FuseNews - October 2023

October 10, 2023

RIBBON CUTTING - American Alarms

October 12, 2023

Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn : How to Drive Local Awareness & Sales through People-Powered Marketing

October 16, 2023 4:00 PM - 6:00

October 17, 2023

PM - 6:00

October 18, 2023

RIBBON CUTTING - Broadlawns Pediatric Clinic

RIBBON CUTTING - ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery

FuseDSM NPO Confidential

October 24, 2023

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

RIBBON CUTTING - BOCS DSM

October 25, 2023

- 9:45

October 25, 2023

AM - 10:30 AM

October 26, 2023

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

Change Your Circle Speed Networking Event

MakeDSM October 2023 Quarterly Remake Conference

October 31, 2023

FuseHR Forum

November 2, 2023

7:45 AM - 9:30 AM

FuseDSM Quarterly Breakfast - Connecting and Strengthening Communities through Public Transit –A Panel Discussion with DART

November 7, 2023

FuseDSM Economic Development Committee Meeting

November 8, 2023

4:00 PM -5:00 PM CST

Firestarter Meeting

November 9, 2023

11:30AM - 1:00 PM

Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn - Growing from the 'Book: A brief how-to on crafting successful Facebook ads for your business

November 15, 2023

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CST

FuseDSM NPO Confidential

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

AS WE HEAD INTO RENEWAL SEASON, LET EXEMPLAR CARE HELP YOU CUT COSTS – WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY

REGISTER REGISTER

REGISTER

American Alarms

Join FuseDSM and American Alarms to celebrate their 40th Anniversary and grand opening of their new training center! Appetizers and beverages will be provided. The ribbon cutting will occur at 4:15pm. American Alarms designs, certifies, and services electronic life safety and security systems for businesses. The new training center will be a place for stakeholders in commercial building projects to collaborate and learn about systems that improve life safety and security.

Tuesday October 10, 2023

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST

Broadlawns Variety Pediatric Clinic

Celebrate the open house for the newly renovated Broadlawns Variety Pediatric Clinic! The ribbon cutting will occur at 5:00pm. Enjoy refreshments, kid-friendly activities, and tours! Broadlawns Pediatric Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare to babies through adolescents for wellness, acute care and chronic conditions. They are currently accepting children's book donations, so please bring anything you'd like to donate to the open house.

Monday October 16, 2023

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM CST

ChaCha’s Hiland Bakery

Join FuseDSM and ChaCha's Hiland Bakery to celebrate their grand opening! The ribbon cutting will occur at 4:30pm. Light appetizers, desserts, beer, wine and of course, donuts will be served. Hiland Bakery has been a Des Moines Staple since 1946. When ChaCha's was approached with the opportunity to combine ChaCha's Confections with Hiland, they jumped with excitement. They look forward to continue serving Des Moines with the best donuts, cheesecake and champagne cake, while maintaining the long lasting client base built by both businesses.

Tuesday October 17, 2023

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST

BOCS DSM

Thursday April 6, 2023

11:15 AM - 1:00 PM CST

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it's time to kickstart the festive season with their fall party and ribbon cutting event. Enjoy a cocktail, mingle with friends, and get all your holiday gifting ideas as you tour their facility. Mark your calendars! The ribbon cutting will occur at 4:30pm. BOCS DSM is a custom gifting agency. You will work with their designers to curate perfect gifts for any occasion. They will help you carefully tailor gifts so your recipients are wowed and feel appreciated.

Tuesday October 24, 2023

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST

NOVEMBER QUARTERLY BREAKFAST

"Connecting and Strengthening Communities through Public Transit – A Panel Discussion with DART”

DART Leadership will provide an overview of the role public transit plays in our region: DART’s services, who uses them and how our transit system is funded, including the long-term sustainability that brings. After this presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of 3 Panelists from the community who will share their perspectives on why public transit is important for the region and the opportunities for this critical infrastructure in the future

Thursday November 2, 2023

7:45 AM - 9:30 AM CST

DECEMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON

Celebration of Progress

Join us as we celebrate the progress of our community and the businesses that thrive in it! Please stay tuned for more information on this luncheon and its speakers!

