Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Chamber highlights workforce programs, MidAmerican funds trees program, city receives ETC award
Summary
At the April 7 meeting, MidAmerican Energy announced a $5,000 Trees Please contribution to West Des Moines, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce presented its 2024 accomplishments and new foundation, and the city received ETC Institute’s Leading the Way Award for high citizen-satisfaction survey results.
Three non-legislative items drew attention at the West Des Moines City Council meeting on April 7, 2025: a utility donation to the city tree program, a presentation from the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, and an award recognizing the city’s resident-service ratings.
MidAmerican Energy Company presentation
Tim Brubinsky of MidAmerican Energy Company told the council the company contributes about $5,000 a year to the Trees Please program and that MidAmerican supports roughly 59 communities through that and similar efforts. Brubinsky said MidAmerican provided about $134,000 this year to help communities plant appropriate trees and fund sustainability projects; he said the company was pleased to provide $5,000 to West Des Moines this year.
Chamber of Commerce update
Paul Scott, outgoing board chair, and Catherine Harrington, president and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, presented the chamber’s recent work. Harrington described three pillars guiding the chamber — workforce development, business advocacy and placemaking — and highlighted a new high-school leadership academy launching the next day. She said the chamber has returned more than $500,000 to the community since 2011 and recently launched the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a legacy nonprofit to support future programming.
Leading the Way award to city
Deputy City Manager Jamie Lehring presented the city with the ETC Institute’s Leading the Way Award, recognizing West Des Moines as among the top 10% of U.S. local governments that participated in a citizen survey. Lehring said the city exceeded the national average by more than 25 percent in 22 service areas, including parks, recreation and overall value for city tax dollars and fees. City leaders acknowledged the award and said staff will continue efforts to address lower-scoring areas.
