Welcome to the Urbandale
Chamber of Commerce
The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst organization working to serve, protect, promote, and provide opportunities to businesses in Central Iowa. The Urbandale Chamber is unique in every regard. As the only five-star accredited Chamber in Central Iowa, we value excellence, service, family connectedness, and character. Let us show you how we serve our community and members, uniquely Urbandale style.
For Urbandale Community Members…
Let us be your guide to the Urbandale community. For the overview on all things Urbandale, Des Moines, and surrounding areas, come to the Urbandale Chamber. Here, you will find everything from job listings to Urbandale events and more. One of the most helpful items you may find is our business directory, which easily and conveniently puts you in touch with hundreds of businesses in the Urbandale area. For any additional questions, feel free to call us and we will be sure to help. Serving is our passion.
For Urbandale Chamber Members…
You have discovered a Chamber in the top one percent of Chambers in the country and one of the most prominent business networks in the metro. Whether it’s advocacy, a ribbon cutting, business networking event, educational presentation, or something much greater, any metro-area business will benefit from a membership at the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. We are within the top one percent of chambers nationwide! We promise to provide you with opportunities to help grow your business to its fullest potential. Your success is our success, and we love to see our community thrive. Already a Member, Log Into Your Account.
Why Do We Do What We Do?
We believe businesses of all size have a voice.
We believe businesses thrive when connected to the right people, and we know the right people.
We live our vision, mission, and values every day.
Serving and elevating members and the community drives us. It is our passion.
What Businesses Are Saying About The Urbandale Chamber
“Shade Tree Auto joined the Urbandale chamber as a small, unknown auto shop shortly after we opened our doors 12 years ago. Despite the size of the organization, we always felt welcomed at any of the events we were able to attend. Over the years, I found out that being a chamber member to attract customers was only a fraction of the value of our membership. We were introduced to businesses and educational opportunities that helped us grow our company, and peers that motivated us to become the shop that we are today.”
Clint Dudley
Owner, Shade Tree Auto
(515) 986-5241
“The Urbandale Chamber is one of the most vibrant, robust, business support organizations I have been a part of. For a small annual membership, you have the opportunity to attend a full calendar of events to network, learn and advance your business. There are multiple ways to get involved and meet people under the Chamber umbrella. Stick around for a while and you are sure to see both personal and professional growth!”
Casee Woodley
Realtor, RE/MAX Precision
Woodley Real Estate
“The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce has been very valuable in helping us to gain information about types of available financial assistance, new rules and regulations, the most updated coronavirus information, and ways in which we can continue to improve. They have also helped us to make connections with other like-minded business owners in our area. It is nice to know there is somebody we can contact when we have questions or are seeking information or a sounding board for ideas.“
Ami Yaro
Iowa Ballet Academy
(515) 334-5510
“Van Meter has been able to grow to become Iowa’s largest electrical distributor, and the 28th largest in the US, doing business in all 50 states. That being said, one of our core values is our place in the community. The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce helps our local employee owners make a difference in the places we work and live.”
Rob Olney
Regional Vice President, Western Business Unit Van Meter Inc.
(515) 262-9609
Pro Tip of the Month
Check out the advice our expert members have to offer.
If you don’t have Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) turned on for your business email, do it now!
Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks are one of the most damaging cyber-crimes and have been on the rise in recent years. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report for 20201, BEC attacks resulted in over $1.8 billion in losses …and that is just what was reported to the FBI. Although it is impossible to stop every type of attack, there is one simple step that can be taken to mitigate your risk. Multi Factor Authentication or MFA.
Keep Up With Us On Social Media
Contribute to the Urbandale Chamber's largest annual fundraiser! We are still accepting donation items! Gift baskets, unique experiences and gift cards make great auction items. We appreciate your continued support!
If you would like to put together a basket or item to donate, please... contact our team at 515-331-6855 and drop your item off by noon on Thursday, September 5th.
🌟ANNOUNCING Business of the Year Nominees🌟
The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce annually honors three local businesses as nominees for the Business of the Year award. From the nominees, a winner is announced at Sample Urbandale, A Celebration of Business on Thursday, September 12th at ...Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines Northwest.
The 2024 nominees are:
Kwik Star
Medicap Pharmacy - Urbandale
Midland Credit Union
Congratulations to all three nominees! We look forward to hearing more about each of their stories at Sample Urbandale!
Learn more about how these business contribute to our community by visiting the Chamber News page on our website.
