A few weeks ago, I was selected to the 2015 class of Forty under 40. It means so much to be recognized for my efforts over the past six years in the Des Moines community.

Being laid off six years ago was really a blessing in disguise; I needed that time to reflect on what I wanted out of my personal and professional life. I needed to meet people who earned a living without having a job. I needed to become comfortable being uncomfortable. I needed to realize that what I wanted out of this life was my choice.
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As a follow-up to a post I wrote a few months ago about the founding of the Des Moines European Heritage Association, I’m pleased to announce that we received our tax exempt designation from the IRS!
A few days ago, I received a notice from the IRS (delivered in a hand-written-addressed envelope!), informing me that the non-profit Carrie Gosnell, Theresa Edman and I have been working on for about 6 months has been determined to be “exempt from federal income tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3.” We’ve come such a long way in one year!
Des Moines European Heritage Association has also been classified as a public charity. We’ll take it!
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Over the past few months, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with WesleyLife and Lifespace Communities, in partnership with LeadingAge Iowa, to produce the Iowa Premiere of “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me”.
WesleyLife and Lifespace Communities support the independence, health and well-being of older adults wherever they call home. These organizations want to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease and this movie couldn’t have done it better. This documentary chronicles country-music legend Glen Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease as he embarks on his farewell tour in the U.S., Australia, and Europe.
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Mix and mingle with the Social Media Club Des Moines Board of Directors to learn what the Hashie Awards are all about! Chrissy, the owner of Domestica and a 2015 finalist for Best Company Use of Pinterest, will discuss her social media strategy and why she got involved.
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Time: March 4, 2016 from 5pm to 7pm
Location: Domestica
Street: 505 E. Grand Avenue
City/Town: Des Moines, IA 50309
Click here to learn more and to RSVP
Football season may be coming to an end, but brands need to continue engaging with their audiences year round. This Super Bowl, which commercials were best in show? And, how can companies that can’t afford the pricey commercials still engage with consumers on social media during the big game?

During this event, you’ll have the chance to talk to some of the top advertising, digital, and marketing professionals around Des Moines to hear their thoughts on how brands can win during the Super Bowl. Panelists include:
- Josh Fleming – Brand Counselor, Meyocks
- Angela Ten Clay – Communication Manager, Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Sara Mulholland – Digital Media Coordinator, Mercy Hospital
Tickets are $15 and include appetizers and beverages.
Time: February 9, 2016 from 6pm to 8pm
Location: TBD
Website or Map: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/…
Event Type: networking, education
Organized By: Social Media Club Des Moines
When I was laid off from my last traditional job in February 2009, I searched high and low, as did many individuals at that time, for my next job.
I found many individuals who were in the same situation, with few resources to help us become better job seekers. That’s why I founded Unemployed in Des Moines. This group helped me hone my website building skills, helped me understand the power of social media to bring people together around a shared interest, understand the value of networking and to be more comfortable speaking in public.

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The second Tuesday of every month from 7:15-8:30am, the Euclid Hy-Vee hosts a networking event with FREE breakfast. They’ve been doing this for four years. Great networking group. It’s now affiliated with the Des Moines East South Chamber. Attendees share their 30-second commercial with the group followed by a program.

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With their Grand Opening on December 27, 2014, Strudl Haus is the newest addition to Des Moines’ international culinary scene.

You may have seen owner Michael Leo’s homemade Austrian pastries and sausages at the Downtown Farmer’s Market. He’s now committed to a luxurious Euro-style spot on busy Indianola Road.
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A couple weeks ago, I helped a Client host an open house at their new office space.

An open house is a great marketing tool. It’s an excuse to reach out to your Clients and to show them how much you appreciate them! Offer door prizes or prizes that can be won in a drawing. Always have refreshments and be sure each individual leaves with marketing materials and a small, branded gift.
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I’m not sure, but I just called myself one in a Proposal!
One of the things I pride myself in after being in business for five years, is being able to provide custom solutions for my Clients.
I was approached a few weeks ago by a group that wanted to produce a large community event. After learning more about their needs, it turned out that they didn’t want me to produce the event for them; they wanted me to work alongside them so they could learn to produce their event for years to come.
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Who does that?
Earlier this year, I had trouble sleeping. Christmas had just ended and I was infatuated with the German-inspired Christmas markets (Christkindlmarket, Christkindlmarkt, Weihnachtsmarkt,) that I was seeing displayed all over Facebook. Having lived in Cologne, Germany for two years, I was able to experience these markets first-hand.

The nostalgia, the smells, the history, the culture. This is what kept me up at night. With my event planning/marketing experience and my knowledge of the Christmas markets, I thought Des Moines could use an event of this type. And I was the one to make it happen.
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