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Chamber Community Involvement
In May, Trixie's Salon will be doing home renovations for a South Des Moines mother of twelve through Rebuilding Together. Rebuilding Together is a national US nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing free home repairs and modifications to low-income homeowners. On May 3rd, Trixie's staff and other local volunteers will be installing a new kitchen floor, replacing parts of the deck, and doing minor repairs on the bathroom of this South Des Moines home. Trixie's chose to volunteer with Rebuilding Together because they love giving back to the community, especially the south side. When they heard of a mother in need they could not pass up the opportunity. Trixie's Salon is now the team captain for this south side home, thanks to Rebuilding Together, and will need monetary donations along with volunteers to support the renovations. Please contact Tricia Rivas at 515-287-4220 to help in any way. Thank you for giving back to Des Moines!
The Energy Group is spearheading a Chamber team to help clean out, clear up and beautify the city of Des Moines on April 25th. Contact Emily Rice to volunteer.
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Volunteer of the Year: Bill Hansen
Bill Hansen will receive the Chamber's Volunteer of the Year award at this year's TOSS on May 1st. Nominees Traci Shoemaker ( NRI Insurance Services) and Stuart Alexander (Stuart Alexander Productions and One Source Production) will also be recognized for their volunteerism.
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Bill Hansen owns Hansen Graphics, a graphic design company, located at 3305 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. After graduating in 1981 from DMACC with a commercial art degree, Bill designed billboards as the Art Director for Naegele Outdoor Advertising Co.
After working for various ad agencies in the state, Bill started Hansen Graphics in 1988. He currently designs logos, direct mail, packaging, brochures, books, trade publications and newspaper ads for local, national, and international customers.
Bill has served on the DMACC Commercial Art Advisory Committee for over 15 years and has been on the Iowa Art Directors Scholarship Committee for over ten years. He is in his third year on the Harry K. Watts Scholarship Foundation, which has awarded over 213 college students with scholarships. Bill has been President of SW 9th Merchants Association for 3 years and is a member of Des Moines East and South Chamber of Commerce.
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Moving forward in 2014:
Chamber areas of focus
To move the Des Moines East and South Chamber of Commerce forward and better serve its members, the Board performed a S.W.O.T. (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis at the end of 2013. Conducted at the staff, Board and member level, the data was used as a guide to provide clear direction as the Chamber formed its 2014 goals and strategic plans, and currently, the information is continuously used as the Chamber works in 2014 to turn its weaknesses into strengths.
Strengths: Ability to maximize technology through the use of videos on the website and MyChamberApp
Weaknesses: Ability to set event goals and metrics
Opportunities: Increase membership with value added benefits
Threats: Increase participation at events and the threat of continuing to become a more unified organization.
The Chamber thanks those who participated in the membership survey in 2013 as we value member opinions and suggestions. With this information, we are continuously working to take our initiatives to the next level, so we can better help you expand your network and grow your business!
For more information on the S.W.O.T. analysis or to share suggestions or feedback with the Chamber contact, Michael Main, our 2014 president, or join the Board at its next meeting on May 15 at Hy-Vee Club Room, 4605 Fleur Dr.
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Adrian Martin, a resident of Luther Park Campus, has received recognition for his World War II service. In a ceremony at Luther Park Campus, Amy Beller of Senator Tom Harkin's staff, presented Martin with his medals and read a letter of thanks to him for his service.
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Meredith and Janet
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Des Moines East and South Chamber is excited to offer internships for area college students or individuals seeking to gain experience in marketing, communications, sales and business in general. We currently have three qualified students filling internship positions in our membership, events, and marketing departments. Interns gain experience shadowing staff and volunteers, communicating on a citywide level with both business leaders and elected officials, or working on event planning, marketing and membership - depending on the position. They can also benefit through networking with industry professionals and business leaders.
Meredith Luksetich is currently a senior at Iowa State University majoring in event management. She is finishing her last few credits here at the East and South Chamber. After graduation in May, Meredith plans to stay in the Des Moines area. She enjoys socializing with friends and meeting new people. As an adventurous eater she is always on the lookout for new places to eat.
Janet Vu Nguyen is currently a senior at Grand View University. She enjoys learning new things, giving back to the community, and spending time with her family and friends. After graduating in May, Janet plans to find a career in the financial field.
Cassie Saylor is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in advertising and event management. She is currently finishing her last semester and will graduate in August at the conclusion of her Chamber internship. Cassie plans to move home to Muscatine, and is very excited to spend more time with her family - especially her nieces. In the future, Cassie plans to treturn to the Des Moines area to work with nonprofits.
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ChamberMaster Update. We have updated our ChamberMaster Member Information Center to simplify and enrich your online experience, providing new opportunities to grow and interact within our organization. Some familiar tasks remain and other opportunities have been added, such as networking with other members. In the next 2 weeks, an email will be sent to all designated primary members with important information about the Member Information Center. Please review it, take any action requested and respond with any questions. Log in now to see the changes and remember to log in often to keep your information up-to-date and keep yourself in the know on what's happening.
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Des Moines is one of five cities selected by Fox News to send a resident reporter, Lauren Blanchard, for local coverage. The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed a relationship with Lauren, who has requested help in gaining story ideas to pitch to news directors at FoxNews.com, with the potential for coverage on Fox News Channel and Fox News affiliates. Areas of story interest include:
- Feature stories
- Ethnic and cultural
- Universities; unique studies
- Locally-owned businesses with a distinctive story
- Small businesses "doing it right"
- Military or political
- Meat/agriculture industry or festivals
- Other distinctive, unique, strange story ideas welcome
As story angles pop up for your organization, contact Lauren via the information below and mention you were referred as a Marketing Partner of the GDCVB.
Lauren Blanchard
lauren.blanchard@foxnews.com
Cell: (515) 491-8911 OR (202) 805-6207
For any questions, please email kristine@catchdesmoines.com.
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Thank you to our 2014 Board of Directors for their dedication to the success and progress of our Chamber!
In an effort to get to know our Board members and their businesses better, at least one is highlighted at each monthly Board meeting. Listed below are the members featured in the first quarter of 2014.
| Meghan Satterstrom, Kemin Industries
Meghan has worked at Kemin Industries for almost three years in the corporate marketing and communication department and currently focuses on employee communication. She lives in Beaverdale with husband, Tom, and two young daughters. Nora, the oldest, is 21 months and Molly is 3 months old. Meghan and Tom are adjusting to life with two little ones under two and looking forward to warm weather. When not juggling babies, Meghan enjoys traveling and all things food - creating recipes, cooking, shopping, and, of course, eating! Meghan has recently become involved with the Chamber and has really enjoyed meeting new people and seeing passionate business owners. Meghan loves Des Moines and is happy to help it grow through the Chamber.
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| Lew Bolton, Bolton & Hay
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Text "notify eschamber" to 313131
for event reminders!
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Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.
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