Oye!
West Des Moines Chamber's Really, Really 'Big Deal'
The Big Deal, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s biggest event of the year, is March 30 at the Val Air Ballroom.
The event runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets include food catered by the Embassy Club, desserts provided by Cache, two drink tickets and two raffle tickets for prizes that include an iPad 2, 55-inch television, a gas grill or a $50 shopping spree.
Over 100 individuals took advantage of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Breakfast B4 Business this morning at the West Des Moines Business Incubator (www.wdmbusinessincubator.com). The event was hosted by Compass Financial, and showcased all of the businesses currently located within the Incubator. They include:
KCL Engineering - Kris Kunze and Mark LaCroix
SBDC International Trade Center - Debbie Franklin
Canvis - David Gion
Midlands Testing Services, Inc. - Lorelee Byrd
One Social Media - Joe Soto
Good Nutrient - JP Singh
Symbiotic Advantage - Nik Refsland
Black Iops - Mark Brown
Current Wind - Derek Sadler
Source Trivia - John Pestotnik
Mentoring services are provided to the Incubator clients for free by the Mid-Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC provides business help to entrepreneurs in 5 counties - Polk, Dallas, Warren, Jasper and Marion. If you would like more information on their services please contact Jan Bruene at 515-331-8954.
If you would like information or a tour of the West Des Moines Business Incubator please contact Jo Eckert at 515-222-3621 or jo.eckert@wdm.iowa.gov<mailto:jo.eckert@wdm.iowa.gov>
Press Release from Iowa Gun Owners
For Immediate Release
Contact: Aaron Dorr
Executive Director
Iowa Gun Owners
March 6, 2012
Iowa Gun Owners Establishes Fund to Support Law Abiding Citizen Wrongfully Targeted by Polk County Attorney John Sarcone
Aaron Dorr says “At least the jury knew the law…meantime Mr. Lewis’ life is in tatters.”
Des Moines, Iowa – In response to the outrageous conduct of the Polk County Attorney’s office, Iowa Gun Owners has established a charitable fund at US Bank so that Iowans can help Mr. Ray Lewis, a former police officer, who was cleared by a Polk County jury of wrong doing recently.
Aaron Dorr, Executive Director of Iowa Gun Owners commented saying, “The fact that Mr. Sarcone would charge a man who was clearly trying to defend himself as heard on the 911 tape, against a convicted felon with over 40 criminal convictions stretching back over 15 years, is shocking.”
Dorr continued, “For Mr. Sarcone to be pleased that ‘the system worked’ when a law abiding man lost his home, his belongings, and virtually everything he had while sitting in jail for 111 days due to the impossibly high bond requirements that Sarcone’s office insisted on would seem to be a serious abuse of his office.
On February 8 a jury of his peers found that Mr. Lewis acted entirely properly when a man began to beat on Lewis’s car following a road rage incident. After driving 200 yards away from the scene, Mr. Lewis called 911 and could clearly be heard telling the aggressors to “get back” over and over prior to being forced to fire one shot into the attacker.
US Bank has a charitable account in place for Mr. Lewis and Iowans can mail a charitable contribution (or deliver one in person) to any US Bank in the state. Donations can be made in the name of the Jay Lewis Charitable Fund. All gift proceeds will go directly to Mr. Lewis.
The Iowa House last week passed HF2215, a Stand-Your-Ground bill that would remove Iowans’ obligation to retreat in the face of a violent criminal attacker. It’s future in the Senate is unknown.
Dorr concluded, “I would encourage every Iowan who doesn’t want to wind up in Mr. Lewis’s position to contact their State Senator and urge passage of this important legislation. We also eagerly await a generous contribution from Mr. Sarcone, as a gesture of good will in light of these recent unnecessary events.”
