June 1, 2020
Creating Clickable Connections That Count!
#DTchamber Virtual Events
Our events will be in virtual formats during June. Keep an eye on our calendar for event updates, as well as informational webinars.
Downtown Council (Virtual)
Tuesday, June 2nd
8:00am - 9:00am
Free. Must register to get the link

Get the scoop on downtown news and member news at this popular Downtown Chamber coffee & networking event. This month's event is sponsored by  DSM Dance Party DJ's












LEAP (Virtual)
Friday, June 12th
11:30am - 1:00pm

"Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace"
Presenter: Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel

Daniel Hoffman-Zinnel has served as the CEO of Proteus, Inc since August 2019, but has worked with the organization for over 6 years. He has over 10 years of non-profit experience working with migrant and seasonal farm workers, LGBTQ community, Latinx community, and individuals with disabilities. Daniel serves as Tri-Chair of the Social Capital with Capital Crossroads and is on the Inclusion Council of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Daniel was named the 2018 Influencer of the Year at the Young Professionals Connection and Des Moines Register Young Professional of the Year Awards. Also in 2018, he was awarded the Community Vision Award for Challenging by the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute.
Non-Profit Mastermind (Virtual)
Wednesday, June 17th
9:00am - 10:00am
V irtual - Details will be emailed to all registered attendees

A monthly private, small group discussion to assist professionals in the Non-Profit industry. This mastermind is a free benefit available only to current members of the Downtown Chamber. All sessions are led by Joe Benesh, President + CEO, Ingenuity Company
New Manager Mastermind (Virtual)
Thursday, June 18th
7:30am - 8:30am
Virtual - Access/Log-in information shared upon registration

New Manager Mastermind, held by Daniel McCraine , is now a weekly event. To help managers navigate through this turmoil and rapidly changing time, Daniel opens up communication to address any issue challenging managers: new topics include managing and encourage productivity of working from home, using virtual meeting spaces, dealing with employee concerns and layoffs. This is a free forum group. Each discussion isn't limited to specific topics, but will address the most current and relevant concerns.
Member Success Stories
Des Moines’ HoQ Restaurant Rebounds from COVID-19 Shutdown

Suman Hoque is a pioneer in Des Moines’ farm to table restaurant scene. His popular East Village restaurant, HoQ, established eight years ago, sources approximately 90 percent of its ingredients from local Iowa farms. Hoque believes the best meals begin with the best ingredients. The restaurant features grass-fed beef and lamb, and pasture-raised chicken and duck - all raised without the use of hormones, antibiotics, steroids or cages. Even its butter and cream come from grass-fed cows, the seafood is sustainably sourced from responsible fishing communities and the produce is chemical-free and organic. The majority of HOQ’s menu is gluten-free with many unique vegetarian items. Not to be outdone, the restaurant also purchases fair trade and locally roasted coffee and house liquors from right here in Iowa.

A native of Bangladesh, Hoque relocated to India to study computer science when he was 15. It did not take long to realize it wasn’t his calling. His love of food inspired him to attend culinary school in Geneva, Switzerland. He then worked in restaurants in Europe before bringing his vision to America. Hoque first honed his culinary skills in Vail, Jackson Hole and Lancaster, Pa., before relocating to Des Moines with Cynthia, his wife and business partner, who practices medicine locally.
 
The Iowa restaurant industry was especially hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forced to close due to mandatory shutdowns, Hoque shifted to take out meals, but the revenue is minimal compared to normal full-service operations. The restaurateur benefited from the SBA making six months of payments on his existing SBA 7(a) loan through Northwest Bank. An SBA-backed PPP loan through the bank enables Hoque to bring back his nine employees and cover the restaurant’s payroll, rent and utilities during the shutdown. Thanks to the support, HoQ is preparing to re-open to its customers’ culinary delight.

This newsletter article was submitted by Jayne Armstrong, District Director, Iowa District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration 

Resources
To help the public find and support our member businesses, we have added the following tools:

  • Direct access to Downtown Chamber member restaurants and retailers from our homepage
  • Information and resource hub and recorded webinars
  • Job board (available to members for free, open to non-members for a small fee)
  • Members have the ability to enhance their member directory listing with links, more content and social media for FREE!
Member Coupons and Discounts

Downtown Chamber members can take advantage of a free service to post a coupon or discount via the Downtown Chamber website. They can choose to make the deals public or exclusive to other chamber members.

Industry Roundtables

Tuesdays at 10am : Retailers, Hotels, Restaurants, and Venues
Thursdays at 10am : Non-Profits

Chambers are excellent conveners of people and ideas, and the Downtown Chamber started hosting weekly virtual roundtables for members. It is a time to share questions, let us know what’s happening at their organization, and for us to work together in finding creative solutions.These are by invite-only, and if you're interested in participating in one or more of these, you can request a meeting link.
As you shop and support local, please also participate in the #DSMlocalchallenge to encourage others to do the same. Be sure to add #DTstrong if you supported a Downtown member or business!

What is the #DSMlocalchallenge?

Catch Des Moines and the Greater Des Moines Partnership launched the DSM Local Challenge last week to encourage residents to support shopping local while practicing social distancing. Shoppers are asked to post a photo to social media, showing how you support a local small business, and tag three friends to do the same, using the words "I support (name of business) and the hashtag #DSMlocalchallenge. Ideas include ordering takeout or delivery from a local restaurant, buying gift cards, or seasonal passes to local attractions and museums.
Staying Connected
It is a top priority to maintain the personal connection we have with our members and local organizations. We have been hearing about and are aware of the wide variety of challenges businesses and non-profits are facing. We're also keeping in touch with other leaders and organizations such as the Iowa District Office for the Small Business Association, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the City of Des Moines, and many professional associations. Our mission as a chamber is to proactively provide information and resources, facilitate knowledge-sharing and elevate understanding of economic issues.
From the Top

Follow news as it unfolds from the Iowa Capitol and be connected with state leaders.
One of the many benefits of a Downtown Chamber membership is a free membership to the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The team at the Partnership has been outstanding throughout this crisis and has a collection of helpful resources in their COVID-19 Rapid Response Hub . Below are just a few examples.
List Your Business Updates

515 Local, launched by Choice Creative Solutions, provides a directory of local small businesses that are open for business and provides the type of services they are offering.
East Village Business Updates

Many East Village businesses have made adjustments to protect the health of you and their teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a list of adjustments each business has made, along with information on how you can continue to support them. 
What Services Do You Have to Help Other Businesses?
The Downtown Chamber is facilitating a shared Google Sheet that offers a place for you to list what you can be doing for other businesses and non-profits during this time. In our calls and member contacts last week, we found that many businesses have a service or something to offer.

We'll be referencing the information on this sheet as we communicate with members and help direct them to the resources they need.