Merchants Bonding Company Announces New Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Melissa Harden
Merchants Bonding Company is pleased to announce that Melissa Harden will become Chief Marketing and Communications Officer as Therese Wielage retires in January 2026. Melissa will officially join Merchants on December 15, 2025. Melissa comes to Merchants from the Boston-based global marketing firm Digitas, where she served as Vice President and Group Director of Search Intelligence. At Digitas, she led a multi-disciplinary team in developing forward-thinking strategies to drive sustainable growth in an
WDM Chamber Announces Speakers for its 2025 December Luncheon: HR Innovation
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, November 18, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces its speakers for the December Luncheon: HR Innovation, co-presented by Bank Iowa and Shive-Hattery and supported by Connectify HR. This luncheon will focus on how innovation is reshaping Human Resources, with regional leaders discussing employee engagement, the use of AI in HR, effective attraction and retention strategies, modern benefits that support today’s workforce, and practical
West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce President’s Council Welcomes HPE Juniper Networking and R&R Realty Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, October 21, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that HPE Juniper Networking and R&R Realty Group have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. “Engaging with the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce as a President’s Council member is more than a badge,” said Tom Florian, Account Manager for HPE Juniper Networking, “It’s a commitment to the
WDM Chamber President’s Council Expands with Hubbell Realty and ITA Group
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Tuesday, July 15, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has announced that Hubbell Realty Company and ITA Group have joined its President’s Council, a group of key supporters committed to advancing the WDM Chamber’s mission and regional business growth. "At ITA Group, we believe that when you care about your people, growth follows," said Sarah Borchers, Global Marketing Leader – Enterprise. "For more than 60 years, West Des Moines has been the place we proudly
Recipients of the 2025 Reignite CommUNITY Awards Announced, Registration Now Open
WEST DES MOINES, IA (July 8, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) will host its fifth annual Reignite CommUNITY reception on October 22 at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The evening will focus on learning, growth, and celebrating efforts to uplift Iowans across the state. Honorees in nine award categories will be recognized throughout the night. The individuals and organizations being recognized include: Government: Mazahir Salih Student: Isaiah
West Des Moines Leadership Academy 2025-2026 Class Announced
WEST DES MONES, IA (JUNE 24, 2025) – The West Des Moines Leadership Academy (WDMLA), a program of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber), has announced its 2025-2026 class. This nine-month program will guide emerging leaders on a path to leadership effectiveness through experiential learning, critical thinking, and a community impact project. “This year’s class represents a dynamic group of leaders who are passionate about growth, not just for themselves, but for their teams and
West Des Moines Chamber Extends Nomination Deadline for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (May 30, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is extending the nomination period for Reignite CommUNITY 2025. Applications will be accepted until Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. “There are incredible individuals and organizations across Iowa driving real change,” said Kara Matheson, vice president of workforce development & culture for the WDM Chamber. “This extension gives more people the opportunity to highlight their impact and be recognized for their
WDM Chamber Opens Applications for Reignite CommUNITY
WEST DES MOINES, IA (April 29, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) has opened applications for the 2025 Reignite CommUNITY event. Applications close May 30 at 11:59 p.m. Reignite CommUNITY focuses on action and impact around four pillars: educate, elevate, celebrate and motivate. The event is designed to strengthen businesses, organizations, and communities through conversation and recognition. The 2025 Reignite CommUNITY event will be held October 22 from 5–7 p.m. at the Des
WDM Chamber Opens Registration for YURtern Summer Intern Program
WEST DES MOINES, IA (Mar. 4, 2025) - The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the opening of registration for its YURtern Summer Intern program. YURtern (which get its name from a combination of "It’s Your Turn" combined with the word "intern,"), now in its eighth year, offers opportunities for young professionals to gain insights from industry experts on networking, interviewing, and the transition from college to career. Graduates of the program have gone on to become influential
West Des Moines Chamber Launches High School Leadership Academy to Empower Future Leaders
WEST DES MOINES, IA (February 25, 2025) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) announces the launch of the High School Leadership Academy (HSLA), a new initiative designed to equip students with leadership skills, real-world experience, and career exploration opportunities. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and direct engagement with professionals, HSLA will help students in grades 9-11 within the West Des Moines Community School District develop the confidence and
WDM Chamber Reflects on Two Years of Talent Attraction Campaign
West Des Moines, Iowa – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is celebrating the impact of its two-year Talent Attraction Campaign (TAC), an initiative designed to strengthen the workforce pipeline and promote West Des Moines as a top destination for career growth. Through targeted programming and marketing, TAC helped businesses connect with job seekers at all levels. TAC was divided into two main pathways to attract and retain talent. The Coast-to-Coast Package expanded West Des
