FuseNews_Aug 2021_FuseDSM Your Chamber of Commerce Online Publication

YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATE OUR COMMUNITY | AUG 2021

UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday Aug 12, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Monthly Luncheon- Speaker - Des Moines Public Schools Board Member Panel - How the School Board Impacts Education

Tuesday Aug 17, 2021

Morning Fuel Networking - La Q Buena

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Wednesday Aug 18, 2021

Non-Profit Forum

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Wednesday Aug 25, 2021

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

8:15 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Thursday Aug 26, 2021

Firestarter Meeting

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Thursday Aug 26, 2021

Fusing the Community Together- El Fogon

4:15 PM - 6:00 PM CDT

Tuesday Aug 31, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Feed Your Mind- Speak Easy

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UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday Sep 9, 2021

Monthly Luncheon- Speaker Des Moines Police Chief Wingert

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Metro Women Connect Workshop: Gag Your Inner Critic

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8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Non-Profit Forum - Serving the Servant Leaders- 9Grid for Clarity

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Tuesday Sep 21, 2021

Morning Fuel Networking - Kemin Industries, Inc.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

Wednesday Sep 15, 2021 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT

Wednesday Sep 15, 2021

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Wednesday Sep 22, 2021

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

8:15 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

Thursday Sep 23, 2021

Firestarter Meeting

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM CDT

Thursday Sep 23, 2021 4:15 PM - 6:00 PM CDT

Fusing The Community Together: TBD

Tuesday Sep 28, 2021

Feed Your Mind - Digital Marketing Demystified

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AUG 2021

CONTENTS MEMBER NEWS //

MEET KSH DESIGN STUDIO SPOTLIGHT: DREAM CATCHERS MARKETING IS NOT STORYTELLING GET INVOLVED IN THE CHAMBER JULY SUMMER IN DSM WITH ERIN HUIATT SPOTLIGHT: EL FOGON SPOTLIGHT: FLOWERS BY ANTHONY TRAINING IN THE HEAT BY DILLON BURNS HYVEE DIETICIAN

IN THE COMMUNITY //

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY RETAIL SPOTLIGHT RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT

IN THE CHAMBER //

CHAMBER UPDATES PAGE NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT PAGE HEALTHY HABITS VIRTUAL EVENTS PAGE AFFILIATE BENEFITS PAGE MEET THE BOARD PAGE

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Restaurant Spotlight: Confluence Brewing

p.18-19

Des Moines Parent: Iowa State Fair

AUG 2021

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Health care is a big line item for all businesses. The problem is even more profound for small businesses who in many cases don’t have the employee count to access health care markets that can provide good benefits at a reasonable cost.

Against this back drop, FUSEDSM went looking for a solution and worked together with our partners, Taylored Benefits and United Health Care to create this program which should provide a great option to our members. This program is a FuseDSM MemberAccess Benefit so you or your insurance agent will need to be a FUSEDSM member to take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

Look for more information on this healthcare option in the coming weeks as we begin the formal rollout.

Randy Sackett

RANDY SACKETT FUSEDSM CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Yellow Cab

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Don't Miss: Upcoming Chamber Events

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Get to Know Members: Non-Profit Spotlight

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Get to Know Members: Restaurant Spotlight

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Get to Know Members: Retail Spotlight

FUSE MEMBER FEATURE

AUG 2021

HAVE YOU MET MEGAN?

FUSEDSM'S NEW EVENT & PROGRAMMING MANAGER My name is Megan Riordan, and I am 22 years old. I graduated from Iowa State University in May of 2020 with a degree in Event Management. While I was at school, I got the opportunity to intern with the ALS Association as their events and operations intern, and with Adventureland Parks as their event intern. While in school I also was apart of the campus programming board and got to hold two different leadership roles in planning concerts and live entertainment for the university for up to 1,600 people.

Want to Learn More About Megan?

Say Hi! megan@fusedsm.org

Since graduating I worked briefly as a Catering Manager for Hy-Vee and as an Activities Director for an independent living community. In my free time I enjoy creative writing, reading, and working on my (very) amateur cake decorating skills. I am passionate about helping the community and am excited to take on this new role serving the community and local businesses as FuseDSM’s Event and Programming Manager!

AUG 2021

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

BLACK CAT ICE CREAM Serving hand crafted small batch artisanal ice cream! Grass fed natural dairy and ingredients sourced from local producers are used to create bold flavors!

