Des Moines Sun

During its April 3 meeting, the West Des Moines City Council received an update from the Chamber of Commerce outlining efforts to promote the city and drive business growth.

Chamber board member Josh Hummel and Chamber President Katherine Harrington spoke to the council about their efforts, noting that six newsletters go out. With more than 720 members, the Chamber hosts 150 events annually. It had 50 ribbon cuttings last year, and it was recognized as one of the top three chambers nationwide.

“We've now eclipsed a million-dollar revenue mark, so I'm not sure of any other chambers in the metro that have done that,” Hummel said during the meeting. “150-plus events every year, just really good programing and good corporate collaboration with our with all our businesses.”

Harrington provided an update on upcoming events, including the Athena Black and Brown Business Summit on April 20-21; the Raccoon River rally event; and the Citizen of the Year program, which has been going on for more than 75 years. She also noted that the Chamber will mark its centennial in 2024 and is planning celebrations to celebrate the milestone. Additionally, they played a video for the council showing highlights from 2022, with Hummel commenting that it demonstrates the role the Chamber plays in the community.

“The impact that the Chamber has had—and I've been on the board since 2017, going on six or seven years now—it's been really, really good,” Hummel said. “And so I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to be here and thank you for the financial support that you've given the Chamber over the years. It really goes a long ways.”

Mayor Russ Trimble offered his thanks to Hummel and Harrington for the Chamber’s efforts in the business community and commented that the City couldn’t ask for a better partner to support the community.

Councilwoman Renee Hardman, who is the council’s liaison for the Chamber, said she has been impressed with the passion and equality the organization incorporates at each meeting.

Harrington noted during the meeting that the goal of the Chamber of Commerce is to make West Des Moines the best city in the country, and all of their efforts center on that—including how well they work with the City.

“I love how we were working so closely with the City,” she said.

Harrington said the organization’s four key pillars include attracting and retaining workforce talent, supporting Chamber members, providing the tools to drive business development, and making the city a more welcoming place.

“So everybody, no matter who you are or where you come from or who you love, you are welcome in the city of West Des Moines,” she said.