FuseNews - February 2024

YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FEBRUARY 2024

FuseDSM Annual Dinner Feb. 29 | Prairie Meadows Event Center | 4:30pm

With Keynote Speaker Andew Fuller

FEBRUARY EVENTS February 1, 2024 7:45 AM - 9:30 AM CST February 2, 2024 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM CST February 6, 2024

FuseDSM Quarterly Breakfast- “Des Moines Update, Where We've Been & Where We're Going”

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ImagineDSM

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FuseDSM Economic Development Committee Meeting

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Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn - Time Mastery 2024: Transform Your Hours into Assets

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FuseHR Forum

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February 21, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST

Firestarter Meeting

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February 21, 2024 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST

FuseDSM NPO Confidential

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February 28, 2024 8:15 AM - 9:45 AM CST

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

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February 29, 2024 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM CST

2024 FuseDSM Annual Dinner An Extra Day, An Extraordinary Event

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8:30 AM - 9:30 AM CST February 8, 2024 11:30AM - 1:00 PM CST February 20, 2024 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM CST

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MARCH EVENTS

March 1, 2024

March 5, 2024 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM CST

March 14, 2024 11:30AM - 1:00 PM CST

March 20, 2024 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CST

March 20, 2024

ImagineDSM

FuseDSM Economic Development Committee Meeting

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Feed Your Mind Lunch & Learn

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FuseDSM NPO Confidential

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Firestarter Meeting

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CST

March 27, 2024 8:15 AM - 9:45 AM CST

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MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

MLS Consulting, LLC

Miller, Zimmerman & Evans is the largest metro law firm focused on family law issues. Our experienced attorneys know family law inside and out. Whether divorce, custody, child support, or financial matters, we provide clients with the best advice to help them make confident decisions about their future. We make prompt communication a priority, and have the experience and insight to help with most difficult challenges.

Valentines Day Vibes Sweet Specials From Our Members!

Paws & Pints More Info Here

Indulge in a night of love, laughter, and delightful flavors at our Valentine's Day Dinner on February 13th at 5:30 PM. Treat your special someone and your furry friend to an unforgettable evening at Paws & Pints!

Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Make this Valentine’s Day extra special at Dome After Dark! Enjoy the conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with colorful lighting and filled with live music from singer Day! The perfect date night, Galentine’s event, or family activity!

ARL & DMPL More Info Here

More Info Here

Come visit the East Side Library for a Valentine's Day Party with ARL Therapets! We will have coloring pages, Valentine's Day crafts set up, and sweet animals to celebrate!

This class is perfect for couples looking to try something new and exciting together. Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day with your romantic partner or just want to spend some quality time with a friend or family member, this class is open to all adult duos.

More Info Here

They have so many cute Valentines gifts and discount gift sets for couples, singles, besties and more! Get yourself or the loved ones in your life a little something sweet for self care or indulgence.

More Info Here

More Info Here

Treat yourself or your loved one to a luxurious facial and spa service at Trixies Salon and Spa. Revitalize your skin, relax your mind, and let us pamper you into blissful tranquility.

Trixies Salon & Spa

The Latin King

Cirque Wonderland

East Village Spa More Info Here

Valentine’s Day cocktails: Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Mob Runner, Strawberry Shortcake

If you’re looking for a low key place to hang out Striking Sparrow Lounge has Valentines Trivia at 7pm on the 14th. The special is $5 off a pizza and $1 off a pitcher.

Striking Sparrow Lounge More Info Here

FuseDSM Annual Dinner 2024

SECURE YOUR SPOT HERE February 29th | 4:30 PM | Praire Meadows

The Highlights: Annual Awards

Distinguished awards will be presented to visionary entrepreneurs, trailblazing startups, and community leaders who have made an indelible impact within our chambers footprint.

Business of the Year

Keynote Speaker

Prepare to be enlightened and inspired as we welcome our esteemed keynote speaker, Andrew Fuller, from the Netflix show "Is it Cake?"

Emcees

Prepare to LAUGH as we are honored to welcome Tricia Rivas and Wendi Fredregill, the faces behind Your Sasstastic Life. If you have never heard of them, you are in for a treat!

Cocktail Reception

Before the main event, join us for a delightful cocktail reception, where you can network with industry peers, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections.

Leap Year Surpises & More!

In honor of the unique Leap Day, we have prepared some delightful surprises and experiences that will make this event truly extraordinary.

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FEBRUARY

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MEET OUR SPEAKER ANDREW FULLER

“Andrew Fuller is an American cake artist and personality based out of Des Moines, Iowa. He is the owner of the whimsically weird (private commission only) cake studio, “Sugar Freakshow”. Amassing over 100,000 followers and counting on instagram, his rise to fame comes from being the fan favorite and season one runaway Champion of Netflix's global record breaking hit show "Is It Cake?".

