Affiliate Chamber Spotlight: 2020 DSM West Side Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Name

DSM West Side Chamber of Commerce

Elected leader for 2020

Shelby Bobbett – President of the Board

Professional Staff Leader of the Chamber

Darrell Sarmento – Executive Director

Number of Members

260

What Inspired You to First Get Involved with Your Chamber?

I was new to Greater Des Moines (DSM) when I first got involved in the West Side Chamber, and it was the perfect opportunity to make connections that were meaningful to my career, right from the start.

What’s a Signature Offering of Your Chamber?

We are passionate about the West Side. If you are doing business on the Des Moines West Side, we are the best place to start. We provide the connections to local leaders, decision makers and resources to help your business be known and succeed. Our Chamber continues to grow with over 260 members and over 20 ribbon cuttings in 2019. 

Along with all the regular ribbon cuttings, networking and educational events that most Chambers offer, our highlights currently include:

• Wake Up West Side! — a monthly networking time that moves to various businesses and locations throughout the West Side. It’s always a great way to start the day.
• Economic Development Bus Tour — encouraging economic development is a priority for our Chamber. This annual “can’t miss” event currently highlights more than $250 million in economic development on the west side. The event is held the first Friday after Labor Day. Recent features have included Merle Hay Mall, The Douglas Ave Corridor, the 6th Ave Corridor, Ingersoll & Grand and The Roosevelt District. The Drake University area and “Dogtown” will be a major focus on our 2020 tour.
• Annual West Side Celebration and Business Awards — held annually and rotates through various locations around the West Side. Our 2020 Celebration was held at FLIX Brewhouse and Gameday Sports Bar and Arcade at the Merle Hay Mall.
• B.O.S.S. Program (Business Owners Success Strategies) — a monthly gathering of business owners, managers and nonprofit leaders to discuss issues and challenges in a confidential setting.

What is Your Chamber’s Biggest Accomplishment in the Past 12 Months?

We are excited to receive funding from Drake University and the Neighborhood Development Corporation to enable us to hire an intern for our Drake Initiative which launched in early 2020. This 2-year initiative will lead the way to branding and establishing Dogtown as a business, dining and entertainment district.

What Are Your Upcoming Events?

Our Mid-Metro Chamber Open is our new Golf Tournament in partnership with the Windsor Heights Chamber. It will be held on Thursday, August 6 at Waveland Golf Club. Our presenting sponsor is Colby Interests and registration begins Friday, May 1.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the fourth largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about Partnership Affiliate Chambers, browse the Membership Directory and read additional Affiliate Chamber spotlights.