2021 Connectors

Christine and her husband Bruce, moved to Des Moines in 2016 and shortly thereafter Christine obtained her real estate license for the state of Iowa.  Combining her passion to help others and a love for houses, she now enjoys working as a realtor and helping people with their home buying and selling needs. Her hobbies consist of gardening, crafting, knitting, flea marketing and checking out estate sales (mostly to see the house itself).  Most of all she enjoys exploring the city of Des Moines, small towns outside of the city, learning about and trying local favorites while getting to know about the people she crosses paths with. 
 

Mark has owned and operated his State Farm Agency in Urbandale since 1985 and moved into his current office location at 6773 Hickman Rd in November, 2009. Shortly after starting his State Farm career, Mark joined the Urbandale Chamber and has been a member ever since. Mark has been involved in the chamber in many capacities and has served on the Board of Directors, has been the Chair of the Connector committee during two different tenures as well as serving on the government affairs committee, the communications committee and the advocacy committee. Mark has been named the Connector of the month numerous times, Mark Courter Insurance was the 2005 Urbandale Chamber Business of the Year, in 2008 Mark was honored as the Urbandale Citizen of the Year and was named the best insurance agent in the Des Moines area for 2018 by Cityview and has been one of the top three agents in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Hi, I am a Independent Certified Health Coach.  My professional career spans wide with 30 years in Corporate America, providing a wide range of experience in the financial, customer service, collections and technology industries.
Today, as I coach lifestyle and transformation, I am passion driven on the success of others creating hope with their health, mindfulness and overall wellbeing.  Empowering others with their health is a true blessing in life, to them with the choices they get to make with their life, as well as, making memories with family.  Sharing this gift of life is what I do, guiding, supporting and walking the dream of a healthy tomorrow, one day at a time.
I love spending time with family, friends, gardening, outdoor activities and living my best possible life.

KSH Design Studio creates personalized and custom gifts. I specialize in personalizing metal and glass items by mechanical etching. I love to do custom designs for our customers. I offer EMBROIDERY services as gifts and for small businesses. I use Heat Transfer Vinyl for any fabric item such as T-shirts, baby bodysuits, pillow covers and even lawn chairs. I enjoy working with small business owners and using their logos to create items they need for their business such as Logos on apparel (Polo shirts, Jackets, Aprons & Hats). All items are completed by a handmade process by KSH Design Studio. I only use the highest quality materials found in the industry. This provides you, the customer with the best product for the money available. I provide the best customer service possible. I answer all emails as quickly as possible, the same day 99% of the time. I want all your questions answered to your satisfaction! In 2020 I received TSB Certification through the SBA.

I started Community Hand Up in an effort to bring fulfillment to my life. I raised 2 amazing kids by myself while living in poverty. I saw first hand how when we struggle there is not always someone there to give you a hand up. For me being able to make someone else's life a little bit easier is a round about way to make my life easier. There is nothing better than a hug or a thank you from someone who just wanted to feed/cloth their kids.  

I am really enjoying meeting business owners and feeling like a part of this community I have lived in off and on for almost 30 years.  

I also have a side gig selling wine. So if you are ever in need of a drink and a chat...I got you covered on both. 

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Operations from Iowa State University. I have many years' experience working on senior management teams of companies to help make them more profitable and stronger companies. This is my passion and I will use it to serve you as a connector & Total Resource Campaign 
  Urbandale Chamber of Commerce: Ambassador of the year (2011)-Ambassador from 2005 to Present
 

I was born and raised in central Iowa, but moved away long enough to appreciate the midwestern values.

I am a Grand View University graduate, and small business owner in several Des Moines suburbs, so I have a vested interest in seeing the community prosper.

My husband, Andy, and I reside in Johnston. We have four children: Drew (22), Alyx (15), Ryah (13) & JJ (10). We spend a lot of time cheering on the Johnston Dragons &  Grand View Vikings.

Mary has had careers in banking, was Executive Assistant to the President of USG Annuity & Life Company, a Fundraiser & Events Director at Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, & employed for 11-years at the Partnership. 
Mary is a member & is active in a number of organizations. She is past president & member of LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)-Amateurs of DM, current President of the Willow Creek Tuesday Morning Ladies Golf League, past president & current member of PEO Chapter KD of Des Moines, & current member of the Urban Heights Covenant Church among various other organizations.
 
Mary married Pat Knueven in 1980. Their son (Jason) and daughter-in-law (Becky) live in Gardner, Kansas, with their 2 boys, Cael & Cameron. She loves to play golf, travel, & spend time with her two grandsons.

I have been a long time Connector with the Urbandale Chamber and am glad to be back networking.  Please reach out and let's learn about each other's business and each other!  I have made great friends here and look forward to making more!  

I have recently married late in life and we are looking forward to our twilight years!  Who knew camping could be this fun in a trailer!  My two kids are adulting now and it's quiet enough at home I'm actually getting some work done now that I am working out of a home office!  I am a huge sports nut so let me know if you ever want to go watch a game!

See you soon!
Rhonda