Andrew has also competed on Food Network shows, including "Candy Land" and "Halloween Baking Championship," as well as earning a judging role on the show "Buddy vs. Duff". When he isn’t baking, he has been engaging with fans through meet and greets and photo ops at events around the country, keynote speaker at many events and is a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, he is talks for his own television show, and recently was a judge on a new cake series. Recently, Fuller hosted a mini celebrity studded round of "Is It Cake?" at the black carpet world premiere of the smash hit Netflix series, "Wednesday" with key cast members and huge inspiration in his life, director Tim Burton. Andrew owns and operates a cake studio under his brand Sugar Freakshow. Prior to Andrew's success in the cake world, he owned and operated a men's grooming supply business under the brand Cirmes Tonsorial Parlour, which won him multiple awards as an entrepreneur.

Andrew embraces his love of the macabre in order to remind his fan base that life is short and to make the most of every moment. He currently lives with his husband, four sphynx cats, blue death feigning beetles, and other unique pets in the greater Des Moines area when he's not busy traveling for various projects or enjoying leisure time abroad.”

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

FuseHR Forum Unleash your HR potential with FuseDSM at the FuseHR Forum! This exclusive program is designed for HR professionals and small business owners who wear the HR hat, offering a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, and share best practices. With expert-led discussions on the hottest HR topics, the FuseHR Forum will keep you ahead of the curve and fully equipped to tackle any HR challenge.

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Tuesday February 20, 2024 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM CST FuseDSM NPO Confidential FuseDSM Non-Profit Confidential (formerly known as the FuseDSM Non-Profit Forum) is a meeting of the minds in a space for collaboration and support. We know your job can be a lonely or stressful one, so each month we ask you to bring your most recent challenge to the group for help to find a solution, in turn, plan to join your colleagues to help them address theirs.

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Wednesday February 21, 2024 3:00 PM - 5:00 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 6, 2023 with a single individual for aThursday few minutes at aApril time, before being prompted to move onto the next person. Be sure to bring plenty of cards so Mbusiness 11:15 AM 1:00 P CST 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.

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Tuesday April 16, 2024 9:00AM - 10:30 AM CST

Des Moines Parent’s SUMMER CAMP FAIR On Saturday, February 17th Des Moines Parent will be hosting the third annual Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair at the Valley Community Center in West Des Moines.

After the New Year parents and families begin researching and planning what their children will do during the Summer months.

Everything from summer camps to fun events and activities. The Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair is a 1-day event that brings all of these options under one roof. Families will attend, learn about their options, register, enjoy free programming, have fun, and more.

“This is a free event for families to learn all of their options under one roof. We have over 30 Des Moines organizations that will be in attendance sharing their offerings and providing a fun activity for kids”, says Erin Huiatt owner of Des Moines Parent. “In

addition, we will be offering swag bags for the first 100 attendees and there will be free programming for families throughout the day.”

New this year a sensory-friendly hour will be offered sponsored by Encourage Club from 9 to 9:45 a.m. During this time the lighting will be dimmed, quiet music will be played, a calming space will be available and more.

The Des Moines Parent Summer Camp Fair is sponsored by the Valley Community Center and will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 17th. Registration is not required and it is a free event.

Erin Huiatt owner of Des Moines Parent will be available all day for interviews and to answer questions. If you would like to discuss details of the event prior to February 17 please contact her at: ehuiatt@desmoinesparent.com.

HY-VEE DIETICIAN

Hy-Vee Dietitians’ Top 5 Spring Break Travel Hacks!

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

Reservations are made and it’s time to start packing your bags for Spring Break – but aside from the sunscreen and sandals, have you thought about how to pack the essentials when it comes to your nutrition? We all know that vacations can lead to unpredictable eating patterns, and that can lead to crabby kiddos, dehydrated adults and overall fatigue. I want to share with you my top five spring break travel hacks that will set you up for nutrition success whether you’re flying or driving to your final destination!

First and most important, pack a reusable water bottle! Whether you are road tripping or flying, having a reusable water bottle on hand is an excellent way to save money and help you stay hydrated.

If you’re headed through security at the airport, don’t forget to dump any remaining liquid pre-screening and then refill at a water station as you head to your gate.

I encourage you to pack balanced snacks. You’ll skip the feelings of hanger and avoid impulsive and expensive snack purchases while traveling. Snacks can be key to maintaining your energy levels and keeping the kids entertained and satisfied when traditional mealtimes are missed or delayed. Balanced snacks can help you stay on track with your healthy eating habits! Focus on packing snacks that contain protein and fiber to help keep you full longer. This could include protein bars, fruit or veggies and nuts or seeds, dried edamame or chickpeas, snack crackers and cheese and more! My advice: Come up with a plan to keep items temperature controlled whenever possible, and pack them in reusable containers or storage bags to reduce waste!

