I can't do half of what I'd like to do without the great help and attention I get from the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Affiliate Division, notably Shar Pardubsky and Mary Knueven. Long after I'm gone, they'll still be helping the South Des Moines Chamber flourish. These are two remarkable and dedicated ladies working on your behalf.

The D.C. trip has to be the highlight of my year. Having never been associated with this lobbying trip before, I am still amazed at the results and respect this group has earned from both the community and our federal legislators.

I have particularly enjoyed the lunch meetings so much that I will make sure that I am there in future years to greet you and help network and promote your businesses any way I can. The real value in your Chamber membership is still in participation. I encourage you to get involved with one of our committees and help promote not only our events, but our member businesses. I look forward to seeing you at this month's Christmas luncheon (and fundraiser for the LHS Choir) and concluding our Chamber year at January's "Annual Dinner" and Citizen & Volunteer of the Year Awards. Thanks to all of you for making this a most enjoyable experience for me, again.

Since the holidays are fast approaching, I'd like to remind you of just one more thing:

In the rush of events, we tend to overlook the important friendships that are the true basis of business relationships. One of the great pleasures of the Holiday Season is the opportunity to exchange greetings with those whose friendship and goodwill are valued so highly.

In this spirit it is a pleasure to say 'Thank You' and extend my sincere appreciation for the very pleasant association enjoyed through your South Des Moines Chamber membership.

May you have a bright and prosperous 'New Year'!

Happy Holidays.

Craig Krouch
President

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The Greater Des Moines Partnership and its Affiliate Chambers and Organizations invite you to the

OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION
Welcoming the 81st Iowa General Assembly for the 2006 Legislative Session

January 9, 2006
5 - 7:00 pm
Hy-Vee Hall at the
Iowa Events Center
730 Third Street, Downtown

Meet Iowa Legislators - Tour the Iowa Hall of Pride - Learn more about the Iowa Events Center

Hors d'oeuvres will be provided by restaurants and vendors from the affiliate communities.

Cost: $15 per person for members of the Partnership, DCA and Affiliate Chambers
$20 per person for non-members

RSVP: Meg Fitz at 286-4934
or register on-line at: www.desmoinesmetro.com/events

THE ROBINS WOOD OVEN GRILL will be the serving vendor for the South Des Moines Chamber!

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The new officers and directors will be installed. Music will be provided by the Des Moines Metro Brass.

The Evening Sponsors are:
Baker Electric, Inc.
Wells Fargo Bank-Metro South
West Bank
Wyckoff Industries, Inc.

Menu: Grilled Beef Filet OR Atlantic Salmon - Cost $40 per person. RSVP to 286-4996 by January 10, 2006.

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The Garden of Eden produces over three tons of fresh produce for local food pantries. They also provide English classes, cooking, sewing, furniture repair and computer classes to Hispanic adults.

Mary's education took her to a number of various locations in the US and Mexico. She has served as a contractor to the U.S. Department of State and has traveled to many different countries.

She and her husband, Michael H. Said, have one son, Christopher Said.

CONGRATULATIONS = MARY!

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Verna is a native Iowan who graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, has lived in South Des Moines since 1989, and is a licensed real estate agent. Verna has also done grief counseling and enjoys working with and on behalf of the elderly.

She served on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association and has served as an Ambassador for the South Des Moines Chamber for a number of years.

In 2003, she became affiliated with an auto racing team based in Mesquite, Texas, that won the World Class Outlaw Street Stock Championship in 2005.

CONGRATULATIONS = VERNA!

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The chamber's strength is its members and we count on YOU!

We are looking forward to a very productive year and need involvement from you. The participation of our members can make a difference in which way the Chamber moves ahead and becomes stronger.

PLEASE RENEW YOUR DUES TODAY!

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Your directory is also a very good way to advertise and promote your business at a very low cost and help us defray the cost of the directory. This is one of the many benefits of being a chamber member!

Advertisement costs and sizes are as follows:
$75 Quarter Page 4 ½" x 1 ¾"
$100 Half Page 4 ½" x 3 ½"
$145 Full Page  4 ½" x 7"

All advertisers will be listed on the inside of the front cover of the directory. We must have all ads e-mailed in either a JPEG or TIF file to: mknueven@desmoinesmetro.com. If you have any questions, please contact the office at 286-4996.

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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER!

