2022 Connectors
Connector Group for 2022
Mary Knueven
Staff
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
Administrative Assistant
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.
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.
Tiffany Menke
Staff
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
President
Since 2004, Tiffany Menke, IOM, has been the President of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the boards of and is a Past President/Past Chair of ICCE, CITR, and IMA. She currently represents Iowa on the MACE Board of Directors and serves on the Diversity and Inclusion Council through the Greater Des Moines Partnership as well as participates in a pilot program through the Evelyn K Davis center to mentor exoffenders.
In 2017, Tiffany was honored as a Woman of Influence through the Des Moines Business Record. Other honors include 40 under 40, and Ovation award from the Iowa Women's Foundation. She grew up in Newton and went on to Grand View University in Des Moines where she earned a degree in Mass Communications, Journalism and a minor in Photography.
To schedule a meeting with me, calendly.com/tmenke
In 2017, Tiffany was honored as a Woman of Influence through the Des Moines Business Record. Other honors include 40 under 40, and Ovation award from the Iowa Women's Foundation. She grew up in Newton and went on to Grand View University in Des Moines where she earned a degree in Mass Communications, Journalism and a minor in Photography.
To schedule a meeting with me, calendly.com/tmenke
Sandee Cook
2022 Trainer
Career Search Associates
Executive Recruiter
I’ve been a Head Hunter since 2015 and love it! Previous to that, I have 25+ years of Human Resources management experience, with Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. My full range of HR knowledge, coupled with a multitude of business and professional connections, ensures my success in identifying top talent to meet my client's needs. Here at Career Search Associates, we help businesses fill full time positions ranging from the front desk to the CEO. We specialize in Administration, Accounting, Marketing, Sales, Human Resources, Project Management, Call Center Management and Retail Store Management. We are respected recruiters who also help the passive candidate that wants to explore opportunities in a confidential manner.
Reonna Snyder
2022 Social Chair
Hotel Renovo
Sales Executive
Some say, I do deals in heels! Hi, I’m Reonna – a business professional that has been in the hospitality, event planning industry my entire life. I graduated with honors at AIB College of Business with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Travel and Tourism. Following graduation, I accepted a job at AIB as the Alumni Relations Coordinator then moved up to Director a couple years later. Throughout the years, I’ve been in sales and management positions at hotels and restaurants. I'm currently a Des Moines area Sales Executive for Heart of America Group. A flourishing company!
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family plus friends, volunteering and venturing out to any community event.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with family plus friends, volunteering and venturing out to any community event.
Lyndsey Lamb
2022 Co-Chair
Guardian Real Estate Group
Realtor
Home Finder. Dog Mom. Jeep Driver. I grew up in SW Iowa where I learned that hard work pays off. You learn to respect animals as they provide a food source and sometimes they were your best friend or even your county fair project. You’ll most likely master driving a stick shift by age 13! I hold a Bachelors of Science in Management and worked in the corporate world before pursuing my dream job in real estate. I excel in resolving challenges with innovative solutions to increase customer satisfaction. I strive to be the best full-service REALTOR by building a reputation of choosing the ethical way by my commitment to honesty and integrity for my clients. I have 2 crazy but loveable goldendoodles Gigi & Roxy. In my free time I enjoy trying new restaurants and traveling to new places.
Matt Shaw
2022 Chair
Caliber Realty
Owner
Commercial real estate agent licensed in Iowa offering services to tenant and landlord rep. for office, retail space, and industrial asset classes.
Norm Trentmann
Trentmann, Norm
Retired Engineer
Norm Trentmann, a Registered Professional Engineer, retired from MidAmerican Energy in 2015 after 43 years of service. He graduated from the University of Missouri at Rolla with BSEE (Electrical Engineering), has served on the Midland Credit Union Board of Directors, and the Engineering Club of Des Moines. Norm has served on the Urbandale Chamber Board of Directors and is active as a Chamber Connector. HIs current interests include volunteer work, travel, cars (particularly Corvettes), gardening. He and his lovely wife, Janet, live in Urbandale and have two adult children: Jonay (Houston TX) and Andrew (Denver, CO).
Mark Courter
State Farm Insurance - Mark Courter
Owner/Agent
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.
Randy Pelham
Pelham, Randy
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
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Urbandale Chamber of Commerce: Ambassador of the year (2011)-Ambassador from 2005 to Present
Lisa Hanrahan
Iowa Sign Company
Project Coordinator
Lisa has been the Projector Coordinator at Iowa Sign Company for over 5 years. She graduated from Grand View University in 2009 with a B.A. in Graphic Design/Journalism. Before Grand View, she had 9 years experience in Sales & Marketing in the hotel industry. She is married to Timothy Hanrahan whom they share two children, Cailin (age 21) and Adilia (age 10) and resides in Des Moines. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, exercising, traveling, photography and designing. To keep her creative juices flowing, she does freelance design and photography.
David Russell
Abendroth Russell Barnett Law Firm
Of Counsel
Dave is "Of Counsel" with his Law Firm Abendroth and Russell and is still available for referrals and assistance. He splits his time between the Law Firm with his duties as an Urbandale City Councilman, Deacon on the Church DEACON Board, Missions Board , Church Treasurer and Adult Bible Study Teacher at Des Moines First Assembly of God .Dave also serves on the Board of Directors of Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands of Colfax Iowa..
Casee Woodley
RE/MAX Precision - Casee Woodley, Realtor
Realtor
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 (23), Alyx (16), Ryah (14) & JJ (11). We spend a lot of time cheering on the Johnston Dragons & Drake Bulldogs.
Matt Christiansen
Big Roofing
Project Manager
I'm Matt Christiansen and I've lived in Des Moines my whole life. I love and believe in my community and aim to be a positive contributor to it as it has been to me. That is the main reason I chose to work for Big Roofing. Big Roofing is a local company with local people making sure local Iowans are happy for years to come with any service we provide. We take care of our neighbors.
