Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Podcast

Carriker's Auto Outlet , highlighting its operational strategies and customer approach. The business operates  three conveniently located dealerships across central Iowa , making it accessible to a broad regional customer base. While offering a  wide variety of vehicles , Carriker's Auto Outlet demonstrates a  specialized focus on an extensive inventory of pickup trucks , catering to speci...

This podcast episode focuses on  818, a "tiny design empire" , showcasing how their  design-centric approach functions as a strategic problem-solving tool  rather than just focusing on aesthetics. The discussion highlights  three diverse case studies : Guide One Insurance, where a company history was transformed into an immersive, dimensional timeline; Jell's Community Fridge, which...

Meet Josh Miltenberger, construction executive for Greiner Construction. Josh began his construction journey by building a log cabin on a farm with his father. In this episode: 1.) Working with clients to make their projects come to life. 2.) Greiner’s history and moves into new markets. 3.) How the pandemic has affected the construction industry. 4.) Josh’s favorite things to do in Des Moines.

Meet Andi Fagen, founder of Creative DSM, a full-service marketing company. Contrary to popular belief, the "DSM" does not stand for Des Moines, as you’ll find out by listening. In this episode: 1.) Andi’s road back to Des Moines and her entrepreneurial journey. 2.) The importance of multi-prong marketing and how the pandemic has changed things. 3.) Benefits of coworking and networking. 4.) A piec...

Meet Josh Chamberlain, co-owner of Des Moines’ first and only independent comedy club Teehee’s Comedy Club in downtown Des Moines. In this episode: 1) Entertaining and improvisation and its benefits for business. 2.) An improvisation demonstration! 3) Lessons in failure. 4) Taking comedy classes at Teehee’s Comedy Club.

Meet Emilee Richardson, director of marketing and public relations for the Science Center of Iowa. In this episode: 1) The impact of the Science Center — now and for 50 years. 2) How people of all ages can enjoy. 3) The importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 4) Get involved with the Science Center. 5) Emilee’s role as a NASA Solar System Ambassador!

Staci Bennett is the new Des Moines Downtown Chamber Executive Director. She sits down with host Sid Juwarker to chat and introduce herself! In this episode: 1.) Learn about Staci's background.  2.) Hear some of her favorite downtown amenities.  3.) Listen to Staci's excitement and plans for the new role.  Read more about Staci here. Thanks for listening! 

Explore Systems Theory and Design with Fred Darbonne, Principal at Strategy by Design . In this episode: 1) Discover what this recent Des Moines resident loves most about our city. 2) Understand how working with congregations led to Fred's current work. 3) Hear why now is a perfect time to review your strategic plan. 4) Gain insight on why the strategic plan document is actually the least importan...

Meet Eric Heininger from EDEN+ , a local company that assists with non-profit campaign management and feasibility studies. In this episode: 1) Be on the inside and know what the acronym EDEN stands for. 2) Know how a background in engineering guides fundraising strategies. 3) Learn why they are sometimes referred to as "The Mary Poppins of Fundraising." 4) Listen to why the effects of covid may no...

Bonfire Strategy was co-founded by Lisa Rossi and she is applying her unique skills toward a powerful way of thinking. In this episode: 1) Learn how media and journalism skills play a role in listening. 2) Gain a powerful tool to unlock creativity. 3) Understand what makes up design thinking. 4) Hear local examples of design thinking in play. 5) Know how design thinking and comedy actually merge.&...

Megan Milligan is CEO at the Iowa Center for Economic Success , which helps businesses start and grow. In this episode: 1) Know about the myriad of services available to new and prospective business owners. 2) Hear about Megan's own journey from television and film to becoming CEO of this non-profit. 3) Listen to a story about one local Des Moines business and how they've adapted to the times of c...

Explore how Roxanne Pals, Lead Curator at Trilogy Change Collaborative , is giving people the power of managing change in their lives. She provides listeners with tips and tools, and provides insight about the changes we are experiencing now.   In this episode: 1)  Discover 3 tools every leader can use to manage change. 2) Learn how Roxanne's previous career led to creating this imp...

DSM Dance Party DJs owner, Martin Botts (aka DJ Marty McFly) discusses the event industry and how he's adjusted his DJ business and his non-profit, Conscious Crew , to the times.  In this episode: 1) Find out how DJ Marty McFly began his career. 2) Hear examples of how this business has evolved during the pandemic. 3) Gain insider knowledge on DJ event strategies. 4) Know about Conscious Crew...

