URBANDALE, IA — The Urbandale Chamber of Commerce annually honors three Business of the Year and three Small Business of the Year nominees. From the nominees, a winner is announced for both awards at Sample Urbandale, A Celebration of Business on Thursday, September 12th 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 Kwik Star, Medicap Pharmacy – Urbandale, and Midland Credit Union.
Kwik Star, with two stores in Urbandale, is dedicated to making a positive impact through its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program. This initiative supports local organizations and events, including the Urbandale Police Department, Urbandale Community School District, and Urbandale Fourth of July Celebration.
Kwik Star’s presence in Urbandale also contributes to the community by employing around 80 individuals—30 of whom are full-time with benefits—and providing essential services like lunch, coffee, groceries, and fuel. Kwik Star’s commitment to its workforce includes a 40% profit-sharing plan and opportunities for career advancement. While there are no immediate plans for new Urbandale locations, Kwik Star is expanding with five new stores in Des Moines and nearby Johnston and Clive.
Medicap Pharmacy – Urbandale Medicap has proudly served the Urbandale community for over 40 years, offering vital pharmaceutical services and a range of vaccinations including Flu, RSV, Shingles, and COVID. In 2024, Medicap supported numerous local causes such as the Iowa Pharmacy Association, Urbandale High School, and various nursing homes, with a special focus on giving back through their fall immunization program, where each flu shot administered results in a meal donation to the Food Bank of Iowa.
Their central Urbandale location ensures easy access, while their commitment to sustainability is evident with their use of solar energy. Medicap Pharmacy – Urbandale enhances community health with special medication packaging for elderly and disabled patients, providing a safe disposal service for unused medications. By offering safe disposal methods, Medicap helps to mitigate risks associated with improper handling of medication and contribute to the well-being of both the community and the environment.
Midland Credit Union is committed to enhancing the Urbandale community through a variety of support initiatives. In 2024, the business has contributed to numerous non-profits in and around Urbandale, including Change Course, The Single Parent Provision, Special Olympics, Urbandale Fourth of July Celebration, Urbandale Food Pantry, and the Urbandale Police Department’s National Night Out.
Midland Credit Union has created job opportunities, established a welcoming local credit union, and provided numerous branch options for community members. Additionally, the partnership with Shared Branching allows customers to perform transactions at credit unions nationwide without extra fees, further benefiting the community.
Small Business of the Year nominees include Country Financial – Danny Mielneczek, Iowa Ballet Academy and Thrive Family Chiropractic.
Country Financial – Danny Mielneczek’s agency has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Urbandale community through various impactful initiatives. They have generously supported events such as the Black & Blue Ball and Ronald McDonald House fundraisers and have been a key sponsor of Urbandale’s National Night Out. Their involvement extends to local school events, including Urbandale Middle School’s 5K, and they have supported the Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage through significant donations and sponsorships.
In addition to financial contributions, the agency actively engages in community activities, offering paid time off for staff volunteering at local non-profits and encouraging team members to attend Chamber and genYP events. Their approach creates a welcoming environment, fostering community relationships and professional growth. Through these efforts, Country Financial – Danny Mielneczek’s agency continues to make a positive impact on Urbandale, enhancing both its community spirit and local connections.
Iowa Ballet Academy has made significant contributions to the Urbandale community through its dedicated support of local non-profits and educational programs. Iowa Ballet Academy’s students are actively involved in various non-profit performing companies such as Yaro Dance Company, which provides free performances at the Urbandale Public Library and nursing homes, and Iowa Dance Theatre, which presents the Nutcracker at the Des Moines Civic Center, including special performances for 2,000 Iowa school children.
In 2024, Iowa Ballet Academy’s community support extended to organizations including the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce, Urbandale Public Schools, and Des Moines Performing Arts, among others. Their impact is also reflected in their physical presence; owning and operating a 4,800-square-foot facility in Urbandale, they employ 1 full-time and 9 part-time staff, contributing to local employment and infrastructure.
Thrive Family Chiropractic has been a dedicated community partner in Urbandale, focusing on enhancing family health and well-being through a holistic approach. This year, they have made significant contributions through various initiatives and events, including sponsoring and participating in the Urbandale National Night Out, Des Moines Art Festival, and CelebrAsian, Iowa Mental Health Conference, Iowa Chapter of Postpartum Support International, No Foot Too Small, Pride Fest, and many others. They also supported local causes such as the Iowa Health & Human Services Maternal Health Doula Project, the Obesity Awareness Walk, and educational talks for Woodlands Creek Senior Living. Thrive Family Chiropractic also maintains a presence in local schools, promoting book drives, booster clubs, and school supplies drives.
Their physical presence has positively impacted Urbandale by transforming a former gas station into a vibrant health center, creating local job opportunities, and supporting the local economy through their renovation project. Their relocation and renovation almost entirely utilized local vendors. Thrive Family Chiropractic continues to foster community pride and growth with their ongoing commitment to local support and engagement.
All six nominees will be honored and more of their stories will the shared, as well as a winner announced, at Sample Urbandale, A Celebration of Business on Thursday, September 12th. Tickets to the event are available on the Chamber’s website or by calling 515-331-6855.