🌟ANNOUNCING Small Business of the Year Nominees🌟
The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce annually honors three local businesses as nominees for the Greg Thompson Small Business of the Year award. From the nominees, a winner is announced at Sample Urbandale, A Celebration of Business on ...Thursday, September 12th at Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines Northwest.
The 2024 nominees are:
Country Financial - Danny Mielneczek
Iowa Ballet Academy
Thrive Family Chiropractic
Congratulations to all three nominees! We can't wait to celebrate your achievements at Sample Urbandale!
Learn more about what makes these businesses standout by visiting our Chamber News page on our website.
Our conference keeps getting better and better every year!
Thanks to all of you for making each one greater than the last. Here's to more growth, inspiration, and success together!
We can't wait to get together in May for our next conference!
...#centraliowabusinessconference #CIBC #IowaBusinessConference
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Derek Zarn is an experienced public relations and marketing professional with a rich background in creativity and design. His passion for storytelling, user experience design, and strategic communication has shaped his career, leading to his current role as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the City of Urbandale. Derek’s work has been awarded and recognized by multiple organizations including the Bioeconomy Institute, Public Relations Society of America Iowa Chapter, City-County Communication & Marketing Association, and Graphic Design USA. Outside of his professional life, Derek is deeply committed to community service, serving on the Board of Directors for the Urbandale Food Pantry. He is passionate about staying active through yoga, powerlifting, and exploring new countries. His recent travels have taken him to Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo.
Congratulations, Derek!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Captain Underwood has been employed with the Urbandale Police Department since 2003. He started his law enforcement career in 2001 and served two (2) years with the St. Louis Airport Police Department, St. Louis, MO.
Captain Underwood was promoted to Captain January of 2024 and currently leads as the Patrol Division Commander. Captain Underwood served at a Sergeant for the Support Services and Criminal Investigations Division. Prior to his promotion to Sergeant, he worked as a detective in the Investigation Division for the department. As a detective, he served as a Property Crimes and Crimes Against Person detective. He has also served as a Defensive Tactics Instructor, Rape Aggression Defense Instructor (RADD), Field Training Officer, a S.W.A.T/Suburban Emergency Response Team Member and a Domestic Violence Instructor.
Captain Underwood has served as the President of the Iowa Crime Prevention Association and as a Board Member for the Iowa Department of Public Health Domestic Violence Death Review Team. Captain Underwood is currently an Adjunct Professor at William Penn University in the Sociology Department.
Captain Underwood is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri with a Master's Degree in Administration of Justice.
Captain Underwood graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy, class #273, in July of 2018. Captain Underwood graduated the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in June of 2023, class #538.
Congratulations, Captain Underwood!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
With a background in marketing, communications, and psychology, Kalese Sheldahl is passionate about creating and elevating the customer experience, building a strong brand, and telling her company’s story. As a Marketing Program Manager at Van Meter Inc, she leads the creative services and marketing communications arm of the marketing team. She has helped develop award-winning creative marketing campaigns, assists in overseeing internal and external communications, and enjoys innovating for her team and partners.
She holds a bachelors in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State and a masters in leadership development from Drake University. Kalese is a wife and mom of three. She enjoys traveling, volleyball and a good sushi roll.
Congratulations, Kalese!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Brittany Schmidt is an Operations Manager at Delta Dental of Iowa. After working in healthcare and the insurance industry, she is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. With a strong background in streamlining processes, optimizing resources, and fostering collaboration within teams, Brittany is committed to driving success and creating a lasting difference in both professional and community settings.
Congratulations, Brittany!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
After spending four years working in insurance & technology industries, Colton made the move to start a career in commercial real estate. Colton enjoys learning about business operations and building relationships along the way. When outside of the office, he attends many Iowa State football & basketball games with family and is always up for a round of golf.
Congratulations, Colton!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Meticulous. Goal oriented. Tactical. These qualities accurately describe Alex as he delves into understanding his clients’ strengths, weaknesses and vulnerabilities. He is a team leader who connects with his clients to create effective marketing initiatives that drive brands and get results. Throughout the planning process, Alex works with all departments within the agency to meet the goals and expectations of every client and every project, all while staying within budget.
Alex started his career with Trilix. After interning for one summer, Alex was hired full-time and has been a public relations specialist, project manager, senior project manager, account manager and team lead, prior to assuming his current role as senior account manager.
In the evenings and weekends, you’ll find Alex coaching his kids’ soccer teams, involved in community events, or simply relaxing outside with family and friends.
Congratulations, Alex!
There is no better place to try new foods, and taste old favorites, than Sample Urbandale! Come hungry!
