Des Moines Business Record

Today, we celebrate Kathy Bolten’s fifth anniversary. If you caught last week's Commercial Real Estate Forum, you witnessed Kathy’s reporting in action as she delved into all things industry-related for the Business Record. “I’m a curious person. I love getting to know people and sniffing out information,” Kathy said. "I also love writing. It's why being a journalist is a perfect fit for me." Over the past five years, Kathy has tackled numerous critical issues facing our community, from the inspiring story of local businessman Brian Clark surviving a stroke to the latest developments in Des Moines' iconic high-rise buildings. In fact, in 2020, the Alliance of Area Business Publications, BPC’s peer group, recognized the CRE newsletter as the top specialty e-newsletter in its class. Our community truly benefits from Kathy’s expertise, commitment and talent. As she puts it, she feels "blessed to be able to work for a hometown organization," and we're equally blessed to have her on our team. Join us in extending warm wishes to Kathy on this special anniversary!

West Bank began using its new headquarters in West Des Moines in April. See photos from inside the building and learn interesting facts about the building. https://lnkd.in/gG5dyamM

SUBMIT A NOMINATION TODAY FOR THE 2024 Women of Influence awards Celebrate the work of women who have made a difference. Nominate women who have had a lasting impact on the community and serve as role models for others through their achievements and ethical standards. Nominations due: May 3, 2024 Awards presented at event: Aug. 1, 2024 For more information and to nominate visit businessrecord.com/woi. #woi #womenofinfluence #desmoinesbusiness #dsmusa #desmoinesiowa

Join us Thursday, May 16 at 9 a.m. at Des Moines Heritage Center for our next Power Breakfast: Leadership in Changing Times. Persistent economic uncertainty and global disruption, coupled with the rapid evolution of technology and artificial intelligence, present new challenges and opportunities to today’s business leaders. The pace of change that started even before the pandemic is showing no sign of stopping. In addition to managing the rapid rate of change, leaders today are increasingly living in a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) environment. In this Power Breakfast, learn from top leaders about how they are preparing themselves for change and leading their teams in a VUCA world. PANELISTS: Pete Brownell: chairman of the board, Brownells Miriam Erickson Brown: chair and CEO, AE Dairy Angela Franklin, Ph.D.: president and CEO, Des Moines University David Stark: chief of government, external affairs and philanthropy, UnityPoint Health Emily Steele: CEO and co-founder, Hummingbirds Tickets available at https://lnkd.in/gQBz-mxk

Meet Olesya Holker, one of the Business Record's 2024 Forty Under 40. She migrated from Russia to the United States 12 years ago. In that time, she advanced from a customer service associate in retail to a lead business consultant for a major financial institution. She also created a documentary, “The Truth About Happiness and Wellbeing," that is available on Amazon Prime Video. She would like to see Central Iowa leaders focus on closing that gap in mental health services. She says: "Iowa, like many other states, has been affected by mental health challenges. It is evident that more adults and especially young Americans report feeling lonely, anxious and depressed. Various factors contribute to this crisis, and in recent years, there has been increasing efforts to address mental health issues in Iowa. I would like to see increased funding for mental health services, expanding access to care, and promoting education and awareness of nonpharmaceutical solutions as well." https://lnkd.in/gSyrdiij

Our Annual Real Estate Magazine was unveiled at our real estate forum this morning. We've got a story on Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business Commercial Real Estate Professional of the Year: Justin Lossner, a feature on the new Oak Park restaurant design, a look inside the new Vibrant Music Hall (which is featured on this year's cover) and much more. Check out all the reporting from Kathy Bolten and Michael Crumb, as well as guest features, here: #RealEstateTrends #Development #CommercialRealEstate

John Pappajohn, a pillar in business, community and the lives of many Iowans, passed away one year ago this week. I thought the best way to reflect would be to ask those who knew him to share their memories and impressions of him. Thanks to all who shared! Here is one excerpt from Pi515's Nancy Mwirotsi, who is hosting the Day of Innovation Youth Tech Conference today: "My decision to build an artificial intelligence curriculum in 2020 and John's immediate, unequivocal support highlights his intrinsic belief in the potential of individuals and innovative ideas. John's interest in the Pi515 community went beyond mere curiosity; it was an expression of his genuine care and desire to see others succeed. He was always curious about what I was working on and also how the Pi515 kids were doing. His questions about my progress weren't just polite inquiries but a part of his broader commitment to nurturing a supportive, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem." Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gEWKmVZr

Meet Siriaco Garcia, one of the Business Record's 2024 Forty Under 40. His biggest passion is creating. "I love everything about it – art has helped me in my life," he says. "Through art, I've seen how it positively influences our communities. Artists can be shy, but with a safe space where we can create with others without judgment and hate, we can all thrive." As a small-business owner, his main goal is expansion. He hopes to engage the community with art through pop-up events throughout Iowa and beyond. Outside of work, he's committed to expanding access for arts education for youths, especially for those who are struggling to fit into traditional learning environments. https://lnkd.in/gAS_J8W6

Former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, along with his wife, Ruth, founded the Harkin Institute in 2013 as a nonpartisan policy nonprofit focused on labor and employment, people with disabilities, retirement security, and wellness and nutrition. The institute is already seen by many as a global leader in disability inclusion. In 2020, 30 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the nonprofit completed construction of its new headquarters on Drake University’s campus. Architects employed universal design to make it one of the most accessible buildings in the country. The organization’s new executive director wants the institute to be just as well recognized for its other policy focuses. Matthew Reed was named the organization’s new leader last August. He previously worked in higher education at several institutions on the East Coast. We recently sat down with Reed to learn more about him and his goals for the Harkin Institute. https://lnkd.in/gpaNxYZT

The owner of Malo will reopen the Latin-inspired restaurant with a new partnership team on May 3. Owner Todd Millang says he’s excited to reopen the restaurant at 900 Mulberry St., while continuing to provide the same high level of service and food that the community has come to expect from Malo. https://lnkd.in/gWr7qdNx