LEARN MORE

kINGDOM LIVING IOWA Kingdom Living Iowa is a nonprofit addiction resource community. We offer sober living, a program of action and social events. www.kingdomlivingia.com LEARN MORE

AUG 2021

FEED YOUR MIND RECAP

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

AUGUST MONTHLY LUNCHEON DES MOINES PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD MEMBER PANEL THURSDAY AUG 12, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT 11:30 -11:55am - Networking 11:55 -1:00pm - Program/Lunch

REGISTER Learn More About the Luncheon Sponsored by:

$28/pp - Member // $32/pp - Non Member

How the School Board Impacts Education As our children head back to school, in what we hope is to be the first "normal" school year in two years, join three of the school board members from the Des Moines Public Schools to learn how a school board impacts education. With so much misunderstanding, misperception of what exactly a school board does - this will be an interactive Q&A, so come prepared to listen, learn and ask questions with members of the State of Iowa's largest school board.

Visit fusedsm.org to learn more about this event.

VISIT

NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

ORCHARD PLACE SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE NOW THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2021 This community-supported drive will provide school supplies and back packs to more than 800 children who are affected by mental health concerns. More donors and volunteers are needed.

How does a child's mental health impact their family?

When a child struggles with their mental health, it affects everyone they love. Often parents need to take significant time away from work to care for their child’s health. When parents miss work, family income drops and their job security may be impacted.

How does it impact a child's preparation for school?

Back to school is especially stressful time as parents worry how the new school year will go. Purchasing school supplies may not seem like a big deal to some families and some parents may even enjoy it.

However, for families affected by mental health, these extra back-to-school expenses are difficult to manage and so is the added stress of trying to find all the required materials.

By contributing to the Orchard Place School Supply Drive. This year’s Drive will benefit more than 800 and

teens

attending middle or high school there.

Give Online for Custom School Supply Kits Orchard Place has an option to purchase custom pre-made School Supply Kits and backpacks only $20 per each. For example, a donor giving $100 to the Drive will provide backpacks and supplies for five kids to start the school year off strong.

Financial contributions of any amount may be given at www.orchardplace.org/donate Please Note: When you give online, there’s a place for you to designate “School Supply Drive” Gift cards are also welcome as teachers often add last minute required materials. Make School Supply Kits (based on specific supply lists) Are you more of a hands-on volunteer? You could team up with co-workers, neighbors, and/or your family to purchase the specific school supplies needed and then fill a backpack for each student you’re supporting. Volunteer-made school supply kits need to be assembled off-site and then delivered to Orchard Place no later than August 13 so that kids receive them before the first day of school. Please

How can you help?

children

to benefit kids who are living on Campus and

served

through

PACE

email Brandie Broadhead, CVA, Orchard Place Director of Volunteers and Special Events to make arrangements to drop off the kits.

Community-Based Services and Orchard Place’s Child Guidance Center. Plus, the Drive provides supplies to Orchard Place Campus School

DONATE

MARKETING COLUMN

AUG 2021

AUGUST MARKETING TIP CREATIVE DSM | DIGITAL & SOCIAL MARKETING

Do you follow anyone on social media that is consistently posting about things you should buy? Yah, me neither. In fact, those people are usually thinned out by the algorithm if I haven't unfollowed them already.

August Marketing Tip: Promote Community Over Products What does this mean? It means it's time to get a little more creative with your content. Focus on engagement enhancing strategies that add value to your users.

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This includes funny quotes that resonate with the audience, relevant news that echo important facts within the industry, and timely announcements about new exciting features. The possibilities are really endless, but the goal is the same. Work on building your community, not just building the pipeline to your products.

Let's make marketing human again.

Want some free marketing advice? We're always down for a discovery call: creativedsm.as.me/marketing-discovery-call

WHY DO YOU LOVE FUSEDSM?

DES MOINES PARENT

AUG 2021

HOW TO DO THE IOWA STATE FAIR

BY ERIN HUIATT OF DES MOINES PARENT We are just weeks away from the Iowa State Fair! Before we know it the “Nothing Compares” Iowa State Fair will be in full swing. Families plan their vacations, jobs, and lives around this 11-day event.

From August 12 through August 22, children and families will be taking the day to explore the Iowa State Fair, not once, but several times. It can become overwhelming and expensive, but don’t worry!

