Raise a Glass to Help Celebrate 100 Years of Growth: West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s Centennial Anniversary

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a monumental milestone — its 100-year anniversary. Over the past century, the Chamber has played a pivotal role in promoting local businesses, supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life in the city. To mark this special occasion, the Chamber has launched a donation initiative aimed at funding a brand-new Foundation to ensure a prosperous future for West Des Moines.

The Chamber Foundation: A Bold Step Towards the Future

The Foundation is designed to promote sustainable growth and community development by funding projects that enhance local business, education and infrastructure. Through the Foundation, the Chamber seeks to ensure that West Des Moines remains a vibrant, thriving community for businesses, residents and visitors alike.

The core principles of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation are to innovate, create, collaborate, and accelerate serving the needs of our community. The Foundation is centered around several key pillars:

• Workforce Development
• Economic Prosperity
• Civic Engagement

Workforce Development

The Foundation is committed to strengthening the local workforce by equipping individuals with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. Through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses and community organizations, we aim to provide training programs, mentorship opportunities and career development initiatives that empower individuals at all career stages. By investing in workforce development, we strive to create a more skilled and adaptable labor force that meets the needs of our region's employers, supports upward mobility and ensures long-term economic vitality for West Des Moines and beyond.

Economic Prosperity

We believe that a thriving local economy is essential for the well-being of our community. The Foundation's focus on economic prosperity involves fostering an environment where businesses can grow, innovate and create jobs. We support initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, attract investment and enhance the economic infrastructure of our region. This includes providing resources for small business owners, facilitating connections between businesses and potential partners, and advocating for policies that promote economic growth. Our goal is to build a diverse, dynamic and resilient economy that benefits all members of our community and contributes to regional and state-wide prosperity.

Civic Engagement

A vibrant community is built on the active participation of its citizens. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting civic engagement by encouraging residents to take an active role in shaping the future of West Des Moines. We support programs and initiatives that foster community involvement, leadership development and collaboration among diverse groups. By engaging with local government, nonprofits and community leaders, we aim to create a more inclusive and connected community where every voice is heard, and everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the common good. Through civic engagement, we build stronger, more cohesive communities that are better equipped to address local challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

In honor of this milestone, the Chamber has created two special fundraising items available for donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Foundation. The proceeds from the Chamber’s anniversary donations — including those raised through the sale of limited-edition items like the WDM 100 Reserve whiskey and custom Bozz Prints — will directly fund the Chamber Foundation. Every dollar raised will go toward supporting initiatives that fuel business success, provide educational opportunities and enhance the community’s overall quality of life.

WDM 100 Reserve Whiskey

For a $250 donation, contributors will receive a bottle of WDM 100 Reserve, a custom whiskey crafted exclusively for the Chamber’s centennial anniversary. Bottled by West Des Moines craft spirits company The Foundry, this limited-edition whiskey symbolizes West Des Moines’ spirit of innovation and excellence. Proceeds from the sale of WDM 100 Reserve will go directly to supporting the Chamber Foundation’s initiatives, helping fund projects that promote business development and education.

Also included in the package are two whiskey glasses, two slate coasters, one ice mold and one jar of bourbon cherries.

Custom Bozz Prints Artwork

For a $100 donation, supporters can purchase a custom print designed by Bozz Prints, a local artist known for their vibrant, artistic representations of city landmarks. This exclusive 18” x 24” print captures the essence of West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and is a fitting tribute to the Chamber’s century-long journey. Proceeds from the sale of these prints will also be used to fund Foundation initiatives, particularly those focused on community infrastructure and growth.

Featured within the print are images depicting “main street” business, professional networking, ribbon cuttings, educational events and local philanthropic giving.

By purchasing these commemorative items, donors are not only acquiring a unique piece of local history but are also directly supporting the Chamber Foundation’s efforts to invest in the future of West Des Moines. Act now … only 100 of these items were created for this milestone.

Contributing to the West Des Moines Chamber’s 100-year anniversary initiative is a meaningful way to celebrate the past and invest in the future. Whether through a direct donation or by purchasing one of the limited-edition fundraising items, your contribution will help shape the next century of progress in West Des Moines.

The Future of West Des Moines

The establishment of the Chamber Foundation is a bold step in ensuring that West Des Moines remains a vibrant and competitive business hub, while also enhancing the quality of life for its residents. With the Foundation’s focus on workforce development, economic prosperity and civic engagement, every dollar raised goes toward creating long-term, sustainable growth for the entire community. The future of West Des Moines is bright, but it requires continued investment from both the business community and residents. By supporting the Chamber Foundation, contributors can be a part of this exciting new chapter.

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s 100-year anniversary is more than just a celebration of the past — it’s an opportunity to invest in the future. Through the Chamber Foundation, the city will continue to grow, innovate and thrive for another century. Whether through a donation or the purchase of a limited-edition commemorative item, every contribution makes a lasting impact. You can also help launch the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation at a ribbon cutting event that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. This event will take place from 4 – 5 p.m. at 650 S. Prairie View Dr., Ste. 110 in West Des Moines.

Together, we can ensure that West Des Moines remains a community where businesses succeed, families thrive and opportunities abound.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the fourth largest regional Chamber of Commerce in the nation. Learn more about Partnership Affiliate Chambers, find out about Partnership Member benefits, browse the Membership directory and find Chamber events across the region.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.