Grab your tickets HERE: https://loom.ly/ZhJCCoU
The following member restaurants will be serving you their finest appetizers, desserts or beverages.
Blue Ox ...Spirits
Donutland
Fresh Fit Meals
In the Bag Corporate Cuisine
Ruby Tuesday
The U Nutrition
Tito's Lounge
The Urban Grill
Flame Group
Cancun Grill & Cantina
WineStyles
Foundry Distilling Company
Pepsi Co.
Cha Cha's Hiland Bakery
Hy-Vee | Windsor Heights
Tullpa Restaurant
Holiday Inn & Suites DM Northwest
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Amanda Mulcahy is a Senior Account Executive at Palmer Group where she shares her employment and hiring expertise through consultation with clients and business owners across the Des Moines metro area. Palmer Group is an employee-owned, award-winning leader in employment solutions, offering temporary & contract staffing, direct hire placement, outplacement, and managed services. Amanda serves on the company’s Giving Committee to assist in helping community organizations and non-profits, as well as coordinating Volunteer Time-Off opportunities for her teammates. Outside of Palmer Group, Amanda is the owner and baker at Buttercream Cookie Dreams, a home-based bakery offering delicious sugar cookies with a rich buttercream frosting. This year, Amanda has joined the Young Variety Board, to serve in sharing their mission of improving the lives of children in Iowa.
Additionally, she has two children – Aiden and Grayson – that keep her very busy with their activities of soccer, baseball, and Lego league. In their spare time, she and her boys enjoy going to the pool, taking in a movie at a theater, and finding new ice cream shops to try!
Congratulations, Amanda!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Marla Mayberry is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the corporate sector, having held key roles at Accenture, Sprint, and Asurion. She is currently the Director of Commercial Readiness for the Client Growth & Tech Sales organization at JLL, a position she has held since 2019. At JLL, Marla also serves as a mentor for the Women Transforming Tech ERG, fostering growth and development in the tech industry.
Marla holds a bachelor's degree in journalism & mass communications from Kansas State University and an MBA from the University of Kansas. She is a 2014 graduate of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and is deeply engaged in her community. Her leadership roles include service with both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, active participation as an Election Worker & Precinct Official in Dallas County, and regular volunteering with Des Moines Refugee Support. She is also a member of the Urbandale Parks & Recreation Commission since 2022.
Marla is married to Kristopher Mayberry, and together they are proud parents of Evan and Morgan, both of whom are active students in the Waukee school district. In her personal time, Marla enjoys baking and has won multiple classes at the Iowa State Fair.
Congratulations, Marla!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Living in and around the Urbandale area since the fourth grade, Amy Gulling currently resides in Urbandale and is a board member for URBSAF (Urbandale Schools and Alumni Foundation – a foundation that raises money for teacher grants and student scholarships) and her homeowner’s association.
After graduating from Urbandale High School, Amy attended Simpson College, obtaining a dual major in liberal arts and education. She earned endorsements in reading and special education. Amy furthered her education at Drake University and received her master’s in education leadership. She then went on to receive a consulting endorsement from Morningside College. Her tenure has led to a diverse career background working as a teacher in various roles, being an assistant director, and most recently a special education consultant. She has experience working in public and private settings, along with urban, rural, and suburban districts. It is through the variety of experiences that her personal projects started to develop. In 2020, Amy was accepted to Venture School through the University of Iowa's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center for one of her education-focused projects.
Currently, Amy is pursuing her entrepreneurial endeavors. When not working on projects, Amy can be found working in her garden, playing with her pup, and enjoying dinner with friends.
Congratulations, Amy!
Meet the Leadership Urbandale Class of 2025!
This unique group of 14 individuals will embark on a 9-month journey consisting of dynamic workshops, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences, cultivating the confidence, vision, and influence necessary to inspire teams, drive ...innovation, and navigate complex challenges.
Kevin Lohry is a Development Manager with Hubbell Realty Co., where he works to lead multi-family and senior living development projects across Central Iowa. Kevin joined Hubbell after 2 years as a Development Manager for Senior Living Partners in St. Paul, MN. Kevin’s experience also includes 10 years in the mortgage banking, regulatory compliance, and anti-money laundering industries. Kevin completed his Masters in Real Estate Development from Iowa State University in 2021 and holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics from Princeton University. Born and raised in Sioux City, IA, Kevin now happily resides in Urbandale with his wife and two sons.
Congratulations, Kevin!
The Urbandale Chamber is Made Successful by Investors Such As:
