2026 Connectors

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.

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..

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  

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’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.

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.

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. 
 

Lisa has been the Projector Coordinator at Iowa Sign Company for over 6 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 22) and Adilia (age 11) 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. 

I LOVE finding common ground with those I meet. Let me know if you can relate to any of the following…
?? I grew up in a small town in North Central Iowa (Small Town USA)
?? I have lived in Iowa for the last 14 years.  Prior to that I lived in South Carolina for 14 years. I grew up in Iowa
??I love traveling 
?? I am very involved in the community  
??I love sports, friends, family, & having fun
?? My previous professions are: Realtor and Paralegal
?? I am blessed beyond measure
I have been building my Business for 11 years. I am owner of Living Life in Excellence & Lifestyle with Angie.
I have been married for 11 years to my best friend and we have 1 son Patrick and daughter in love Tasha. 1 grandson Jaiden. 1 Furbaby named Fidget.  
I enjoy the opportunity to meet new women whom I can share God’s love and help them develop their dream lifestyle!

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.

Ann Riesberg is a board-certified licensed massage therapist, who was born and raised in Iowa. Ann attended La' James International College in 2011 where she studied massage therapy. She continues her education centered around orthopedic massage modalities.
Ann started her career in small town Iowa and in 2013 her family sold their home which gave them a great opportunity to move to Des Moines. She worked for a franchise for a while and knowing that she wanted to build her own business she moved on quickly. She opened her own private practice in 2014, and worked as a medical massage therapist at a chiropractic clinic. In spring of 2020 Ann joined Active Edge as an associate therapist, working hard and becoming partner-therapist in spring of 2021.
While in high school, Ann achieved her Silver and Gold award in Girl Scouts. Ann continues her community service through her church and the Urban Bicycle Ministry.

Greetings! I'm Dee Mable, the Area Manager for First American Home Warranty!  I am eager to help sellers, buyers, homeowners and realtors find the protection they need for their homes and their client's homes.  We offer a service contract that protects a home's major systems and appliances.  Reach out if you would like more information....thank you! 

Sheila and her family moved to Urbandale in 2001 and have lived here ever since. After ending a 20-year career with an insurance company, she started her own business. She joined the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce and became very involved in the community. She was on the Board of the Urbandale Community Action Network for many years. She is a graduate of Leadership Urbandale, Citizens Police Academy, and Citizens Fire Academy. In addition, she housed a Des Moines Buccaneer hockey player every year for seven years and volunteered to be the Housing Coordinator for the DM Bucs for five years. She received the Urbandale Citizen of the Year award in 2011. Sheila has a lot of experience in Office Management, Human Resources, Marketing, and Sales.
 
Sheila is married and has two grown sons; one is married with three children.  

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. 
 
 

Rachel grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa and has always enjoyed helping and leading others. Rachel attained her bachelor’s degree from Buena Vista University in Business Management/Entrepreneurship in 2003 and became a Certified Senior Advisor® in 2019. She first honed her leadership skills in retail management and working in the non-profit sector. 

Outside of work, Rachel has always been involved in many community organizations volunteering and assisting on a leadership level. She landed in the healthcare industry four years ago and has greatly enjoyed her time working with seniors. As a Certified Senior Advisor®, Rachel can assist seniors with planning for their healthcare needs, socioeconomic supports, and organization for end-of-life care. 

Rachel lives in Ankeny with her husband and their two fur children, dogs Izzy and Auggie.

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.

Aisha grew up in Iowa (Clive and Urbandale).  Graduated from Drake University with double majors in Management and Marketing.   In 2004, unfortunate circumstances, brought her back to Iowa, from Dallas, TX.  In 2005 she earned her Real Estate License and in 2015 earned her Real Estate Broker License.  For 15 years she juggled her real estate career, along with working with her mother, Saloo, at the Downtown and Valley Junction Farmers Markets, selling Indian food (Saloo's India).   Since Saloo retired from the farmers market, Aisha has been able to focus solely on ONE full time job (being a REALTOR®) AND now she has quality time to network, take vacations...and just breathe. Aisha said, "I never thought I would ever be coming back to Iowa.  But having lived elsewhere, I can truly appreciate what all Iowa and it people have to offer; I am GRATEFUL TO BE HOME, IN IOWA."

Aaron Colyer comes to Raccoon Valley Bank offering over 10+ years of banking experience. He specializes in Business Banking to provide the best service to his clients. He takes pride in serving his community and exploring options to best suit each business’ needs. Aaron is hands on with getting new and existing local businesses set up with their Banking and Cash Management needs, such as, but not limited to: ACH, Remote Deposit Capture, QuickBooks Integration, Positive Pay, Business Online Banking, and other day-to-day functions. He has a wealth of knowledge to help grow his clients in the banking world to help their success. Aaron has a growing portfolio of clients that attest to his satisfactory customer service, and he would love to meet with you and discuss your businesses banking needs.

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 graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelors in Sports and Recreation Management. The beginning part of my career has been spent working in the sports industry as a sales professional including for a few of the local Des Moines teams. I am looking forward to transitioning my career to serving my hometown and having a positive impact on the Urbandale community through the chamber! In my free time I enjoy spending it with my family, my girlfriend and our dog Suzie. 

As the Marketing Director at Right Roofing & Siding since February 2024, and previously managing marketing efforts since 1997, I bring a wealth of experience in connecting general contractors, business owners, and homeowners with the solutions they need. With a passion for ensuring that Right Roofing & Siding is easily accessible and known for its excellence in the industry, I thrive on building relationships and providing tailored solutions to protect and enhance our clients' assets. Let's connect and discuss how we can meet your roofing and siding needs with top-quality service and expertise.

I was born and raised in northern Illinois, but Iowa has been home since 1987, when I met my husband and started a new chapter here. In 2022, we made the move to the Des Moines area to be closer to our children and grandchildren—a decision that has filled our lives with joy and connection. My husband and I share a passion for helping others, and together we've been coaching and running Knapper Financial Coaching since 2017, guiding individuals and families toward greater financial freedom and peace of mind.

I am a marketing director at two senior living communities for Jaybird Senior Living, and I lead a healthcare networking group called the Dallas County Healthcare Provider Network. My hometown is Shell Rock, Iowa, and I attended Waverly-Shell Rock HS. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Health Promotion in 2000 and moved to the Des Moines metro in 2002 as a salesman with Kraft Foods and Nabisco. I retired from the Mid-Iowa Baseball League (2015 All-Star) in 2019, and I am the biggest Atlanta Braves fan on this side of the Mississippi. I currently reside in West Des Moines with my wife Heidi and our thirteen year old son, Emerson.

Kelly Troxel graduated from Iowa State University with a major in Marketing! With her background in marketing, event planning, and in the chamber industry, Kelly is excited to help in serving our mission by promoting and planning our events, communicating with members, and making sure you get your Chamber benefits!
In her free time, Kelly enjoys sewing (especially quilting), attending vintage and flea markets, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.