Thursday December 7, 2023

11:15 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Leading the Way since 1893.

At West Bank, we’ve spent more than 130 years building strong relationships, one conversation at a time. Whether new business ideas or family ventures, we’ve proudly played a role in realizing innovative dreams since 1893.

ON THE HORIZON

KOURTNEY PERRY

isan

ambitious entrepreneur who is dedicated to improving not only her businesses but also her local community. She founded her first company, Privacy,LLC,in2018.Privacyisaneventplanning and coordination business specializing in developing innovative strategies that will scale events for organizations to build memorable experiences. The company's signature annual event is the Slay the Runway Children's Fashion Show.Thisshowaimstoinstillconfidenceandselfefficacyinchildrenbeforetheschoolyearbegins.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kourtney Perry launched a new venture called Ladie Lex Scented Candles, LLC The business has experienced consistentgrowth,andin2022,Kourtneyopeneda physical store located at 3019 Merle Hay Road in DesMoines

Horizon Scholars recently visited the store to interviewKourtneyPerrytolearnmoreabouther entrepreneurial journey and ways to support minoritybusinessownersinCentralIowa

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING YOUR OWN BOSS?

What Kourtney likes about being her own boss is that she can create her own schedule She is also freetonetworkinherowntimeaswell,notbound bytimeconstraintsunlessneeded Shealsostated

that freedom is the best part although it sometimesgetshard.Kourtneyworkedfull-timein the corporate world before creating and owning her own business, so she also believes that she doesnothavetobearobotanymore.Shedoesnot haveto“askpermission”todothethingsshefeels sheshouldbeabletodoasanadult.

WHAT IS YOUR PROCESS IN DEVELOPING YOUR CANDLE SCENTS AND WHICH SCENT IS CURRENTLY YOUR FAVORITE?

Itallbeganwithagentlenudgefromhersister,an Amazon"how-to"kit,andextensiveresearchonthe benefits of certain fragrances, including her favorite scent, peppermint eucalyptus Ladie Lex Candles, LLC was born, during the Covid-19 pandemic to help create a relaxing environment for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, andstress Oneofherpassions,whichhasemerged from her candle-making business, is creating signaturescentsforclientsandorganizations She collaborated with NCMIC, Ruan, Watpad, Iowa Juneteenth,andLadyLikeEmpowermenttocreate customfragranceblendsfortheirspecialtygiftsof candles,roomsprays,andlotions

Thefundoesnotstopthere,Kourtneyisavailable tohostprivatecandlemakingeventsforgroupsof 10 You will have the opportunity to create a unique scented candle and have a memorable experience

IN WHAT WAYS HAVE YOU GROWN IN BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR AND EVEN AS A PERSON SINCE STARTING YOUR BUSINESS?

While growing within herself and her business, Kourtneyhaslearnedtobeinternallyawareofher mission, goals, and her passion. She questions herself “What do I want to do on this earth” and encourages others to approach situations like this if they seem to doubt, feel lost, or question themselves. Kourtney stresses the importance of self-care and how she learned that this is key to runningabusiness Ifyouaredownandout,then your business cannot run itself. Kourtney reveals that it is easy to lose yourself on your entrepreneurshipjourneyorlosesightofwhyyou started out in the first place. So to stay on track, tying back to her mention of self-care, you must takecareofyourselffirstinordertohelpothers

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THE DES MOINES AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES CAN SUPPORT MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS?

Regarding selling candles, Kourtney faces tough competitionfrombigboxstoreslikeBathandBody Works. However, when people shop locally, for example, at Ladie Lex Scented Candles, LLC, they support the local economy and help small businesses like hers thrive Kourtney also emphasized the importance of referrals and positive reviews on Google and/or other sites the companies’ may be present It will increase the visibility of her company and other minorityowned businesses as well. In cases where customers have a negative experience with small businesses, she encourages them to communicate with the owner first and exercise grace before posting a negative review As happy customers of Ladie Lex Candles, we highly recommend her businesstoeveryone.

