WDM Chamber Announces Catalyst Award Presented by Principal®, to Be Awarded at Athene Black & Brown Business Summit

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 8, 2025) – The 2025 Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo will introduce an exciting new honor this year: the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal^®. This award will recognize one standout finalist from the Summit’s Pitch Competition, where eight innovative entrepreneurs will showcase their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience.

"We are thrilled to support this pitch competition because it embodies our commitment to fostering innovation and empowering small businesses, said Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal Foundation, and Community Relations. "By enabling conference attendees to vote for their favorite pitch, we're giving a powerful voice to the community -- the community from which businesses draw their customers -- and directly investing in entrepreneurial growth.”

Unlike the traditional judging process, the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal winner will be determined by Summit attendees, who will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pitch. The award aims to celebrate a business that not only demonstrates strong market potential but also makes a meaningful impact on society.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Principal People’s Choice Award as part of the Pitch Competition,” said Katherine Harrington, WDM Chamber President & CEO. “This gives our attendees an active role in elevating a business that resonates with them—whether through its innovation, social impact, or entrepreneurial vision.”

Finalists will be evaluated based on key criteria, including:
Overall Presentation – Clarity, confidence, and effectiveness in conveying the business concept.
Positive Impact on Society – How the product or service contributes to the greater good.
Scalability & Growth Potential – The business’s ability to expand successfully.
Vision & Mission – A strong and inspiring purpose driving the business forward.

The winner of the Catalyst Award, presented by Principal, will be announced at the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, which takes place April 16-17, 2025, in West Des Moines, IA.

For more information about the Summit and the Pitch Competition, visit bbbsummit.com.

Sponsors and partners
The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners committed to advancing equity, innovation and entrepreneurship.
 
Athene is the naming sponsor. Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor. The Principal Financial Group Foundation^® is sponsoring the newly introduced Catalyst Award. Bank of America is sponsoring the Pitch Competition.
 
Additional sponsors and supporters include Amplified DSM, Arroyo Photography, Bankers Trust, Belin McCormick, BMO, Chase, ClaimDOC, Delta Dental Foundation, Elevate by Principal, EMC Insurance, F&G, Google Fiber, Greater Des Moines Partnership, Hy-Vee, IMT Insurance, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Krause Group, Merchant Bonding Company Foundation, Microsoft, MidAmerican Energy Company Foundation, Musco Sports Lighting, NCMIC, Sammons Financial, Smash Park, UnityPoint Health, Verizon Business, Whitfield + Eddy
 

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About the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit
The Athene Black & Brown Business Summit is an annual event dedicated to providing a platform for Black and Brown professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to share insights, inspire change, and foster connections. The summit serves as a catalyst for growth, empowerment, and collaboration within the community.
 
About Principal Financial Group^®      
Principal Financial Group^® (Nasdaq: PFG) is a global financial company with nearly 20,000 employees¹ passionate about improving the wealth and well-being of people and businesses. In business for 145 years, we’re helping approximately 70 million customers¹ plan, protect, invest, and retire, while working to support the communities where we do business. Learn more about Principal and our commitment to building a better future at principal.com. 4368776-042025   
   
¹ As of December 31, 2024  
 
About Athene
Athene is the leading retirement services company with over $360 billion of total assets as of December 31, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

About the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 900 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org