HERE ARE 8 THINGS TO NOT MISS AT THIS YEAR’S IOWA STATE FAIR: Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 11 for the Iowa State Parade. This annual parade kicks-off the next 10 days of fair fun. It begins at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines. You can see 200 floats, animals, vehicles and more. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street.

New for 2021 is Elwell Family Park which will host the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls, Monster Truck Thunder, and Domination Motorsports Demolition Derby.

Eat all the food! Everything from Chicken Bacon Ranch Ball On A Stick to Tennessee Twinkies there are hundreds of things to indulge on. This year I have my eyes set on the Peanut Butter and Fluff Cookie Dough. If you want to go a more traditional fair route, do not forget the bucket of chocolate chip cookies!

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DES MOINES PARENT

AUG 2021

This year everyone’s favorite attraction, the Giant Slide is moving to a new spot! No worries it will still provide all the fun for all ages. Grab a friend and enjoy fun ride down the Giant Slide.

Have kids? Do not miss the Kids Zone which contains Little Hands on the Farm and the Blue Ribbon Kids Club Tent.

Enjoy fun views of attractions and the people from above on the skyglider! A fun way to get off your feet after walking around all day.

The Iowa State Fair offers Thrill Parks. Thrill Parks consists of Thrill Ville, Thrill Town, and Thrill Zone. If you think you will be riding a lot of rides, then purchasing a wristband is going to be the best for your wallet.

Ye Old Mill is the oldest and favorite ride for many families and couples. It is located next to the Midway on Grand Avenue. It offers riders the chance to relax on a smooth boat ride after a long day at the Fair.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

THE SECRET TO FEARLESS SPEAKING

BY ERIK J. DOMINGUEZ OF SPEAK UP STORIES So, I have, like, a lot to say about this topic. Like, so much.

There is so much depth to this topic, as is shown in Michael Erard's book entitled Um..Slips, Stumbles, and Verbal Blunders, and What They Mean.” That's right, entire books have been written about the fact that I start almost every verbal sentence with "So…" There are three reasons why filler words exist and why they create such high anxiety for us.

Our Minds Are Working Faster Than Our Mouths Even when we have practiced our verbiage to perfection for weeks, nothing compares to the adrenaline rush we get when in front of an audience big or small. This is natural for all speaking situations as our minds and bodies are trained to react to stressful social interactions in a flight, flight, or freeze response. In short, our minds and our mouths lock up with too much going on!

Sometimes it is not as complicated as that. Sometimes we are just working a problem out verbally. Brainstorming. Exploring. Thinking. Connecting.

Of course, our brain is going to have false starts, double dribbles, and fouls. It is not that we are unintelligent or not dismissive of the subject. It is that our minds are not adequately trained in the current train of thought.

We Are Afraid Of Uncomfortable Pausing We tend to frame conversations like a ping-pong game. We want there to be consistent back and forth action. Too many breaks in the match lessen the experience for the players and the observers. What? Don't you observe ping-pong games? What else could you be watching during quarantine?

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

Another way to look at is two people holding a microphone, battling for their air time to talk in the conversation. We erroneously believe that if we pause for too long, the other person will scratch the mic from our hands before we get to drop our knowledge in a drop the mic type moment.

We Recognize The Distraction Noah Zandlan, CEO and Co-Founder of Quantified Communications, stated in a Harvard Business Review article that "Unfortunately, filtering through crutch words to catch the important parts requires more cognitive effort than audiences are willing to put forth. So too many fillers will likely mean they'll tune out in favor of an easier cognitive task —such as thinking about their to-do lists."

That's right. Like, listening to, um, too many filler words or possibly being adept at eliminating filler words in the sense and spirit of adding extra words to make sure that no one can catch verbal blunders, yet still seeming to appear intelligent and knowing exactly what we are saying and how we are saying it even though we are using too many words to say one minor thought can be a severe detriment to your message. If you think that sentence was difficult to read, imagine listening to it!

Reality and Remedy The reality is that

we

will never

fully

eliminate filler words. They are part of our thinking process. Instead, I have a 3B method to eliminate the distraction that comes with our filler words.

Be aware. That’s the first step. Just notice if your filler words are um, and, so. Notice what words you keep coming back to, especially when you are stressed.

Be silent. Instead of a filler word, pause. I wish there was more complexity than that, but allowing your brain to shift to pausing at the end of sentences instead of filling the gap with a sound will greatly improve your flow.

Be grateful. Even the top speakers in the world will have filler words and fumbles. You don’t notice them because they flow right past them, understanding that there is no such thing as perfect speaking.