Don't hesitate to visit her store today and try her amazing candles, room sprays, lotions, and more - you won't regret it!

Steven Kellogg, MS

Director of Inclusive and Supportive Programming

Why Horizon Scholars?

I developed Horizon Scholars to create a community for students of color to develop and prosper at Grand View University. Within this community, students from various academic backgrounds will foster lifelong friendships, participate in community and campus-wide activities, and create their definition of success while building a solid foundation for academic achievement

Maddison Cunningham Kansas City,

Missouri Sophomore Study

Criminal Justice, Spanish, and Psychology

Why Horizon Scholars?

I decided to join Horizon Scholars to broaden my array of networks and work alongside students and sponsors who look like me I wanted to be able to put my foot through several doors while also learning how to connect with those in the DSM area.

Katerina Johnson Ankeny, Iowa Sophomore

Study

Business Administration/Management, Marketing, and Theology

Why Horizon Scholars?

Horizon scholars combined my love for advocacy, leadership, and networking. I enjoy meeting new people, learning about a business’s story, how they reached their goals, and any advice they have for a young adult like me. I feel there is always room for improvement and there is always a way to make something your own.

Emily Steele Hummingbirds

REGISTER

Feed Your Mind: How to Drive Local Awareness & Sales through People-Powered Marketing

Join this presentation to learn what it means to work with hyper-local content creators and your very own customers to create buzz on social media. Emily will show you successful campaigns brands like Hy-Vee, WeWash, Lola's Fine Hot Sauce, and more have created at Hummingbirds to create the local behavior they desire. You'll leave with endless ideas on how to ramp up user-generated content, find people excited to hype you to their own network, and what it means to create meaningful brand partnerships with real people.

Thursday October 12, 2023

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Change Your Circle Speed Networking Event

Change Your Circle is a FuseDSM event to give our chamber members the opportunity to do just that...Change Your Circle....in a fast-paced and casual environment. It is an opportunity to remove the awkwardness of meeting new people by providing a platform for you in which you don't have to search new connections out. Through an organized process, you'll chat with a single individual for a few minutes at a time, before being prompted to move onto the next person. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards so you can stay in touch with all the people you meet! This is one of our most popular networking events, space is limited and registration is sure to fill quickly, so don't wait to reserve your spot.

Wednesday October 25, 2023

FueHR Forum

Thursday April 6, 2023

11:15 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Wednesday October 31, 2023

8:00AM - 9:30 AM CST

The FuseHR Forum is a dynamic and interactive event designed specifically for HR professionals and small business owners who are passionate about overcoming obstacles and enhancing their human resources strategy. This forum is the perfect opportunity for you to engage with like-minded peers, exchange insights, and discover innovative solutions to tackle the most pressing issues in HR today.

Char-BOO-terie Boards for Your Goblins and Ghouls!

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

Char-BOO-terie Boards for Your Goblins and Ghouls!

Get ready to embrace the Oktoberfit spirit by enjoying more frightfully delicious foods without scary ingredients. Whether it's a cozy family movie night or a lively Halloween gathering, charcuterie boards are all the craze. Opt for e ortlessly enjoyable and kid-friendly recipes, capturing the essence of the spooky season.

Involve your kiddos in creating and preparing your board! Kids who help in the kitchen are more likely to try new foods and have a greater acceptance of di erent flavors and textures. Give them age-appropriate tasks they can complete on their own to boost confidence and a sense of accomplishment, whether that be helping you grocery shop, reading the recipes, washing fruit, slicing cheese or helping with cleanup. Cooking together helps create healthier habits as a family and o ers an opportunity to have fun in the kitchen while learning along the way!

I have created a spooktacular char-boo-terie board lineup that the whole family will enjoy – and even incorporated some more nutrient-dense options along the way! I recommend including protein- and fiber-filled options and balancing your board with sweet treats. Incorporating sweets regularly at meal times can help a child learn that food is not a reward and that sweets are not “bad” but rather foods to be enjoyed in moderation and not a treat they only receive to reward their behavior or for finishing their plate.

