FuseNews - September 2023

September 5, 2023

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

FuseDSM Economic Development Committee Meeting LEARN MORE

LEARN MORE 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM

CST

11:30AM - 1:00 PM CST

September 20, 2023

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CST

September 20, 2023

CST

September 26, 2023

CST

September 27, 2023

8:45 AM - 9:45 AM

CST

September 27, 2023

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

CST

FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon- "Ai: The New frontier for all; Benefits, pitfalls, and opportunities." with Sree Nilakanta, Associate Professor at Iowa State University LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn - Supercharge Your Local SEO - How to Optimize Google My Business & More

FuseDSM NPO Confidential

Firestarter Meeting

LEARN MORE LEARN MORE LEARN MORE

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

MakeDSM Launch LEARN MORE

OCTOBER EVENTS

October 3, 2023

October 5, 2023

11:15 AM - 1:00

October 6, 2023

AM

CST

FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon - "Blogger to Author - A Behind the Scenes Look" with Erin Huiatt author of 100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die

LEARN

RIBBON CUTTING - American Alarms

October 12, 2023

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

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October 18, 2023

FuseDSM NPO Confidential

Firestarter Meeting

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

AM - 10:30 AM

Change Your Circle Speed Networking Event

3:00

PM -6:00

October 31, 2023

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Game day taste you can’t beat

Erin Huiatt

Owner of Des Moines Parent

of

OCTOBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON

"Blogger to Author: A Behind the Scenes Look"

Erin will be sharing her journey of quitting her full time job to stay home and focus solely on blogging. She will explain how a weekly update of fun things to do in Des Moines with her kids, led to the number one resource for parents in central Iowa, opportunities to explore the Midwest, and much more including publishing her book 100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die.

Thursday October 5, 2023

11:15 AM - 1:00 PM CST

RIBBON CUTTING: 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.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST

Author

100 Things to Do in Des Moines Before You Die

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

4:30 - 8:00 PM

@ WILLOW ON GRAND

REGISTER HERE

Flourish was created in 2018 as a creative way to support women business owners in earlier stages of their business. Our community benefits tremendously from women-owned businesses and we want to continue investing in them. Flourish is a way to celebrate, uplift, and financially elevate women business owners at an unforgettable live, pitch event.

2022 Winner Pie Bird

2023 FINALISTS

Annelise Tarnowski is passionate about community-building, whether it’s recruiting volunteers or bringing friends together for a game night. A Twin Cities native, Annelise came to Des Moines to study journalism and sociology at Drake University and fell head-over-heels in love with Des Moines. Over the years she has worked for non-profits of all kinds in the Des Moines area doing everything from building volunteer programs, to writing grants, to filling in as a bar-back at art shows. Annelise has made some of her greatest friends while playing games and she invites everyone to come and sit at the table to play.

ANNELISE TARNOWSKI: ROOK ROOM

Beth Mensing grew up in Des Moines, attending Edmunds, Callanan, and Roosevelt. After graduating from Lawrence University in Wisconsin, Beth came back to Des Moines to work for a nonprofit organization providing youth development programming across greater Des Moines. Beth began making ice cream in 2008 and she really picked up the pace in 2014 making ice cream for her friends and family, and occasionally selling it. While working at Le Jardin, formerly in Beaverdale, she partnered with Chef Tag Grandgeorge to craft a beer infused ice cream for a specialty dinner at a brewery. This o cially launched Pints by Beth. Since then, Beth has made a large variety of dairy-based flavors, fruit sorbets often mixed with booze, and dabbled in the non-dairy realm. She has been working behind the scenes to open a space for Pints by Beth in Highland Park, while continuing to work for an area nonprofit and make ice cream. Beth hopes to open the shop in early 2024, and make it a full time gig by 2025.

