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January 2021
Your West Side Chamber News & Updates
Please visit www.DSMwestside.org and bookmark our website to find helpful links, resources, and keep updated on future events. Any questions email: director@dsmwestside.org
Wake Up West Side!
Thursday, January 21st
10:00 - 11:00 AM
A Zoom Link will be emailed out the day before the event to all who register.
PPP Update!
Wake Up West Side is BACK for 2021 with a focus on the latest round of PPP Loans recently released by the SBA. Our hosts will be Angela Reed and the CPA's at Tarbell & Co., PLC. They will give us a quick overview of the recently announced PPP programs. Jayne Armstrong with the Iowa SBA will also be joining the Tarbell team for the Q & A time along with a couple representatives from our West Side financial institutions. Don't miss this great opportunity to get the latest info! Not a West Side Chamber Member?... join us and learn more.

PPP Announcement
SBA and PPP Announcement
Below is the latest info on the new round of PPP loans from the SBA recently shared by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
The SBA has announced that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will re-open the week of January 11 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.
If you intend to apply for a first or second PPP loan, you are encouraged to contact your banker as soon as possible. Underserved businesses can utilize SBA’s Lender Match Tool to be connected with community financial institutions.
Updated PPP guidance outlining changes to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility, in accordance with the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, has been released.
Key PPP updates include:
  • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
  • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
  • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
  • The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
  • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. 
  • A borrower is generally eligible for a Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower:
  • Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
  • Has no more than 300 employees; and
  • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
The new guidance released includes:

For more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp or treasury.gov/cares.
City of Des Moines Programs
City Delivers COVID-19 Relief to Restaurants
The City of Des Moines will soon deliver financial relief to local restaurants hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Council members approved a $300,000 grant program that would reimburse Des Moines restaurants for delivery and takeout supplies through the remainder of this winter.  All funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served reimbursement basis. Signup for the program will begin on Jan. 26.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION PROGRAM
The City of Des Moines has recently announced a funding program targeted towards commercial, office, and mixed-use properties in neighborhood commercial nodes and corridors across the city. 

Partnership Opportunities

The Greater Des Moines Partnership continues to host some awesome virtual events as we enter 2021. As a member of the West Side Chamber you are also a member of the Partnership. Please take advantage of these timely opportunities.
Save the Date! - March 9th
Annual Celebration and Awards Night!
Registration and Voting Begins Next Week!
Save the Date and watch for more details! Our DSM West Side Chamber Annual Celebration and Awards Night will be held on March 9th from 5:30 - 7:30 PM at the Des Moines Playhouse. You'll be able to attend in-person or participate virtually.

New Boot Barn sign went up in late 2020.
So Much to Share!
So much to share about the DSM West Side! As many of your know, Frank Marcovis sold G & L Clothing to Boot Barn last year. New manager Sheila Sites told us they are continuing to transition to the new brand and doing some remodeling inside. We hope to celebrate with them this spring. (Frank sill works there by the way!) If you drive by Boot Barn, check out Tri-City Electrics's new Des Moines office! More news to share in the coming weeks!
Thank you Fareway
Thanks AGAIN Fareway!
Fareway Stores, Inc. recently announced a second donation in the amount of $200,000 to the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce (IACC). The donation provides gift cards to IACC chamber of commerce members in the communities Fareway serves. The DSM West Side Chamber received another $2000 in gift cards which will be distributed under the guidance of the Chamber Board of Directors. The Board will focus primarily on independent small businesses and restaurants impacted by our COVID-19 challenges. Thanks again to Fareway for your partnership in serving our community!
Chamber Director Darrell Sarmento received the gift cards from Will Goldberg (left), the store manager of the Fareway on Grand and a long time West Side Chamber Member.
New Members
Some of our West Side Chamber Leaders stopped by Kitchen Spaces to visit with owner Bob Mulvihill
Welcome New Members!
Kitchen Spaces near Drake University offers affordable commercial kitchens for rent in Des Moines. They also offer a small event space for classes, meetings and events. Follow them on Facebook for a schedule of special culinary guests and events.

Other new members include:

Check out the scrolling marquee on the right side of the home page of our website for more.
2021 Sponsors
Thank You to our Sponsors
Thank you to Mediacom for being a 2021 Investor Sponsor once again for the DSM West Side Chamber! Thanks also to Lincoln Savings Bank on Ingersoll for being Sustaining sponsor and Terry Taylor State Farm for being a Builder Sponsor. Sponsorships are crucial to funding the mission of the Chamber and give you great opportunities to promote your business and services and show yourself to be a leader and investor in the Des Moines West Side. You can sponsor an individual event or do a general sponsorship.