Try including a balance of protein- and fiber-filled options along with a few sweet treats. I recommend starting with fresh slices of BelGioioso Parmesan to provide calcium to support your goblins and ghouls growing bones! Pair BelGioioso Parmesan slices with a favorite Di Lusso deli meat to provide extra protein and keep everyone full longer. Next: Satisfy crunchy cravings with Simple Mills Pop Mmms Veggie Flour Baked Snack Crackers. These cheesy, light and airy baked snack crackers are something the whole family can enjoy. And – best of all – they are made with wholesome veggies featuring ½ cup of vegetables in every serving. Incorporate fiber from veggie slices and pair with your child’s favorite dip – not only will you pack in extra vitamins and minerals from the veggies, but fiber helps fill up your goblins’ and ghouls’ tummies for all your Halloween festivities!

I recommend rounding out your board with a variety of spooky, family-friend recipes everyone can be involved in creating! Try adding a few creepy crawlies to your board with delicious Apple Spiders. Get ready for the whole family to fly away on your Witches Broom Breadsticks and satisfy their sweet tooth with Monster Munch. Last but certainly not least: Enjoy carving a jack-o’-lantern indoors without the mess from traditional pumpkins with this recipe for Jack-O’-Lantern Fruit Cups.

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

Jack-O’-Lantern Fruit Cups

Serves 5

All you need:

5 navel oranges

1cup fresh blueberries

1cup fresh blackberries

1cup fresh raspberries

Sugar snap peas, for stems, if desired

All you do:

1. Cut o the tops of oranges in a zigzag pattern and scoop out the fruit. Carve out eyes, nose and mouth.

2. Fill jack-o’-lanterns with blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Add sugar snap peas for stems, if desired.

Nutrition Facts per serving: 40 calories, 0g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 10g total carbohydrates, 4g dietary fiber, 5g total sugar, 1g protein

Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/jack-o-lantern-fruit-cups

For more tips, connect with your local Hy-Vee dietitian today by visiting https://www.hy-vee.com/healthnew/dietitians.

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

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We’ll turn your brand from 'meh' to 'OMFG' Our designers are like wizards, but with Adobe tools instead of wands.

The ImagineDSM™ Entrepreneurship Program recently launched its inaugural Annual Academy, successfully conducting its kick-o class. This transformative initiative, in partnership with Bookpress Publishing, equips entrepreneurs and small business managers with practical tools for immediate application and long-term success. Beyond pragmatic skills like creativity, innovation, and financial management, the program rekindles passion and inspiration, fostering a thriving local business community. Stay tuned for updates from this year's academy and keep an eye out for information on how to join the next academy next year!

Our First Cohort:

Thank you to all who came to help us celebrate Flourish: Fund Ideas that matter! It was a magnificient evening filled with unforgettable moments and fantastic experiences. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm as our guests came together to celebrate and connect.

Enormous gratitude to Jill Neil Photography for capturing the event's essence in breathtaking photos and to Nexus 6 for crafting a wonderful video, immortalizing our cherished moments in vibrant visuals

Busi

B e t ter H R D r ive s B e t ter

B u si nes s Per for m a nc e

w

Outsourcing your HR services to a professional employer organization (PEO) may open a wider range team to focus on other areas of your business.

That’s why we created Paychex HR. To provide businesses like yours with integrated HR, payroll, and retirement solutions, paired with guidance from a dedicated HR professional to help you build a productivity with industry-leading technology.

Krista Lindholm Strategic Business Consultant

KLindholm@Paychex.com | (515) 33 4- 6173

Greater Des Moines Partnership Perk

Join us for the first-ever Entrepreneur Field Days series hosted across Greater DSM.