Verbal fillers are present in writing, in sign language, in all languages, in all forms of communication. So we can release some of the judgment we have on ourselves and others when working through a tough thought. And we also get to keep striving toward clarity and novelty to powerfully present the messages and stories those around us need to hear.

RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

CONFLUENCE BREWING BREWING A PASSION FOR BEER In 1991, a farm boy from rural Imogene found himself fascinated by the endless combinations and possibilities of Iowa’s bountiful grain crops. That teenaged Iowan was John Martin, and that year he and his high school buddy, Sean McClain, tried to make a drinkable raisin almond beer… and failed. However, that attempt sparked a passion in John that would forever alter the trajectory of his professional life. John’s fascination with beer grew over the years, and he began researching ways to make truly drinkable brews. John wasn’t interested in beer for the stereotypical college experiences; John fell in love with the craftsmanship and creativity involved in brewing.

John’s wife Katie appreciated his passion and quickly became his brewing enabler; the newlywed couple even picked up supplies for home brewing while on their honeymoon in 1995. That equipment helped John produce his first quality home brewed beer, an Oktoberfest Marzen, which continues to hold a special place in his heart to this day. That Oktoberfest in turn led to many years of hobby brewing and a growing interest in the professional side of the craft. John would eventually meet home brewer and cofounder Ken Broadhead, whose persistent encouragement helped to convince John to take the big leap from amateur to professional. In 2012, John left his career in construction management behind, and with the assistance of investor Greg Schultz and many hours of hard labor, turned Suite A at 1235 Thomas Beck Road into a full time production brewery.

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RETAIL SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

BOLTON & HAY "WE CAN REALLY MAKE YOU COOK!" Bolton & Hay is a foodservice equipment and supply company. Based in Des Moines, IA, we have been family owned and locally operated since 1920. Whether you're a professional chef or enjoy cooking like one, visit B&H. Fully stocked commercial kitchen equipment & supplies at wholesale prices. Our team has decades of experience. We would love to assist with your next project.

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RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

SEVEN REASONS TO OUTSOURCE YOUR ACCOUNTING SCOTT GRAY - GRAY FINANCIAL Accounting services are one of the most cost-effective

compensation for in-house staff is much more than what

functions a small-size company can outsource. While

they get paid hourly.

cash flow may not tolerate employing in-house data

2. More efficient use of personnel.

entry bookkeepers, controllers and or CFOs, the

Apply a critical eye when reviewing the need for an in-

progressive business owner focused on growing his or her

house accounting professional. If you outsource routine

company understands the purpose and value these

accounting tasks, your in-house staff and resources can

positions provide. The good news is; functions such as

focus their time and energy on revenue-generating

these can be assigned to an outside accounting provider

processes, core services, and production. Additionally,

on an as-need basis. The forward-thinking business

outsourcing removes the burden of trying to find work

owner, at a minimum, takes into consideration the

to fill the full- or part-time work schedule of in-house

following seven motives for hiring a professional

accounting staff; with outsourced accounting services,

accounting service provider.

you pay for those services you require, and nothing

1. Cost savings.

more.

You avoid excessive operational costs when you

3. You can focus on business development.

outsource your accounting services. In-house staff may

If you minimize the accounting minutia that often

appear to be less expensive based on their hourly wage;

plague senior staff, you then enhance an environment

however, when you take into consideration the total

where staff can focus on addressing those areas that

costs for hiring, training, supervision, benefits,

drive company revenue.

payroll taxes, and turnover, the hourly total.

RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

4. Better quality work.

When you outsource, you place your accounting in the hands of focused professionals who understand GAAP standards, payroll requirements, and proper reporting and records management, just to name a few. The outsourced accounting professional’s work product is held to a high standard; not only does the function of accounting require such a standard, the reputation of the professional accounting service provider relies on it.

5. Timely and reliable service.

If you choose the proper service provider, all parties understand the work will be accurate, and will meet the needs of the business owner’s timelines.

6. Enhanced security.

By transferring your in-house accounting functions to a professional accounting service provider, security for your books and records is enhanced, as the professional employs rigorous safeguards ensuring access control, confidentiality, and redundant data backup. Compare your in-house processes addressing confidential information, and security of data from fire, theft, and hackers, with processes offered by an experienced, reputable service provider; you might be surprised when you discover vulnerabilities associated with your in-house accounting.

