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.
The Chamber also proudly offers international travel opportunities that are open to the public! Explore these upcoming trips today!
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?
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
Join us for Community for a Cause! This special luncheon invites our Non-Profit Members to share their stories and showcase their missions. Attendees will have the chance to connect with each organization, vote for their favorites, and help decide which group will receive the proceeds raised. The ...top three will pitch their cause—and one deserving organization will walk away with support to further their mission!
Membership Luncheons are presented by Matt Shaw Commercial Real Estate
Visit our "events" page to learn more and grab your tickets!
Today is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day! 🎉 Your Chamber works hard to strengthen the community and local businesses, and there are so many ways to show the love right back at us!
Attend events and programming: Our event numbers have grown significantly the last few years, ...thanks to YOU! Showing up and being an active participant at events is a great way to network, learn, and contribute to the growth of the Chamber.
Volunteer on committees or as a Connector: It takes a village to run the Chamber! Volunteers are the backbone of all events and many programs. We can always use extra hands and appreciate your help more than you know! Volunteering on committees also puts many heads together to come up with creative events and innovative solutions.
Look local FIRST!: In need of a roofing company? Maybe a new hair stylist? Or perhaps you need 3000 flyers printed? We urge all members to use their chamber circle FIRST. Look within the membership for any service you may need personally or professionally. The Business Directory is a super easy tool to search member businesses.
Referrals!: Referrals are the biggest form of flattery! New members help the chamber grow, but also expand ALL member's network. Keep an eye out for a special referral program coming in 2025!
Engage on social media: Boost our visibility by sharing, liking, and commenting—it makes a big difference! Tag yourself, your friends and businesses on our posts as well! This is an easy way to expand our reach.
We appreciate ALL of our members. Your support helps the chamber grow, thrive, and serve more businesses within our community.
Breakfast, hockey, connections. Be there October 22nd!
Iowa Wild hosts the Regional Breakfast on Tuesday, October 22nd. This event invites 23 affiliate Chamber members to come together for a morning of breakfast, new connections, and the chance to learn more about the Iowa Wild hockey ...team.
Who enjoyed B.A.S.H presented by Real Connections Counseling last night?!
Thank you to our host, Financial Architects!
Breakfast, hockey, connections. Be there October 22nd!
Iowa Wild hosts the Regional Breakfast on Tuesday, October 22nd. This event invites 23 affiliate Chamber members to come together for a morning of breakfast, new connections, and the chance to learn more about the Iowa Wild hockey ...team.
Sample Urbandale is TONIGHT! But the fun has already started! Start bidding on the silent auction NOW from the Handbid app, available on your smartphone. Browse all available items here!
The Silent Auction will close shortly after the conclusion of the awards ceremony (8:15 p.m. - 8:30 ...p.m approximately).
Learn more about our latest Chamber Exclusive Benefit: discounted credit card processing through U.S. Bank!
Join us on September 17 from 8-9 a.m. at the Chamber office to discover how U.S. Bank's solutions can streamline your payment processing, enhance cash flow, and support all ...your payment needs—whether you're business is online, in-person, or on the go.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save time and money while boosting your business operations. Register today!
https://loom.ly/nJJjdP0
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!