First things first, all are invited. The Entrepreneur Field Day series will create opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge and skillsets to create resilient entrepreneurs and continue to build a strong small business and startup community in Central Iowa. Entrepreneurs learn best from entrepreneurs. We invite all to bring a spirit of curiosity, shared respect, and a notepad or two to capture ideas and contacts.

Catch you at an Entrepreneur Field Day this fall!

October 10: PowerPollen, Seeding A New Innovation In Ag

October 18: Grade A Gardens, Creating A Sustainable Food Movement

October 25: Wander Women, Building An Inclusive Community Through The Outdoors

November 2: Lashier Graphics, Servicing Analog And Bringing Brands To Life

November 8: Lola’s Fine Hot Sauces, Creating A League Of Their Own In Hot Sauces

November 10: xBk Live, Building The Business of Music in DSM

November 16, VizyPay: Bootstrapping Pays O At Scale

Powered by the Greater DSM Partnership and Sponsored by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

We’d encourage you to share with members and partners to plug-in and be part of the larger entrepreneurial community across our region! If you have any questions, please reach out to Diana Wright at dwright@dsmpartnership.com

PIPELINE LEAD GENERATION GROUPS

We are starting 3 new Pipeline Lead Generation groups! Unlock

If you are interested in being a part of one of these groups please fill out our interest form. There will be a $50 annual fee to be part of one of the groups

GET READY FOR 2024 STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS IN A HANDS-ON WORKSHOP

In partnership with Goldman Sachs 10 ,000 Small Businesses, we are Strong in Six Campaign

This event is all about helping you get stronger in the S ix Key Components™ of your business while also allowing you to connec t and network with o ther local business leaders who are interested in EOS ® or on their own EOS journey The Six Key Components™ are Vision, People, Data, Issues, Process and Tra

Join other business owners and 10,000 graduates to learn R

LORAINE HARDIN & JODY SKOGEN

P r o f e s s i o n a l E O S I m p l e m e n t e r s ® @LoraineHardin@eosworldwide @JodySkogen@eosworldwide

Lorai ne a n d J ody ar e ex perienc ed lead ers with a passion for helpi n g busi ness teams l ear n how to get more fr om th ei r b usinesses, dri ve growt h, an d li ve a bala nced life Using th e EO S Proc ess ® and tools, they h el p e ntrepreneur ial lea d ers clarify th eir visi on, b ecom e m ore discipl ined a n d accou nta ble, a nd create hea lthy an d cohesi ve tea ms

Workshop hosted by: Iowa EOS Implementers

Workshop sponsored by: Goldman Sachs 10KSB in partnership with EOS

Healthy choices made easy.

Open Enrollment: Engage your employees in bene t plans.

This is the time of year to consider the bene ts you’re o ering to your employees. Employees who use their health, dental and vision bene ts care about their overall wellness and are more likely to stay healthy. Using these bene ts is a win for employers because healthy employees are more likely to be productive and happy at work.

As a FuseDSM member, you have the advantage of exclusive group rates for the dental and vision plans. These group rates are generally lower than what your employees might nd for similar coverage on their own.

Encouraging employees to use the bene ts will contribute to a healthier workplace. Some ways to engage your employees in their bene ts include:

• Create a total compensation dashboard that shows the total value of their bene ts and include what you pay as an employer.

• Boost employee communications by sending a weekly newsletter where you can spotlight bene ts throughout the year.

• Create an employee wellness program with monthly or quarterly wellness challenges that o er prizes for engagement.

• Post and share information around the o ce to remind employees about their bene ts and how they can use them for overall wellness.

Routine care for little to no cost.

Coverage for llings, crowns and more.

Almost 93% of dentists in Iowa are part of the network.

Coverage for exams, frames, lenses and more.

Accepted at 125,000 providers nationwide, including independent and retail providers.

FREE pair of designer sunglasses through our One & Sun bene t.

Employees are your most valuable asset. And the bene ts you provide make a di erence in recruiting, retaining, and the overall health of your team.

This Fall during open enrollment, choose a FuseDSM dental and vision plan through Delta Dental of Iowa and encourage your employees to take advantage of the bene ts your plan provides.

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