Utilize + Support Local Businesses to Keep Downtown DSM Thriving

The Downtown Board Member spotlight allows Downtown Board Members to introduce themselves to their residents and customers while also showcasing their support and dedication to the region and our small business owners. Each member would have a chance to create a blog centered around attractions, dining and events that they enjoy and give them a moment to be recognized for the work that they put into the development of Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

Name, Title + Organization: Amanda Wiebers, President, Downtown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Amanda Wiebers Q+A

What specific role do you have that supports Downtown Des Moines (DSM)?

I have the privilege of sitting and leading the Downtown Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, which serves more than 250 member businesses in DSM.

How long have you been a part of the Downtown Board?

This is my first year sitting on the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Downtown Board, but I’ve been an active Board member of the Downtown Chamber for six years.

What are your favorite Downtown DSM attractions (Botanical Garden, Science Center, Sculpture Park, etc.) and why?

We frequent the Science Center of Iowa a good deal thanks to my two kids, and we love the bridges that connect the downtown core to the Historic East Village. We’re excited to get to the Lauridsen Skatepark soon!

What are some of your favorite Downtown DSM restaurants?

As a family, we love The Walnut or Malo. For date night, HoQ, Alba and ROCA are our go-tos!

What are some of your favorite small businesses in Downtown DSM?

Storyhouse Bookpub, Jane’s Family Shop, Ephemera, Amour, Bellhop, Fontenelle Supply Co. and 818 (A Tiny Design Empire®)

What have been some of your favorite #DSMlocal recent purchases?

Books from Storyhouse Bookpub, cocktails from Bellhop and snacks from the vendors at CelebrAsian (in early October)

What are some of your favorite Downtown DSM events (Des Moines Arts Festival®, World Food and Music Festival, DSM Book Festival, etc.)?

I enjoy CelebrAsian and the World Food & Music Festival — any opportunity that allows our family to learn more about the larger world around them. Personally, I enjoy the DSM Book Festival. It was a treat to sit in on the discussion with Tayari Jones (author of An American Marriage), which I read earlier in 2020, during the Festival this year.

What is your favorite Downtown DSM moment?

Market Day! I love stocking up on gifts for everyone on my list, as well as some for myself!

What are some new Downtown DSM developments that make you excited?

I’m excited for the new park that’s being planned for near EMC, as well as the soccer stadium and the ICON Water Trails project.

How do you think that others can support the development of the Downtown DSM area?

Continue to support shopping at small businesses in Downtown DSM and utilize the community amenities that are being built. The Downtown DSM area isn’t just about corporate office space — it’s vibrant and a neighborhood! Support of local commerce and community developments will keep the area thriving and vibrant.

Recently ranked a top five metro for number of economic development projects among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million, growth continues in and around Downtown Des Moines (DSM) in part thanks to unique public-private partnerships that allow community leaders to work together to invest in, grow and improve the city center. Learn more about other recent development projects in Downtown DSM.