URBANDALE, IA — The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce annually honors three Business of the Year and three Greg Thompson Small Business of the Year, presented by Clarity Business Coaching, nominees. From the nominees, a winner is announced for both awards at Sample Urbandale, A Celebration of Business on Thursday, September 25, at Holiday Inn & Suites Des Moines Northwest.
The six nominees have not only given back, they have had a significant impact on the greater Urbandale area.
Business of the Year nominees include Bob Brown Chevrolet, Ekman Painting, and Midland Credit Union.
Bob Brown Chevrolet, a family-owned dealership serving the Des Moines/Urbandale area since 1961, has long been a cornerstone of local support and involvement. As one of the first car dealers on Merle Hay, the dealership has built a proud legacy of giving back—supporting the Urbandale School District and its activities, local youth sports, and the city’s police and fire departments. Today, Bob Brown employs nearly 180 full- and part-time team members across its main campus on 111th Street and its former Merle Hay Road location.
Known for excellence in both business and community service, Bob Brown Chevrolet has earned national recognition as well. Their current dealership, opened in 2012, has been celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the country, and in 2024, the company received the Chevrolet Dealer of the Year award for the 11th time—placing them in the top 3% of dealerships nationwide.
Ekman Painting is making its mark in Urbandale by growing opportunities in the skilled trades while delivering high-quality service to customers across the metro. In the past year, the company has more than doubled its number of painters, providing living-wage jobs and meaningful career paths that elevate the painting trade and set a higher standard for all trades. With a dedicated workspace for its team, Ekman Painting emphasizes both professional development and pride in workmanship.
The company has already supported local families through holiday giving initiatives and hopes to grow that involvement in the future—potentially by offering services such as painting homes for families in need. By creating jobs today and planning for even greater service tomorrow, Ekman Painting is building a business that benefits both its employees and the community.
Midland Credit Union, serving members since 1933, lives out its mission of being “invested in the success of our communities” through both financial services and community impact. With more than 6,700 members across 24 counties in Iowa, Midland is dedicated to treating every member with respect, empathy, and a focus on their well-being—offering fair rates, limited fees, and certified financial coaching to help families build stronger futures. The credit union partners with organizations such as Change Course to provide financial counseling for individuals seeking a second chance and serves as the banking choice for many local small businesses.
Beyond financial services, Midland is deeply involved in giving back. In 2025, the credit union launched its “Coats for a Cause” initiative, collecting donations for local homeless shelters while supporting other efforts such as the Urbandale Food Pantry and Meals from the Heartland. The team also enjoys connecting with the community through events like the Urbandale 4th of July Parade and Urbandale Uplift. Recent investments in Midland’s Urbandale headquarters—including new accessibility upgrades, expanded offices, and 24-hour interactive teller services—demonstrate their ongoing commitment to improving both member experience and community access.
Greg Thompson Small Business of the Year, presented by Clarity Business Coaching, nominees include City Wide Facility Solutions, Higgins Plaza Service, and Shade Tree Auto – Urbandale.
City Wide Facility Solutions, founded in 2022, has quickly grown from two employees to a team of nine while partnering with more than 80 small and medium-sized independent contractors—many based in Urbandale. By connecting these businesses to commercial opportunities, City Wide helps local contractors expand their work, grow their businesses, and strengthen the regional economy. Clients benefit as well, saving time and resources while ensuring their buildings remain clean, safe, and fully functional—from construction cleanups to parking lot repairs and flood restorations. With projected gross revenue of $3.4 million in 2025 and a new three-year lease in Urbandale, the company is demonstrating its long-term investment in the community.
Beyond business growth, City Wide is committed to creating what it calls a “Ripple Effect” of positive impact. The team volunteers quarterly, recently serving meals at Central Iowa Shelter Services and packing meals at Meals from the Heartland, while also joining local events like an evening at the I-Cubs game. Strong relationships with local businesses—including daycares, senior care facilities, churches, and the Urbandale Golf & Country Club—reflect City Wide’s mission to serve with a joyful spirit while making a lasting difference in the community.
Higgins Plaza Service has been a trusted, family-owned auto repair shop in the Urbandale/Des Moines area since 1970, building its reputation on being “Outrageously Dependable and Reliable.” From oil changes and tire repairs to full engine replacements, Higgins has served generations of customers while continually investing in the neighborhood, updating signage and landscaping to keep its property welcoming and attractive. This year, the shop hosted its first annual Customer Appreciation Event, offering live music, food, games, and giveaways. The event not only celebrated loyal customers but also brought in new faces from the community—creating connections and building relationships beyond business.
Dedicated to giving back, Higgins Plaza Service proudly supports the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics, Boy Scouts of America Troop 93, the Positive Outreach Program, and Disabled American Veterans. By treating neighbors like family and supporting local small businesses through their lobby display program, Higgins has become a pillar in the Urbandale community. With over five decades of service, they continue to combine professional excellence with a heart for community.
Shade Tree Auto, an internationally recognized and award-winning repair shop, has made a lasting impact in Urbandale through both community leadership and investment. Owner Clint Dudley has served as a board member and chair of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce and played a key role in re-launching the Leadership Urbandale program in 2024, fostering the next generation of civic leaders. The company also supports young professionals through the Chamber’s Gen YP program, inspires students at Urbandale High School’s CareerCon, and partners with schools across the metro to promote careers in the skilled trades.
In addition to mentoring and leadership development, Shade Tree Auto has strengthened Urbandale’s economic vitality by revitalizing its location at 70th Street and Douglas Avenue, transforming an underutilized property into a thriving business. Their commitment to giving back extends to their Jump Start program, which donates reliable vehicles to veterans in need, improving access to work, mobility, and independence. With locations in Urbandale, Grimes, and Ankeny, Shade Tree Auto continues to create career pathways within its own team while investing in the broader community’s future.
All six nominees will be honored and more of their stories will be shared, as well as a winner announced, at Sample Urbandale, A Celebration of Business on Thursday, September 25. Tickets to the event are available on the Chamber’s website or by calling 515-331-6855.