Monthly Luncheon
Topic: #HaveTheConversation
 
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI will be talking about the impacts of Mental Illness on our community.

SSG Ray Ropa will also be speaking about the impact of PTSD on his life. He served in the 1/168 Infantry as Infantry team leader and later in military Intelligence. He deployed 2 times in his 17 year career, once to Kuwait in 2001 and a second deployment to Afghanistan 2010-11 and worked as an Intel Officer for the DEA for 2 years as part of the Iowa Counterdrug Task Force assisting in one of the largest Methamphetamine cases successfully prosecuted in Iowa .  SSG Ropa's volunteer work includes being a Reserve Deputy for Linn County IA for 12 years and an Associate member of JCI of Iowa (Iowa Jaycees). 

Upon return from his last deployment to Afghanistan, SSG Ropa was diagnosed with PTSD which led to an early medical retirement from the Iowa Army National Guard.  He became a student of his PTSD and now travels around the US speaking to Veterans, sharing his story and advocating for better mental health care for Veterans.  


Menu: Baby Greens tossed Salad with 2 Dressings, Fresh Fruit Tray
Fresh Homemade Pub Chips and French Onion Dip
Soup: Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Sliced Cheeses: Cheddar, Baby Swiss, and American.
Meats: Oven Roasted Breast of Turkey, Sliced Roast Beef,
Honey Ham, Genoa Salami, served with Lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes, Red Onions, Cranberry
Aioli, Chipotle Spread, and Pickle Spears.
Breads: White, Wheat, Marble Rye, and Sudried Tomato Buns
Dessert: Assorted Jumbo Cookies
All lunches include coffee (regular and decaffeinated), iced tea, and water.

WHEN / August 8th, 2019 / 11:30am-1:00pm
WHERE / Holiday Inn Downtown / 1050 6th Ave., Des Moines
MOXIE
Event Description : MOXIE (Member Owners eXchange Information & Experience) is a group of member business Owners/Presidents who meet monthly to discuss issues impacting their businesses.

This is exclusive to MEMBERS ONLY Business Owners/Presidents. If you would like to join this group, please contact the Chamber to attend:  Melisa

 WHEN / July 24, 2019 / 8:15am-10:00am
WHERE / LifeServe Blood Center / 431 E. Locust St., Des Moines

Firestarter Meeting
Firestarters are the spark and energy our chamber needs to ignite growth and prosperity for our members while exploring new businesses to inspire. They are our advocates. They are passionate and authentic. They are the Ambassadors for our membership! 

If you are new/interested in joining this group, please contact Bailey .

WHEN / July 25th, 2019 / 11:30am-1:00pm
WHERE / Food Bank of Iowa / 2220 E. 17th St., Des Moines

Non-Profit Forum
Event Description : The FuseDSM Non-Profit Forum is a group of chamber members representing non-profits and associations who meet monthly for two hours to discuss issues impacting their organization, creating a larger unified impact on members of our community.
**MEMBERS ONLY- please contact the Chamber to attend.**

Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month.
8-8:30 Networking/Breakfast
8:30-10am Programming

 WHEN / August 21, 2019 / 8:00am-10:00am
WHERE / Dart Central Station / 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines
Corporate Games- Italian American Festival
Are you up for the challenge? Enter your team in the corporate games to play fun games such as the Meatball Relay, Grape Stomping, Wine Barrel Racing, Street Paining, and Mini Regatta. Enter your team for $100. Every entry benefits the Special Olympics & Food Bank of Iowa

Inquiries can be sent to fgrazi@grazianobrothers.com or call 515-244-7103

WHEN / July 26th, 2019 / 1:00-3:00pm
WHERE / Western Gateway Park, Des Moines 

Zoo Brew
The camels aren’t the only ones celebrating hump day at Blank Park Zoo! Every Wednesday in the summer, the Zoo comes to life after hours for those 21 and over. This popular fundraising event features a variety of live music and summer brews all while enjoying the animals! When you buy a brew, you support the Zoo! Each Wednesday features a different band! 

WHEN / Every Wednesday in July & August / 5:30-9:00am
WHERE / Blank Park Zoo / 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines

Rendezvous on Riverview
Started in 2009 with a grant from Polk County, the Highland, Oak and Union Park neighborhood organizations worked together to create this fun, family-oriented neighborhood festival. Our Summer Concert Series is free and open to the public. 
We feature live music from some of Central Iowa's best bands. Lots of food and beverage options including beer, soft drinks, walking-tacos, hot-dogs, snacks and much more. Check out our EVENTS CALENDAR for the concert lineup.

WHEN / Every Friday in July / 5:30-9:30pm
(**Fireworks after the show on 7/5/19**)
WHERE / Union Labor Park / 4640 Morningstar Drive, Des Moines

Capture Management Solutions Open House
You are cordially invited to join Capture Marketing Solutions (formerly Capture Marketing Group) to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. They will have cocktails and hors d'oeuvres!

WHEN / August 1, 2019 / 3:30pm-6:30pm
WHERE / Capture Management Solutions / 400 E. Court Ave., Ste 126, Des Moines

BIG Dream Gathering
This summer FuseDSM, the Downtown Chamber, along with the Des Moines West Side Chamber are working together to recognize and thank Des Moines' teachers. Please join us on August 12th for the BIG Dream Gathering, which will include a mix of teachers, students, and businesses for an afternoon of inspiration, recognition, and socializing. In addition, businesses can also engage in the event in the following ways:
 
  1. Have a business booth at the event (Limited space, issued on a first come, first serve basis)
  2. Provide a door prize (seeking "post-secondary" items. This can include "dorm room" items, other college or career-related items, or gift cards.) 
  3. Simply attend and enjoy the connections


WHEN / August 12, 2019 / 4:30pm-6:00pm
WHERE / Iowa Events Center, Hall B/C / 730 3rd St., Des Moines