Interested in sponsoring or hosting an event in 2021?
Email us at director@dsmwestside.org. There are many opportunities to showcase your business, support the Chamber, and help more people know who you are and what you do.
Welcome New Board Members!
Leadership Opportunities
We are always adding to our West Side Chamber Ambassadors. If getting involved and making a difference at this level is something you are interested in, contact us at director@dsmwestside.org. It's a great way to promote our west side business community and your business as well. Learn more here.

2021 Membership Renewal Process
If you paid your membership dues before the end of year last year, odds are you've already received an email with you 2021 dues invoice. We deeply value your membership and look forward to continue to be a resource to you and your business during these challenging times. Due to COVID last year, some members paid late. We will wait to invoice you in early 2021. If you are ready to renew now, simply email director@dsmwestside.org and we'll get you an invoice. We don't want to lose any members due to financial challenges so we are ready to work with you. All members will receive their 2021 membership invoice before the end of this month.
Dogtown Update
Old Trolley Tracks Revealed
In this photo old Trolley Tracks are exposed in front of the Drake Legal Clinic as progress continues and streetscapes continue to improve around Drake.

Bulldog Bucks!
If you are doing business within the Drake Neighborhood, this program will allow Drake students, faculty and staff to use their Drake Card and the Bulldog Bucks account to purchase goods from local merchants and will give you exclusive access to the university community.

Outreach
Fulfilling Our Mission
Our Chamber leadership has been in inspiring discussions with local leaders in reaching out to minority owned businesses. As many of you know, improving our services to minority owned businesses was one of our strategic goals for 2020 in harmony with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Watch for more on this effort.
B.O.S.S. Opportunities

Do you need a trusted group of business leaders to confide in moderated by a seasoned business coach? Kevin Pokorny is your host and BOSS is free for West Side Chamber Members.
"I had a big accomplishment after our BOSS call yesterday! I took initiative and made a VIDEO!!! I learned a lot, broke some barriers, and still have a few kinks to work out, but I got it done and I feel GREAT! Thank you all for your ideas, encouragement, and accountability. The value we provide each other is priceless."

Holly Adams
Realtor- West Side Chamber Member
B.O.S.S. Group Openings
B.O.S.S. is now accepting new members for both groups which currently meet via Zoom

BOSS on Ingersoll - 2nd Wednesday of each month from 8:15-9:30 AM - RSVP

BOSS in Beaverdale Area - 3rd Thursday of each month from 8:15-9:30 AM - RSVP

B.O.S.S. is free monthly program for West Side Chamber Business Owners, Managers, and Executive Directors of non-profit organizations who want to work on and find solutions to business issues in a supportive, confidential setting. TRUST is a critical element of BOSS and regular attendance is strongly encouraged.

#Tip25 Continues!
Let’s recover together! We’re encouraging everyone to tip 25% to those in the service industry, even as we enter 2021. By shopping local and committing to #Tip25, we can help businesses and their employees recover quickly from the recent economic challenges. You can even do this on to-go orders and curbside pick-up.

Special thanks to the creative team at Project7 Design for helping us put together the campaign logo.
Resources
COVID-19 RAPID RESPONSE HUB
Our friends at the Greater Des Moines Partnership continue to update their resources on their website. You'll find some great, timely information in their new COVID-19 Rapid Response Hub.

Announcements from the Governor
Latest Press Release from the Governor's Office. More helpful links at www.DSMwestside.org.

Time to Join!
Joining the DSM West Side Chamber connects you to one of the greatest business resources in the Midwest.
As a member of the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce, you will receive a complimentary membership to the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more.
Doing Business on the West Side?
The Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce is a network of businesses committed to serving our community by supporting and enhancing the unique quality of life and commerce that defines the Des Moines West Side.

We serve:
The Avenues Ingersoll & Grand
The Roosevelt District
Drake University Area
6th Avenue Corridor
Uptown Shopping Ctr. & Waveland Area
Beaverdale Shopping Area
Douglas Avenue Corridor
Merle Hay Mall

Have an Event to Share?
When you go to the calendar/events page on our website, the "+" sign allows you to add your event to our calendar. They may not be placed as a featured event, but they will go on our community calendar once approved by our staff. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

More Events Coming!

  • Don't miss the scrolling list of New Members on our website!

Visit www.DSMwestside.org for the latest News and Events!