2027 TRC Volunteers

As a Relationship Manager II at Bank Iowa, I work closely with businesses and individuals to help them achieve their financial goals through personalized banking solutions and trusted guidance. My focus is building strong, long-term relationships by understanding each client's unique needs and connecting them with the resources, products, and expertise that support their success.

I am passionate about helping local businesses grow and thrive, and I take pride in being a trusted financial partner within our community. Whether assisting with business banking, lending solutions, treasury management services, or strategic financial planning, I strive to deliver exceptional service and meaningful results.

As an active member of the community, I value opportunities to collaborate with local organizations, support economic development, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the region.

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. 

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, past 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 Gloria Dei Lutheran 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.

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 the Iowa Association of Chambers of Commerce, Central Iowa Tourism Region, and Iowa Meetings Association.  She currently serves on the board of directors for the Mid America Chamber of Commerce Executives and Midland Credit Union.

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, and Executive of the Year from the MidAmerica Chamber Executives. 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 Tiffany, calendly.com/tmenke  

A proud Des Moines native, Anne Triplett brings a rich and diverse background to the Chamber. She earned her degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood from Drake University and began her career teaching in the Des Moines Public School system.

Anne’s professional journey spans multiple industries, including leadership roles in volunteer coordination and fundraising. Most recently, she discovered her passion for community engagement through the chamber world.

Outside of work, Anne enjoys biking, gardening, reading, cooking and baking, and spending time at Clear Lake. Her greatest joy is time spent with her grandchildren.

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.

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. 
 
 

Twenty years ago Ben Buenzow got his insurance license, and the rest is history…. Just kidding! A lot has happened in the last 20 years! Seventeen of those years Ben owned a captive insurance agency, while simultaneously becoming an expert in his field, and being recognized for his achievements along the way. Ben integrated himself into the Urbandale community serving on the Urbandale Chamber Board, and volunteering with the Urbandale Police Department. Six kids and a puppy later.  Ben realized the potential to help even more people! So in May 2021 Ben launched his own independent agency Buenzow Insurance Group.

• Auto Insurance
• Home Insurance
• Property Insurance
• Business Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance

KSH Design Studio creates personalized and custom apparel and customer gifts for small businesses. I offer EMBROIDERY, Heat Printing and Laser Engraving services. 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 in house by a handmade process by KSH Design Studio; No outsourcing. No Minimums! Order what you need when you need them. I only use the highest quality materials found in the industry. This provides you, the customer with the best product for the money available. Customer service is high priority. 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.

Christy, a seasoned business owner and certified business coach, boasts a proven track record in guiding businesses toward success. Her journey in the dynamic collision repair industry, where she grew up, worked, purchased, and ultimately sold her family-owned business, has equipped her with a vast wealth of knowledge. This knowledge serves as a daily resource that she generously shares with business owners and employees, positioning her as a valuable ambassador for the community.
As a resilient and forward-thinking entrepreneur, Christy has interwoven her story into the fabric of her community. Born and raised in Johnston and now a resident of Urbandale, she is not merely a bystander; she actively participates and catalyzes positive change. Her community involvement spans from supporting nonprofit organizations through major fundraising activities to actively participating in various community organizations.
 


 

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'm your small business bestie, PEO-enthusiast, Chamber-event-attending friend! I started working at ConnectifyHR in October 2025, and while I'm new to the industry, I'm not new to the Urbandale Chamber. I've been a member for almost 5 years and love being a part of this group! 

ConnectifyHR is a PEO - professional employer organization which means that we help small to medium sized businesses with HR services, payroll, compliance, and employee benefits. We utilize a co-employer relationship to take some of the risk off of your business and give you more freedom and flexibility to work in your business. I'm a coffee fiend and would LOVE to meet up at a cafe and talk with you to see if we could be a good fit for your business!

Having a PEACE OF MIND, is PRICELESS!   So, in 2013 I added Legal Shield / ID Shield to my real estate business to help others gain a peace of mind.  ALL people are created equal and EVERYONE should have access to affordable legal services.  Identity theft is on the rise; it’s more than financial theft.  Life is short, enjoy the ride; “LIVE MORE and WORRY LESS”.  

Legal Shield / ID Shield established in 1972.

My responsibilities include executing financial plans and assisting clients. I also help clients create personal and business budgets focused on achieving their financial goals, as well as helping manage and run the day-to-day operations of AO Wealth Advisory.

 Ekman Painting, LLC has earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the local painting industry. We specialize in delivering flawless painting results for property owners across the area, always with an eye toward exceeding expectations. From initial design concepts to the final brushstroke, our experienced team ensures each project is completed swiftly and with precision.

We prioritize clear, consistent communication throughout the process to guarantee your satisfaction with the finished product. Whether you're looking to refresh a single room or transform an entire property, we offer top-tier painting services at competitive rates.