BETH MENSING: PINTS BY BETH

KATE THOMAS: FIREWEED ACUPUNCTURE

Kate Thomas, LAc (she/her) is a Licensed Acupuncturist and the owner of Fireweed Acupuncture, a clinic in the Beaverdale neighborhood of Des Moines, Iowa. She obtained her Master of Acupuncture (MAc) from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota, and holds a license from the Iowa Board of Medicine to provide acupuncture and Chinese medicine. In addition, Kate has studied Western herbalism and other hands-on modalities, including massage and Reiki, for almost 15 years. Her clinical approach is collaborative and pragmatic and always focuses on meeting patients where they are; this approach is informed by her professional experience, as well as personal experience managing her own chronic illnesses. Kate has deep gratitude for her teachers, past and present, and her patients, who continue to teach her daily.

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.

REGISTER

Feed Your Mind: Supercharge Your Local SEOHow to Optimize Google My Business & More

Struggling with local SEO rankings? Ryan Doser is an experienced digital marketer & entrepreneur who will dive deep into his current local SEO playbook with clients, discuss Google My Business optimizations, and other local SEO strategies.

Thursday September 14, 2023

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Vestwell 401(k) E-learning

FuseDSM, Your Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Iron Horse Wealth Management and Vestwell to provide a valuable update on the state of employer sponsored retirement plans. Join us Wednesday, September 27th to learn about plan design options, possible tax credits, and the impact of recent legislative changes. Whether you currently o er a plan to your employees, or are considering adding a retirement plan to your benefit o erings, there will be something you can take away from this webinar and apply to your business.

Wednesday September 27, 2023

12:00PM - 1:00 PM CST

Change Your Circle Speed Networking Event

Thursday April 6, 2023

11:15 AM - 1:00 PM CST

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

9:00AM - 10:30 AM CST

Ryan Doser ThriveOneFive Media

Stock Up on End-of-Summer Produce

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

Are family meals a lost art? In our world today, with fast-paced lives, busy work schedules and extracurricular activities, drive-thru meals and takeout food have become the norm. What impact does this have on our kids, our families and ourselves? As the trend moves toward simplicity and convenience, let’s not overlook the fact that preparing and eating meals together stimulates communication, creates memories and establishes healthy eating behaviors that have a long-lasting impact. Think back to the memories you hold dear from your own childhood; are any of them centered around the dinner table?

Research shows that when families eat meals together on a regular basis, they have greater unity and closer relationships. Children in families who eat together are better adjusted to the pressures of society. These children are more comfortable and confident in their own skin. The long-term nutritional benefits for individuals who have grown up eating family meals are clear too. The percentage of family members who are overweight is significantly lower in families who eat meals together on a regular basis than those who don’t.

When schedules are busy, and time is at a premium, there is still hope for the family meal. September is National Family Meals Month, which means it’s the perfect time to start making family meals a normal occurrence in your home!

Here are a few tips on how to do it:

• Pick one or two days a week for everyone to commit to.

• Pick a recipe and side dishes the family can agree on. Choose foods from all food groups, and foods that vary in color, taste and texture, to increase nutritional benefit.

• Choose a recipe that allows for convenience. Slow-cooker meals, one-pan recipes, casseroles and grilled meats are all good ideas.

• Plan for conversation starters. For example, have everyone go around the table and say one thing they are grateful for, or share an interesting story from their day.

• Keep everyone in touch by turning the television o and having a “no phones at the dinner table” policy.

Try this family-favorite recipe from Siete Family Foods for dinner tonight! Siete is a Mexican-American food brand, rooted in family, that creates delicious products made with better-for-you ingredients like avocado oil, cassava flour, and organic beans and corn. Their products are great for a variety of dietary needs and preferences, to inspire inclusivity around the table. This way, more people can get a taste of Mexican-American favorites, like tortillas and tortilla chips. Check out the company’s wide variety of products at your local Hy-Vee – including taco shells, taco seasonings and tortilla chips – that are all gluten free, dairy free, and made with avocado oil. So whether you’re hosting a taco night, cooking for your family, or enjoying dessert – Siete’s got you covered!