Kris Howard
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KSH Design Studio LLC
Owner
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.
Rhonda Mock
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The Vernon Company - Digital Sales Team
Digital Sales Coordinator
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
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
Tami Biggerstaff
Catch Des Moines! Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
Volunteer
In 2015, after several life changes, I chose to make Urbandale my home, a decision that has proven to be the right choice many times over.
The opportunities offered in Urbandale and especially with the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce are numerous and priceless.
I am currently blessed to hold several part time jobs. These include part time at Catch Des Moines at events, volunteer with the Urbandale Chamber, I teach private piano lessons, I serve as organist at a church in Altoona and am an active "girl" grandma.
I love gardening, checking out the many restaurants in the metro and attending live music events!
The opportunities offered in Urbandale and especially with the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce are numerous and priceless.
I am currently blessed to hold several part time jobs. These include part time at Catch Des Moines at events, volunteer with the Urbandale Chamber, I teach private piano lessons, I serve as organist at a church in Altoona and am an active "girl" grandma.
I love gardening, checking out the many restaurants in the metro and attending live music events!
Jenni Buchanan
Doug Jakobitz
Fully Promoted Urbandale
Owner/Operator
I have lived in Urbandale since moving here from Minnesota in 2006. I have 4 kids, one in college at U of South Dakota, two at Urbandale High School and one at Urbandale Middle School. I opened Fully Promoted this year. Fully Promoted is locally owned and operated by me. It is a franchise, so I do have global reach! I really enjoy meeting new people and learning about your business! Please reach out if you ever have any questions about what I do, or if you would like to grab a coffee!
Brennan Roland
Comparion Insurance Agency, a Liberty Mutual Company
Sales Representative
Hey everyone! I graduated from Grand View University in 2018 with my Bachelors Degree in Kinesiology-Health Promotion, with hands on experience in nutrition, strength and conditioning, and physical therapy. Outside of my career at MMIT, my main hobbies are finding house projects to do, woodworking, watching sports, and playing with my dog Gracie, who is a chocolate lab pit bull mix. I also like going to country concerts, festivals, spending time with my family, cooking, and exercising. I am always down for a cup of coffee to learn more about other people's businesses and how we can help support one another in our wonderful community. Let's connect sometime!
Gina Wright
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
Vice President
Gina is a small town Iowa girl. Proud of her roots, she was born and raised on a farm. Her work ethic stems from the life her parents instilled in her and her 5 siblings. She was raised with strong Christian values and the belief she could accomplish anything if she put her mind to it.
Gina has spent the majority of her professional career in hospitality and working in the community. It was in this industry she found her passion for management, leadership and most of all, working with people! This simple position led her into development with multiple well-known brands.
In her free time, Gina is family focused. Family time is spent with her husband, Bobby and daughter, Shae. They enjoy time on the deck, grilling and entertaining.
Gina has spent the majority of her professional career in hospitality and working in the community. It was in this industry she found her passion for management, leadership and most of all, working with people! This simple position led her into development with multiple well-known brands.
In her free time, Gina is family focused. Family time is spent with her husband, Bobby and daughter, Shae. They enjoy time on the deck, grilling and entertaining.
Jane Nady
Imperfect Pathways
Owner
Jane Nady is a Human Behavior Expert, Master Certified Coach, and the owner of Imperfect Pathways. With a Master’s degree in Education and extensive experience in resilience, mindset, and leadership coaching, Jane has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations thrive in high-stress environments. Her background includes working with the Iowa National Guard, where she gained invaluable insight into overcoming adversity in high-pressure situations. As a former first responder and suicide prevention coordinator, Jane brings a unique, hands-on perspective to her coaching and training. Her approach combines expert knowledge with lived experience, empowering clients to build resilience, improve mindset, and achieve lasting success. Whether working with individuals, teams, or businesses, Jane is passionate about helping others navigate life’s challenges and unlock their full potential.
Zach Bouslog
The Des Moines Group at Morgan Stanley
Financial Advisor
Zach was born and raised in Des Moines and currently resides in Urbandale with his wife, Kelsi, and their children, Berkley and Bowen. He graduated from the University of Iowa and spent nearly a decade traveling the country in his previous career as a Regional Vice President for two prominent financial services companies. Currently, Zach is a financial advisor and partner of The Des Moines Group at Morgan Stanley. Their team focuses on holistic financial planning where his areas of expertise are insurance planning, retirement income, estate, and tax planning. He has been on the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Des Moines AM for 5 years and will assume the role of President in July 2025. He was recently appointed as a member of the City of Urbandale Economic Development Advisory Board. He is heavily engaged in various philanthropic ventures in central Iowa.
Sidney Jacobson
Urbandale Chamber of Commerce
Marketing Director
I was born and raised in Hawkeye country- Iowa City! Go Hawks! While attending the University of Iowa, I was involved in many student organizations, where my passion for event coordinating began. After 5 years primarily in the wedding industry, I was ready to take on a different and new avenue of events, leading me to the Chamber world! I am dedicated to bringing impactful event opportunities to life for our community's professionals.
When I’m not running around Urbandale, you might find me trying to keep my flower garden alive, in the kitchen cooking an extravagant meal, boating at the lake with my family, or at a country concert. A few of my favorite things include iced coffee, any form of pasta, cats, Kenny Chesney, and gnomes (solely because they’re cute).
When I’m not running around Urbandale, you might find me trying to keep my flower garden alive, in the kitchen cooking an extravagant meal, boating at the lake with my family, or at a country concert. A few of my favorite things include iced coffee, any form of pasta, cats, Kenny Chesney, and gnomes (solely because they’re cute).
