How do I get involved (OR RENEW)?

Individuals looking to join: Click the button below.

Businesses with 5+ YPs: Send us those names & emails.

NOTE: You don’t need to create a PayPal account, you can check out as a Guest. Once paid, you’ll receive a welcome email by Friday that will provide all information needed to start taking advantage of your benefits.

West YP is brought to you by

West YP Event Partner

Thank you host & supporting sponsors for welcoming our YPs:

Questions? Reach out to Kara Matheson, VP of Workforce Development & Culture or the leaders on the 2025 West YP Leadership Committee:

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

Kara Matheson,
Chamber Lead

WDM Chamber

Haley Gutschenritter,
Chair

Merkle Retirement Planning

Evan Guest,
Vice-Chair

American Equity

Britton Klomstad,
Past Chair

SVN Create

Chenoa Springer,
Member Engagement Lead

EquiTrust

Brock Hilton,
Recruitment Lead

MidWestOne Bank

Colin Guthrie,
Ambassador Lead

American Equity

Lucas Boraas,
New Member Engagement Lead

TEKsystems

Isabel Schwabe,
Social Co-Chair

Iron Horse Wealth Management

Jenn Christianson,
Social Co-Chair

Perficut

Cal Wagner,
Social Co-Chair

University of Iowa

Ross Palmer,
Philanthropy Co-Chair

Palmer’s Deli

Lauren Coon,
Philanthropy Co-Chair

Commerce Bank

Richelle Smith,
Marketing Chair

Merkle Retirement Planning

Levi Lefebure,
Newsletter Lead

Iowa Association of Business & Industry

Becca Novak,
Social Media Lead

Wellabe

Jacob Olson,
WDM Watchlist Lead

Palmer Group

Nick Paoli,
Professional Development Co-Chair

RJ Lawn & Landscape

Elizabeth Dworkin,
Professional Development Co-Chair

Corteva

Libby Nible,
Professional Development Co-Chair

Zirous

Additionally, Meet the West YP Ambassadors!

The Ambassadors are specialty leaders within businesses who have 5+ West YP members. They serve as advocates for the YP members with a goal of making new members feel welcomed and ensuring the events are an enjoyable experience for all.