IF YOU KNOW OF A NEW BUSINESS IN SOUTH DES MOINES, PLEASE CONTACT A BOARD MEMBER! WE WILL FOLLOW UP WITH A "WELCOME" AND RIBBON CUTTING!

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DAVID MCCLANNAHAN,
First Bank, has been on the board, it seems, as long as I can remember. Dave was Chamber President in 2001 and before that was Steak Fry Committee Chair. During his tenure with that committee, he was as responsible as anyone for increasing attendance at this large annual event. He has since assisted on a variety of committees and this year saw the efforts of many result in the new "Welcome to Des Moines" sign, which was always one of his fondest dreams for South Des Moines.

CYNDI LORENZEN,
formerly with the Radisson Hotel & Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, was always one of the first persons to raise her hand and volunteer for just about anything! Very active on the board, Cyndi served on the Steak Fry/Spring Fling Committees, "Blitzed" during the annual membership drive and assisted with many membership receptions. She has always helped promote South Des Moines and your businesses. We'll miss her enthusiasm and volunteerism.

JOHN KIRCHOFF,
Dewey Ford, will be turning his attention to the Ankeny Chamber. John loves the Chamber and loves to network. Always an attendee at our meetings, events and ribbon cuttings, our loss will be Ankeny's gain.

GARY CALVERT,
Iowa State Bank, has been active on several committees, notably Economic Development and Golf, and has been a frequent Ambassador at ribbon cuttings.

RON WYCKOFF,
Wyckoff Industries, has focused on the Steak Fry/Spring Fling and Golf Committees. Ronnie knows virtually EVERYONE on the Southside and is very passionate about living, working and promoting South Des Moines. Always an attendee and helper at our events, no one networks better than Ron!

All five retiring board members have served with distinction, and their leadership has been instrumental in the board's accomplishments during their terms. We thank them for their dedicated and outstanding service to both the Chamber and South Des Moines. Remember, past presidents and board members never fade away, they just show up at the next function of the South Des Moines Chamber and continue to promote the Southside.

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"Southwest Family Physicians"
4821 SW 9th Street

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2006
5:30 pm

OPEN HOUSE 5 - 7:00 pm

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January 17, 2006, Chamber Annual Dinner @ Four Points Sheraton-Army Post Road.

January 26, 2006, Open House at Southwest Family Physicians, 4821 SW 9th Street

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It's always a fiesta when you dine at Carlos O' Kelly's Mexican Café, and there are two reasons to celebrate the opening of the new Carlos O' Kelly's at the corner of SE 14th and Army Post Rd. in Des Moines! Not only is this the 50th Carlos O' Kelly's restaurant, but it also opens only one month before Carlos celebrates its 25th anniversary!

Carlos O' Kelly's was born in Marion, Iowa in 1981. A following quickly developed for Carlos's made-from-scratch Southwest cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its rich, creamy sauces. A can't miss dish is the chicken picado. This unique item features char broiled chicken breasts swimming in a thick butter garlic sauce, and we don't spare the Monterrey jack cheese. Carlos O' Kelly's also offers sizzling fajitas, a variety of enchiladas and crisp, fresh salads, such as the Santa Fe Salad.

A second Carlos followed the same year, in Iowa City. They have now spread across Iowa and the Midwest. Diners tell us they're hooked on the salsa. It's made fresh every morning and served with hot fresh tortilla chips. And the best thing is, the chips and salsa are always free!

We've heard that some of you are pretty fond of our famous margaritas too. That's because of our proprietary sweet and sour mix. You'll only find it at Carlos O' Kelly's. Sorry, we're not sharing the recipe.

Carlos O' Kelly's also has Des Moines locations at 4055 Westown Parkway and 4371 Merle Hay Rd. The phone number for the new SE 14th location is 953-0554. Carlos can cater any size occasion from any restaurant and also invites you to share your events with us, in the restaurant!

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Thanks to all who attended the December lunch meeting at the Four Points Sheraton and made donations to the Lincoln High School Choir. Director Mike Walag reported that the Choir's performance this year featured new outfits, but that robes were still in need for their competitions and special events. The South Des Moines Chamber began fundraising last month with a $100.00 donation, and with the help of the participants at this event, presented Mr. Walag and the Choir with $750.00 at the conclusion of their performance. The Choir, for the second year in a row, gave another outstanding performance of holiday music and were visibly delighted with this fundraising.

Thank you South Des Moines Chamber members. That's the spirit!

Craig Krouch, President

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American Awards, Inc. hosted an open house on November 11.

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