By Katherine Harrington – President & CEO, West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and President, WDM Chamber of Commerce Foundation
This summer Anne Cooper – Secretary of the Board for the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and Everett Mullican – Director of Marketing for the Chamber, joined more than 1,200 chamber leaders from across North America at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Annual Convention in New Orleans. The conference brought together the brightest minds in our industry to discuss one important question: How do communities thrive in a world filled with uncertainty? The opening keynote by ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly wasn’t simply about chambers of commerce; it was about people. It was about resilience, innovation, trust and hope. Most importantly, it reinforced why organizations like the West Des Moines Chamber have never been more important than they are today.
The world feels different than it did just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry. Businesses continue to navigate workforce shortages and economic uncertainty. Political division often dominates the headlines, and the pace of change seems to accelerate every day. Yet amid all of that disruption, one truth has become remarkably clear: people still trust local relationships.
One of the most compelling statistics shared during the keynote revealed that 81% of Americans view their local chamber of commerce as a trusted resource and partner for businesses. That statistic stopped many of us in our tracks because trust isn’t built overnight. It is earned over time through relationships, collaboration and a shared commitment to making our communities stronger.
That is exactly what chambers do.
Every networking event creates a new connection. Every leadership program develops future community leaders. Every ribbon cutting celebrates entrepreneurship. Every advocacy effort gives business a stronger voice. Every workforce initiative helps connect employers with talent. These aren’t simply events on a calendar—they are opportunities to strengthen the fabric of our community.
One of the keynote’s most memorable messages was that “Resilience means bouncing back… adapting forward.” That philosophy perfectly describes West Des Moines. Our community has never waited for change to happen, we embrace it, shape it and lead it.
Every day, the West Des Moines Chamber is investing in the future of our region. Through programs like the West Des Moines Leadership Academy, the High School Leadership Academy, West YP and YURtern, we are developing the next generation of leaders. Through our work on the future West Des Moines Innovation Center, we are creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow. We are helping companies understand and prepare for artificial intelligence, advocating for thoughtful economic development and bringing together business, education, government and nonprofit leaders to solve some of our community’s biggest challenges.
Another message that resonated throughout the conference was simple but powerful: Innovation isn’t optional. Communities that stand still risk falling behind. The most successful chambers across North America are no longer simply hosting events, they are leading workforce strategies, supporting entrepreneurs, embracing new technologies, convening important conversations and helping shape the future of their communities. That is exactly the direction the West Des Moines Chamber has embraced.
Sheree also shared research showing that people who believe they are making a difference in their communities are among the most resilient and committed professionals. As she put it, “Purpose anchors people.” I couldn’t agree more. Serving as President & CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber isn’t simply a career, it is a privilege. Every day I have the opportunity to witness businesses helping businesses, experienced leaders mentoring emerging leaders, companies investing in our schools and nonprofits, entrepreneurs creating jobs and neighbors coming together to improve our region. Those moments remind me why this work matters so deeply.
For our members, Chamber membership is far more than attending events or displaying a logo on a website. Membership is an investment in the future of West Des Moines. It is a commitment to collaboration over competition. It is choosing optimism over uncertainty and believing that when businesses, nonprofits, educators, elected officials and community leaders come together around a common purpose, extraordinary things can happen.
As the conference concluded, one final message appeared on the screen: “Chambers Change Things.” Those three words perfectly capture why the West Des Moines Chamber exists. We are here to strengthen businesses, develop leaders, create opportunity and unite our community around a shared vision for the future.
I left New Orleans inspired, not because of one keynote speech, but because it reaffirmed what we see every day here in West Des Moines. Our greatest strength has never been our buildings or our programs. It has always been our people. When over 1,000 businesses choose to work together instead of alone, remarkable things happen. Businesses grow. Leaders emerge. Communities thrive.
That is the power of a Chamber.
And that is why, now more than ever, chambers truly do change things. KH