7. Knowledgeable professional guidance.

From time to time you require advice on projects requiring a high degree of subject matter expertise, such as implementing a Key Performance Indicator report, or setting up a stock option plan for your employees. It is the responsibility of an experienced, reputable accounting service provider to remain up-to-date on the latest systems, accounting rules, and regulations, and to apprise you of changes in the law that may or will affect your business. And, at your discretion, they have the ability to assist you in increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your overall business operation.

To outsource or not to outsource…that is the question. If you find running payroll, tracking AP and AR, and being responsible for the multitude of routine accounting functions is a drain on your resources rather than being an asset to your business, you might consider hiring an experienced, reputable accounting service provider to deliver an efficient, cost-effective, quality work product that meets your operational needs and timelines.

Contact Scott Gray, CPA with Gray Financial Solutions at 515-961-0099 if you are interested in outsourcing your accounting needs.

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AUG 2021

FITNESS TIPS

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TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHY AS A FAMILY There’s a lot to it on your own, let alone as a family unit. But rest assured, there are some handy-dandy ways to keep it interesting for both the kiddos and parents!

First and foremost, keeping your kids involved is the biggest piece of the puzzle here and one that is no easy task. To do this, we as parents have to make it interesting! What I do for this is turn everything into a game - we all know kids love games.

If we put our brains together here for a moment, what would you say is the biggest challenge you face right now as far as your nutrition is concerned (please take a moment to ponder this if you’d like to)? I would venture to say it’s something we overlook when thinking about the food we consume; ACCESS! We have the access to so much food, so easily and readily available that it’s no wonder 60+% of the American population (not including children/youth although that number is scary too) is considered overweight and obese.

To that end, what needs to happen is for you to clean out your pantry and fridge/freezer of all the stuff that isn’t going to be in the “healthy” category. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have dessert or that treats are a bad thing, it just means that just knowing you have access to it turns your brain onto it and it’s usually the first thing that gets eaten.

Now it’s time to get your kids involved! Break foods up into two categories: Healthy and Not-So-Healthy. As your kiddos are going through the items, give them some guidance but still allow for them to make decisions unless it’s outright preposterous - which is likely the case if they’re crazy like my 6yo Maximus!

AUG 2021

RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT

Let them throw everything away that needs to go and find a new spot for the healthy foods that are staying.

Yes, this might take some hand-holding on your part and it will definitely take some patience, but at the end of the day two really important things are happening here.

One: You are empowering your kiddos to make important decisions both in general and about their health.

Two: You are spending more time with them! Never a bad thing.

Next, go to my favorite website on the entire interwebs for some inspiration, recipe and food prep ideas to help get you pointed in the right direction. I recommend picking out some easy, healthy recipes first with your kiddos and then picking up enough of the grocery items for those meals and some leftovers. https://www.eatingwell.com/ Here’s the best part in my opinion and where I get to have the most fun of this entire process: Let your kids help you make the meals! I have never in my life heard a “no” from any of my kids when asked if they want to help make their own food. Not only is this super empowering for them, but here again, we get to spend more QT with our kiddos. Think about what the alternatives might be for them. Video games? Watching tv? Tablet in hand? Breaking something in mom and dad’s room? Being extremely quiet (not such a bad thing) and coloring all over the walls in permanent marker? I mention all of these because I’ve been in every single one of these situations myself as a parent, no joke.

I’m not perfect, none of us are, but at the end of the day if we can make this food and nutrition thing interesting and fun for them, it’s going to continually be interesting and fun for the entire family!

If you’d like to get your kids involved in an after school club that teaches these things in a fun and exciting way and they’re in elementary school, reach out to me and let me know which school they’re in!

Anchor Kids is a Community Partner with DMPS and we have many elementary schools we partner with to host the Anchor Kids Club where we practice the Five Pillars of Health for Kids: Fitness, Nutrition, Seeds2Snacks, Mindfulness, and Sport/Activity.

You can contact me at dillon@anchorkidsorg.com with any questions or just to say hi.

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

SEPTEMBER FEED YOUR MIND DIGITAL MARKETING DEMYSTIFIED TUESDAY SEP 28, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT 11:30 -11:55am - Registration/Networking 11:55 -1:00pm - Program/Lunch

REGISTER Learn More About the Presentation Sponsored by:

$17/members // $22/non members This is not your average marketing presentation where you'll be talked AT. This is an interactive workshop that is created to help boost your rankings online.