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

Scan this QR code to find your Hy-Vee dietician

Soft and Crunchy Tacos

Just like our Mexican-American heritage, we’re celebrating the best of both worlds in this Soft and Crunchy Tacos recipe! It’s exactly as it sounds: Grain Free Almond Flour Tortillas are wrapped around Grain Free Taco Shells with a savory layer of Vegan Refried Pinto Beans in

All you need:

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 pkg Siete Mild Taco Seasoning

1 can Siete Vegan Refried Pinto Beans

1 pkg Siete Grain Free Hard Taco Shells

1 pkg Siete Grain Free Almond Flour Tortillas

1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

2 Roma tomatoes, sliced small

All you do:

1. In a medium skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked.

2. Add Siete Mild Taco Seasoning and ⅓ cup of water.

3. Cook until liquid is reduced.

4. Heat Siete Vegan Refried Pinto Beans over medium-low heat until warm.

5. Heat Siete Grain Free Almond Flour Tortillas and Siete Grain Free Hard Taco Shells according to package instructions.

6. To assemble: Spread about 2 tablespoons of beans over an almond flour tortilla.

7. Place one hard taco shell in the center of the tortilla and fold in the hard shell taco.

8. Add seasoned meat to taco and top with lettuce and tomato.

Recipe source: Siete Family Foods: https://sietefoods.com/blogs/recipes/soft-and-crunchy-tacos

Needing more meal inspiration? Discover how you can work with a Hy-Vee registered dietitian through our nutrition services to support family meals and health. If you’re looking for a way to get your kids more involved in the kitchen, consider attending our monthly Hy-Vee KidsFit in the Kitchen Virtual Cooking Classes. Register today at https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx.

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

Creativity, Innovation, and Idea Development

Entrepreneurs, even successful ones, often don’t know what they don’t know. While they may be excellent at providing their respective products or services, they may also feel somewhat isolated when it comes to making the many business-related decisions frequently thrown at them. Worse yet, after spending countless hours providing those excellent products and services, the thought of innovating and planning for future growth can seem both daunting and exhausting. The ImagineDSM™ Entrepreneurship Program through FuseDSM and Bookpress Publishing will equip entrepreneurs and small business managers with tools that can be immediately applied for enhanced outcomes and increased long-term success.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION AND UPCOMING SESSIONS

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO OUR 2023

FORE! ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT!

THANK YOU NEXUS 6 FOR THE VIDEO!

Did you take a picture in the photobooth?

Find your pictures here!

Grand View University is hosting a public forum with the 2023 candidates for Des Moines Mayor. The forum will have a focus on education, but other topics are welcome and will be addressed. The forum will provide an opportunity for Grand View students, faculty, sta and the general public to ask the candidates about important issues a ecting our community.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Speed Lyceum – Henning Student Center

2811 E. 14th Street

Des Moines, IA

Candidates for Des Moines Mayor who will be participating:

Connie Boesen

Josh Mandelbaum

Denver Foote

Moderated by Dr. Ryan Anderson, professor of business administration, Grand View University.

Advance questions for the candidates are being collected. You can submit an anonymous question(s) here. There will be a short period for open questions at the end.

Thank you for your participation in this important event as we look forward to a bright future for the city of Des Moines!

A City Council Ward 2 Candidate Forum is also being planned for October 5, 2023 so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more infomation on that!

FuseDSM is looking for 2 energetic, passionate individuals to:

Influence policy decisions impacting the nonprofit sector

Build community networks

Act as change catalysts in the community

Serve as ambassadors within the business community

For more information regarding the available board positions, email Trish@fusedsm.org by October 13 th, 2023.

Greater Des Moines Partnership Perk

As members of FuseDSM, you are automatically Members of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. We collaborate with The Partnership to provide you with tools and resources to make your business more successful.

The Partnership’s DSM USA Research, Stats and Data Hub is a statistical dashboard filled with rich information about the region and its county components. Users will find leading indicators along with research and data trends needed to make strategic business decisions. The site o ers current and historical economic, demographic and workforce

information sourced from o cial government data. Go to www.dataDSMUSA.com.

All of the research is accessible free of charge and is presented in a newly streamlined interface. Charts and data can easily be captured and used in other presentations. The Data Hub is another way that Members are able to tap into information and resources available through The Partnership’s regional network.

PIPELINE LEAD GENERATION GROUPS

We are starting 3 new Pipeline Lead Generation groups!

Unlock the power of connections and fuel your business growth with our dynamic lead generation group. Join a community of like-minded professionals, share referrals, and amplify your network to seize new opportunities and reach new heights in your industry.

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

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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