PRESS RELEASES WDM Contact: Baillee Furst baillee@wdmchamber.org (515) 222-3679 Learn More About the WDM Chamber FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MARCH 3, 2021 WDM Chamber to Host National Event for Minority Entrepreneurs WEST DES MONES, IA (WED, MARCH 3, 2021) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit (the Summit) presented by Principal Financial Group® on April 22 and 23. This two-day conference was created by the WDM Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) with the goal of elevating ethnic minorities and to bring BIPOC businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper. “The goal of the Black & Brown Business Summit is to – Learn, Grow and Thrive,” said Angela Jackson, Chair of the WDM Chamber’s DEI Committee and SVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Athene. “Small businesses and businesses of color have been negatively impacted during this global pandemic. The summit aims to provide educational resources, connection to help these business owners grow their business as well as share resources for those who are new entrepreneurs and looking to start a business. We also want to highlight diverse and dynamic successful businesses to encourage others.” Programming for the Summit includes breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award, inspirational keynote speakers and networking. Breakout sessions are divided into two tracks – New Entrepreneurs (businesses in their first two years of operation) and Established Entrepreneurs (business that have been in existence for 2+ years, are established and looking to grow in scale). Keynote speakers include George Herrera, current Independent Director of the board of Travel and Leisure Co. and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce who helped raise millions to lend to minority small business owners, and Brandon Copeland. Copeland is a starting NFL Linebacker and a Financial Wellness Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Real Estate Developer, a Venture Investor, and a worldwide motivational speaker. The pitch competition, to be held the first day of the Summit and brought to you by exclusive pitch competition partner Hy-Vee, will serve as a chance for 25 to 30 businesses to participate in the workshop. At the end of the day, 5 to 6 individuals from the workshop will be selected to present their pitch to a panel of judges to win a cash prize. Deadline to apply is March 19. View and fill out the application here. The week prior to the Summit, from April 12 - 18, the WDM Chamber will be hosting Diversity Wk t it f Bl k & B bi th t t t h th i d t The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 35
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