Use this ask the expert workshop to get your business noticed on search engines, social media, and beyond.

Whether you're just beginning, a novice, or even working in it daily, we encourage you to fill out the intake form so we can customize the presentation for your skill set.

Add your requests here: https://www.creativedsm.com/fusedsm-digital-marketing Social Media, Keyword Research, Paid Ads, Email Marketing, Engagement Rules.. nothing is off limits, so let the questions fly!

AUG 2021

HY-VEE DIETICIAN

FOODS ON A STICK WITH A HEALTHFUL TWIST “Our state fair is the best state fair – don’t miss it, don’t even be late.” From one delicious bite after another, try some of these unique sandwiches that’ll be just the ticket to take you to fair memories of the past. From wacky food combinations to melt-in-your-mouth meals, your Hy-Vee dietitian encourages you to bring the fair food home.

Italian Club Sandwich: The crunchy baguette gets the blue ribbon with this stick.

Simply drizzle a little Italian salad dressing over each piece and alternate the baguette slices with low-sodium Di Lusso ham, cherry tomatoes, torn lettuce leaves, and provolone cheese. Serve with a side of baked veggie tots and – bam! – you’ve got a fair-tastic meal.

BY: ANNE CUNDIFF, RD, LD, FAND CORPORATE HY-VEE DIETITIAN

Meatball Sub: Your whole family will never want to eat this popular sub on a hoagie bun again. Heat up some Italian meatballs and thread onto a skewer. With a strip cut from refrigerated pizza dough, wrap around each meatball. Add a mushroom to each end and brush your masterpiece with marinara sauce. Bake and your typical sub may taste better with this new linear look.

Chicken Parmesan: Rather than dirtying a dish, just dirty a napkin or two. This satisfying stick creation alternates between fully cooked cubed chicken breasts, garlic bread sticks, and half slices of zucchini. Drizzle with marinara sauce, top with mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese melts and your mouth is watering. When a meal covers three food groups, you know you’re in for a filling treat.

Philly Cheese Steak: This skewer is stacked with sirloin steak strips, onion wedges, bell pepper pieces, and cubed hoagie buns. Grill to your liking and add a slice of provolone cheese at the end of cooking. No need to wait in long lines under the blazing sun for this one – enjoy a finger-licking skewer without the heavy feeling you’d expect from your favorite fair vendors.

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HY-VEE DIETICIAN

AUG 2021

Fruit Kabob: The grand final is dessert, and – get this – you can even eat the stick with this one. Simply thread your favorite fruits onto pretzel rods and dip in vanilla or strawberry yogurt. Cleanup is simple and the natural sweetness from the fruit won’t even make you miss the funnel cakes (well, for a little while at least).

Truth be told, people don’t actually go to the fair anticipating healthy options galore, but with little tweaks here and there, you can make celebrating the typical end-of-summer event a little lighter without limiting flavor. Remember, it doesn’t have to be deep-fat-fried to be delicious. Pull out the sticks and get to creating some skewers that’ll help make the fair last all year long. Fork-free is the way to be – find all the recipes for the above foods on-a-stick in the . Here is one more to try and my favorite:

Blue Ribbon Pizza Sticks - Serves 6 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 (6 oz.) pkg turkey pepperoni

1 tbsp minced garlic

3 bell peppers, seeded and cut into chunks

1 tbsp dried oregano

1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend

Pepper to taste 1 (13.8 oz.) can Hy-Vee refrigerated pizza dough

1 cup pizza sauce Crushed red pepper, for garnish

All you do: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil; spray with nonstick spray.

Combine butter, garlic, oregano and pepper. Unroll pizza crust on a lightly floured surface. Brush dough with half of the butter mixture; cut into six strips.

Alternately, thread pepperoni and bell pepper onto each skewer. For each pizza stick, skewer one end of dough strip and wrap around the pepperoni and bell peppers.

Arrange skewers on prepared baking sheet. Brush with remaining butter mixture.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until light golden brown. Spoon pizza sauce on skewers and, if desired, garnish with crushed red pepper.

Recipe source: www.hy-vee.com The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

MEET TOM WELCHANS

INTRODUCING TOM Tom works as a CPA, Tax Manager

for

Denman

&

Company LLP in West Des Moines, part of his almost two decades in public accounting.

