WEST DES MOINES NAMED 2022 TECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR
WEST DES MONES, IA (FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022) – West Des Moines, Iowa has been named 2022 Technology Community of the Year by the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI). The recognition was revealed at the 2022 Prometheus Awards presented by UHY LLP, Certified Public Accountants on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Ballroom in Des Moines, IA. Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, presented the award.
The qualifications for the award provided by TAI state:
“This award honors Iowa cities and regions that make great strides in preparing their community’s competitiveness for the 21st century by using information and communication technology to improve quality of life, business, education, and workforce. Communities should demonstrate investments in infrastructure, support of local tech companies and large users of technology, unique partnerships, and support of an entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
All awards were judged by a panel of distinguished technology leaders from across the state. Joining West Des Moines as finalists in the Technology Community of the Year category were Cedar Valley, Greater Dallas County, Marshalltown, and North Iowa Corridor.
"The city of West Des Moines is a leading example of what a tech-forward community can achieve," said TAI President Brian Waller. "Their innovative work is critical as we continue to position Iowa as a leader in technology, and we are proud to honor their vibrant community with the 2022 Technology Community of the Year Award."
The city-wide conduit project was a key area of emphasis in the nomination as West Des Moines continues its work to provide reliable, high-speed broadband access to its residents and businesses throughout the community. Additionally, several private and public developments including the MidAmerican Energy RecPlex, Des Moines University, and West Des Moines Community Schools Career and Technical Educational facility were highlighted in the nomination as well as various affordable housing initiatives.
“This honor represents true collaboration, innovation, and creativity by leaders throughout our community,” said West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble. “West Des Moines continues to be a leader as a result of public-private partnerships, investment in infrastructure, and a deep care for developing an equitable, inclusive, and accessible city for residents, businesses, and
organizations alike.”
In collaboration with the City of West Des Moines, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce also led several programs and events that were spotlighted in the nomination including the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit, which strives to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in West Des Moines, specifically for minority businesses and entrepreneurs, and the 2022 Economic Development Bus Tour that allowed residents and visitors to explore the innovation and development occurring in West Des Moines. The Chamber’s commitment to attracting and retaining a top workforce through its new 515 West publication was also mentioned.
“We are grateful to accept this recognition as Technology Community of the Year,” said Katherine Harrington, President & CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. “The WDM Chamber strives to spark innovation not just through our events and programs, but to inspire our members and overall business community to think big as we continue to position West Des Moines as the best place to live, work, and play.”
The West Des Moines community will continue to experience significant investment and development over the next several years to position itself as a leader in technology and innovation. The City of West Des Moines expects to surpass $1.1 billion in building permits valuation in 2022, a testament to the community’s planning and innovation in developing private-public relationships and supporting both its established districts like Historic Valley Junction, as well as its newer neighborhoods to the west and south portions of the city limits.
To learn more about the City of West Des Moines, visit wdm.iowa.gov and gowestdesmoines.com. Additional information about the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce can be found at wdmchamber.org.
About the City of West Des Moines
The rapidly growing community of West Des Moines recognizes the importance of quality of life which includes improvements in human development, education, health, environmental sustainability, as well as recreational amenities and social infrastructure. The City offers a wide variety of employment opportunities from retail to office to industrial. Housing options range from apartments to upscale townhomes and historic areas to new developments featuring every amenity. West Des Moines is committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and accessible community for its residents and visitors. Learn more at wdm.iowa.gov.
About the WDM Chamber of Commerce
The mission of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is to champion all things West Des Moines by strengthening our area companies, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top workforce to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. A 2022 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist, the WDM Chamber produces programs and events for everyone. Learn more about the WDM Chamber and how to get involved at wdmchamber.org.
About the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI)
Founded in 1997, The Technology Association of Iowa is a statewide, member-based organization focused on building and uniting Iowa’s technology community. TAI advances the tech industry through engaging programming, premier events, talent development, driving public policy, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion to lead Iowa forward. Get involved at technologyiowa.org and follow us on Twitter @technologyiowa and LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/technology-association-of-iowa.