Shawn Delleman, VP of Operations at Land Jet , discusses on how Land Jet is coming up and giving people another option for travel. In this episode learn:  1) How the set up in the environment inside the Land Jets is conclusive to teams meetings. 2) How the service is mobile accessible. 3) What makes Land Jet a unique Midwest company. 4) Get a glimpse into the interior and modern tech setup. 5...

James and Bridget Neely, owners of Bottle & Bottega, want people to uncork their inner artist. Is this an art class..? Looks more like a party to me! Brushes down, glasses up!  What does "Bottle & Bottega" mean exactly? "Art Uncorked" Everyone has an inner artist bottled up. Art-gistics, hours, and clients. Art-tertainment & instructor auditions.  See the big picture: from an...

The Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens recently celebrated their 40th birthday! Kelly Reilly , Director of Marketing, and Laurie Haeder , Events and Venue Coordinator, discuss the wide range of services the gardens has to offer that benefit your business, staff, family, and overall well-being. It's not a plant museum, it's a destination wedding, a lively boardroom, and a dynamic ever-changing ad...

Brandon Foldes, Founding Partner and CEO at SHYFT Collective , talks about challenging the way we think about design. SHYFT Collective seeks to focus on the reasons, gets to know their clients, and understand their why. In this episode: 1) Ever wonder about the "Y" in SHYFT? Learn why. 2) Hear about their decision to locate their office Downtown. 3) Learn how Des Moines differs from other cities i...

Karen Ligas, Executive Director at Everybody Wins! Iowa , discusses how reading to a child is a win for students, volunteers, schools, and companies.  Everybody Wins! Iowa is centered on increasing a child's success in school and life through one-to-one reading and mentoring experiences with volunteers. In this episode, learn: 1) Why reading aloud is preferred over independent reading. 2) The...

Matt Unger is CEO at DMARC (Des Moines Area Religious Council), an interfaith organization with a core membership with nearly 130 congregations from five faith traditions who come together around human needs. DMARC manages a Food Pantry Network consisting of 14 separate partnering food pantry sites , a Mobile Food Pantry , two food warehouses, and numerous community supporters. Last year, DMARC se...

Sid Juwarker, host of Downtown Chamberphiles and current Downtown Chamber Board Vice President, interviews Scott Seeliger, the 2019 Board President. Scott also represents Cognizant Technology Solutions as their Corporate Affairs Lead and Des Moines Site Leader. In this episode: 1) Catch up on the changes and progress that led to a successful year, including the Chamber’s 1st golf tournament at Wak...

Cassie Sampson, Owner of East Village Spa in the East Village downtown, shares insights about the industry and why a spa is more than just a place for relaxation. The spa opened in the East Village in Des Moines in 2008 and has grown from 1 person to over 25 employees today.  This episode sheds light on why this small business has been voted Cityview Readers' Choice winner for Des Moines' Bes...

Robbin McClelland, Manager of Brenton Skating Plaza , discusses the plaza and all its amenities. The Brenton Skating Plaza is a true asset to Downtown Des Moines. It's open for ice skating in the colder months and hosts a variety of events, including concerts, weddings and more all year.  In this episode: 1) What exactly is the Brenton Skating Plaza?  2) What we can expect for the upcomi...

Doug Fiore, President at Mercy College of Health Sciences , discusses the college’s rich history in Des Moines, where they are going next, and how you can be a part of it. In this episode: 1) Find out what program is in high demand right now. 2) Hear about the next expansion of the college. 3) Learn why the college connects with Downtown businesses & the community. 4) Find out how almost 800 s...

Greg Edwards, President & CEO at Catch Des Moines , talks about how they increase the number of visitors to Central Iowa and how businesses can benefit. Episode bonus: Greg, Sid, and Calvin share a few bad jokes in the studio. Catch the fun with this trio! This episode includes: 1) Why the Convention & Visitors Bureau is named Catch Des Moines . 2) About the new campaign – “The S’s are Sil...

"Gravitate To Business Success" (Episode 5) interviews Geoff Wood, Founder and Community Builder at Gravitate , a place for entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, startup team members and more in Des Moines. Gravitate is also home of the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce office! This episode includes: 1) Who benefits from coworking spaces. 2) The start-up dress code - a new business cas...