He is the Treasurer of the FuseDSM

Chamber

Commerce and an avid golfer!

of

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FIRESTARTER SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

MEET CHAR AUSTIN FIRESTARTER

TELL US ABOUT BEING A FIRESTARTER To connect with people. Learn about their

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU DO

services/ offerings and grow my Business

I am a licensed Real Estate Professional with the

network.

largest real estate company in the world, Keller Williams Ankeny Metro. I help families Buy, Sell,

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER

Build and Invest in real estate.

I have built my business on trusted relationships.

By being my authentic self I am empathetic to

TELL US ABOUT KELLER WILLIAMS

those that think different, look different and have

Keller Williams was founded by Gary Keller in

different backgrounds. Our founders philosophy

Austin, Texas in 1983. Keller Williams Realty is an

is Win Win or No deal. I love my job and I believe

American technology and international real

my past clients testimonies will prove that.

estate franchise with headquarters in Austin, Texas. They claimed to be the largest real estate franchise in number of agents and sales volume for 2018 and 2019 It is operated by a holding company named KWx which was formed in 2020.

CONTACT

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

AUGUST MORNING FUEL- IN PERSON LA Q BUENA Join FuseDSM for our monthly Morning Fuel Networking event! The Morning Fuel networking event is simple - no program, outside of a few words from our monthly host, a simple gathering with heavy connecting and relationship building over hot coffee and breakfast treats. This is YOUR time to get caught up with existing connections and build relationships with new connections.

Thank you to our Monthly Host, La Q Buena / Des Moines United FC. You can learn more about their business at https://www.laqbuena.com Learn More About the Morning Fuel Sponsored by:

500 E. Court Avenue, Suite 312 Des Moines, IA 50309

Tuesday Aug 17, 2021

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CDT REGISTER

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

AUG 2021

MEMBERSHIP PERKS DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN POST A JOB TO BE PROMOTED THROUGH THE CHAMBER? It’s simple, just log into the “Members” menu, and select “Member Login”. Once logged in, click “Job Postings” in the left side menu tabs, and then choose “Add a Job Posting”. Add in an engaging title, category, contact information, and an image is a great addition.

From there, FuseDSM will promote on our social channels, it will be listed in member portal, and it is then shared with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Just another way we are #FusingTheCommunityTogether https://youtu.be/RxUYn-pv3Bo Reach out today and ask us how you can get more involved!

REACH OUT

THINGS TO DO IN DES MOINES

AUG 2021

DEALS & DISCOUNTS IN DES MOINES A CATCH DSM TOUR

SEVEN OAKS RECREATION 10% off a full service river float or Paintball Seven Oaks is the place to canoe/kayak, river tube and paintball in central Iowa!

Not sure what to do this weekend? Try something new while saving money by visiting catchdesmiones.com's Deals & Discounts.

IOWA BREWERY RUNNING SERIES 20% off any upcoming beer run Use the below code to receive 20% off any upcoming beer run. View our full series line up and redeem online at: www.breweryrunningseries.com/iowa

PEACE TREE BREWING CO $1 off any purchase at Peace Tree - Des Moines Branch No list of Des Moines institutions is complete without Drake Diner, which has been slinging hash in the Drake neighborhood since 1987.

WARRIOR LANES Buy 1 Game of Bowling, Get 1 Game of Bowling Free!

Maximum of 3 free games. 1 Coupon per person/group/lane per day. Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

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AUG 2021

GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP

SMALL BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION ECOSYSTEM SURVEY MEMBERSHIP PERKS WITH GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP

The Greater Des Moines Partnership and other regional community partners are working to improve economic stability and recovery from COVID-19. As part of this effort, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is supporting this research of small business (under 50 employees) and community organization challenges and needs in our current environment. The region of the study includes Boone, Story, Marshall, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Adair, Madison, Warren and Marion counties.

TAKE THE SURVEY This survey will take approximately 12 minutes. Your participation is voluntary, and you may skip any questions you are not comfortable answering.

Survey responses will be used to understand existing needs and identify potential areas of investment and development of our regional small businesses and community organization ecosystem.

Following analysis of survey responses, themes will be identified, and a facilitated action planning session will occur in August 2021 to determine appropriate next steps and a feasible timeline for implementation based on priorities identified. Following the action planning process, a full report will be created and shared with participants via email to the primary point of contact requested in Question 3.

If you have questions regarding the project, please reach out to Courtney Long- court7@iastate.edu

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

AUG 2021

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR FUEL TRUST INVESTORS

INFLUENCE INVESTORS

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