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Valley Hosts 4th Annual International Night March 2
Feb. 27, 2012 Contacts: Elaine Watkins-Miller, School/Community Relations Director, 515-633-5023,watkins-millere@wdmcs.org Lauri Pyatt, School/Community Relations Specialist, 515-633-5022,pyattl@wdmcs.org WEST DES MOINES, IOWA — The Word Cultures Club at Valley High School will host its 4thAnnual International Night Fri., March 2 from 5-8:30 p.m. in the VHS cafeteria and auditorium. The World Cultures Club started International Night as a way to promote cultural awareness in the community and raise money for charity. This year’s proceeds will benefit Unite for Sight, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing eye care in underprivileged countries. “For me, it’s fulfilling to see people of different cultures come together in one event to learn more about the world around them and the many cultures that exist in it,” said Valley senior and co-president of the club, Jessica Au. “When guests leave, they leave a little more enlightened about our diverse community, and that is the ultimate goal of International Night.” The event includes cultural performances and a fashion show that exhibits clothing from around the world. Performers will include Valley’s Chinese Orchestra Ensemble, Mexican youth dance group Los Niños del Tepeyac, an Indian Bollywood dance group, mimes performing a Bollywood parody, the Valley Chinese Lion and Dragon Team and student performances of music and dance. Ethnic foods from The Greek House (Greek and Iraqui) and Los Primos (Mexican) will also be available to sample. #### The West Des Moines Community School District will be a caring community of learners that knows and lifts every child. We will inspire joy in learning. Our schools will excel at preparing each student for his or her life journey. NEWS RELEASE
West Des Moines Chamber Seeks Citizen of the Year Nominations
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2012
Contact: Linda Hulleman
West Des Moines Chamber
515-225-6009
info@wdmchamber.org
Winner to be celebrated at kick-off event for annual A-May-Zing Days Celebration
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes a West Des Moines resident or professional whose service has brought credit and honor to the City.
Nominations for West Des Moines Citizen of the Year are open through 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7. Nominations can be made online http://www.wdmchamber.org/citizen-year/citizen.php or by contacting the WDM Chamber at 225-6009 for a mailed application.
“Both the Citizen of the Year and the A-May-Zing Days Celebration were created to promote and recognize the people, businesses and civic organizations that make this a great community to live, work and play,” said Rose Breuss, Chair of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. “Celebrating the Citizen of the Year allows us to acknowledge and highlight the winner’s exemplary service throughout our month-long celebration.”
The Chamber will host a special event in the Citizen of the Year’s honor on May 1, 2012.
Open to the public, the event will feature brief remarks by the Citizen of the Year as well as complimentary food, beverage and entertainment in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
For a complete list, including dates of all A-May-zing Days events and activities happening throughout West Des Moines, please visit www.amayzingdays.com.
A highlight for Valley High School cheerleaders the girls attending First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” fitness tour Thursday was getting to meet and take a picture with Bob Harper from the Biggest Loser and Michelle Kwan, Olympic figure skater.
Ribbon Cutting, Chili, Wine and Jazz in Valley Junction This Month
Take the Chill Off
We are excited to announce the “Take the Chill Off” Chili Cook-off, Bingo & Raffle contest on Saturday, February 18, from 2-6 pm. Join us for hot chili, a silent auction, Bingo, raffle, and great company!
As part of this event, Valley Junction Merchant Bingo will be offered—starting January 16th, participating stores and the Historic Valley Junction Foundation (137 5th Street) will offer bingo cards. Fill your card to be entered into our raffle for a $50 HVJF gift card!
Want to be a contestant in our chili cook-off? Fill out the cook’s application on our Event Registration page or click here. Be quick! Only a few spots are left!
In This IssueTake the Chill OffHeart of Iowa2012 Event ApplicationsWine Lover’s TastingJazz in the Junction
Heart of Iowa invites you to their Ribbon Cutting and Open House from 5:00-7:00 pm this Thursday, February 9. All items in the store will be 10% off—for their special Open House, they’ll have wine samples, food samples and you can register to win a $50 Heart of Iowa Gift Basket!
2012 Event Applications
available!
It’s that time of year again—time for you to fill out our event applications! Chili cookers, BBQ enthusiasts, farmers, artists, antique collectors, prepared food vendors, performers—we’ve got opportunities for everyone! Go to the Event Registration webpage to find the application you’re looking for.
Have questions, comments, or concerns about the Event Applications? Email events@valleyjunction.com for help.
Wine Lover’s Tasting
West Des Moines Chamber’s Business Breakfast at Raccoon Park Nature Lodge
Wednesday, February 15th
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
West Des Moines Nature Lodge
A full moon rises over West Des Moines.