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

I cannot stress the importance of avoiding dehydration while traveling. So, while this tip pairs closely to my number one tip – even if you don’t pack a reusable water bottle, I recommend packing your electrolytes. Dehydration is incredibly common when traveling and can lead to irritability, lack of ability to concentrate, fatigue, muscle cramps, digestive distress and more! To avoid these symptoms come prepared with electrolyte supplements that you can use on long flights, road trips, upon arrival or before departure to ensure you are getting a dose of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes to support your health and well-being while traveling. I highly recommend packing powdered electrolyte supplements such as Liquid I.V., BioSteel, Pedialyte or Nuun tablets to mix with your water. They will not take up excessive amounts of extra space but will provide exponential benefits!

I love exploring new local restaurants and trying new foods when I am traveling, but I know that they may not prepare foods in the ways I would traditionally eat them at home. I also don’t always eat at the same time I normally would at home, especially if I am traveling within a different time zone.

These shifts can lead to gastrointestinal distress or simply throw off your meal routine. If you dine out while traveling, I encourage you to enjoy dining out with these simple strategies: First, focus on still incorporating the food groups – fruits, vegetables, protein, grains and dairy. Fruits, vegetables and grains will help provide fiber, while protein and dairy can help further enhance satiety. Second, try splitting entrees when dining out to maintain portion control. Or if you’re staying in a hotel or residence with a kitchen, cook some of your meals to save money and use ingredients you would normally incorporate into meals at home.

Scan this QR code to find your Hy-Vee dietician

Last but certainly not least, have a plan for your return from vacation and schedule your Aisles Online order in advance. You might find yourself coming home to an empty fridge or bare pantry. Use Hy-Vee Aisles Online to schedule an order delivery or pickup that is ready for you when you return from vacation! This will save you from final pit stops on the way home and allow you to unpack and settle in before the return to work. Get started on https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online!

Ready to give one of my tips a try? Check out these deliciously easy homemade snack bars, perfect for travel! They combine protein and fiber to help keep you full longer and are completely customizable to your family’s taste preferences. If storing for the long haul, I recommend cutting into single-serving bars and freezing to help keep other snacks cold and to prevent a sticky or smooshed mess of a protein bar in your carry-on or cooler. Once defrosted, they are ready to enjoy!

VISIT

HY-VEE DIETICIAN

No-Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars Lorem ipsum

All you need: 1 cup That’s Smart! creamy peanut butter ½ cup That’s Smart! honey 3 cups That’s Smart! 100% whole-grain quick-cooking oats ¾ cup desired mix-ins, such as: dried fruit, nuts and/or chocolate chips All you do: 1.

Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with wax paper; set aside.

2.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and honey. Microwave at 30-second increments, whisking between each increment until melted and well combined. Stir in oats; cool slightly.

If desired, add mix-ins.

3.

Pour oatmeal mixture into prepared pan. Refrigerate 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and cut into 20 bars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipes-ideas/recipes/no-bake-peanut-butter-granola-bars Wondering how to get started on your health and wellness journey before Spring Break? Speak with a Hy-Vee registered dietitian who can help you create a plan that works for you. If you’re ready to learn how a Hy-Vee dietitian can help you, schedule a complimentary Discovery Session today by contacting our Discovery Call Center via email nutritionservices@hy-vee.com or calling (515) 695-3121.

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

THERE WILL BE NO MONTHLY LUNCHEON IN THE MONTH OF MARCH DUE TO THE FUSEDSM ANNUAL DINNER Stay tuned for information on our April luncheon and in the meantime don’t forget to register for the FuseDSM 2024 Annual Dinner: An Extra Day, An Extraordinary Event REGISTER

DART To Launch New Route Southeast of Downtown, Partnering with Kemin Industries On Sunday, Feb. 18, DART will launch a new bus route, Local Route 2 – Maury St, southeast of downtown Des Moines. This new route is supported through a partnership with Kemin Industries. The route will make two roundtrips daily from DART Central Station, from 5:35 a.m. to 6:21 a.m. and from 5:35 p.m. to 6:21 p.m. Local Route 2 – Maury St will also connect to DART’s Local Routes 1 and 10 at E University Ave. and E 30th St., and to all other Local Routes at DART Central Station. Learn more about other service changes at ridedart.com/February.

Greater Des Moines Partnership

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has opened vendor applications for the Downtown Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Out to Lunch. If you are interested in being a vendor at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival or the spring Out to Lunch series, learn more and apply at https://www.dsmpartnership.com/downtowndsmusa/events/vendor-applications.

Applications are due Sunday, Feb. 25.

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