AGENDA
4:00pm Guests will enjoy an informal networking and introduction session.(Guests may wish to use this time to see where favored panelists will be stationed.)
4:30pm In groups of 5-8 guests will have the opportunity to participate in focused discussions with five of our panelists.
5:45pm We'll end our evening with closing comments and informal follow-up and networking.
DOOR PRIZES
Prairie Meadows is providing meals for 2 at the Triple Crown Buffet
Iowa Events Center is providing 2 tickets to Brantley Gilbert's The Devil Don't Sleep Tour for April 28th
The Clive Greenbelt has offered a 6-pack of daily admission tickets to the Clive Aquatic Center
Jester Park will bring a gift certificate good for 2 nights camping at any Polk County Conservation campground
Gray's Lake is providing free watercraft rentals and golf passes
CONTACT
Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa515-288-3328
k.jones@taxpayersci.org
Join Us!
A BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT
The Taxpayers Association of Central Iowa presents members and guests with a unique opportunity to engage in face-to-face conversation with leaders representing Prairie Meadows, Jester Park, Grays Lake, Principal Park, the Clive Greenbelt, and the Iowa Events Center.
Discover the benefits each resource brings to our community.
**Light refreshments and 2 drink tickets will be provided for each guest
Speakers Will Include:
Principal Park - Sam Bernabe
Sam Bernabe is the president and general manager of the Iowa Cubs. He is in his 34th season with the organization and also has a share of the franchise ownership. A West Des Moines local, Bernabe was named the Minor League Baseball Executive of the Year in 2014 and has been the recipient of numerous other awards in his field. Bernabe and his wife, Mary, have one son, Nicholas.
Prairie Meadows - Brian Wessels
Brian Wessels joined Prairie Meadows in October 2008 as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Brian graduated from the school of business at the University of Northern Iowa. He oversees Accounting, Cash Operations, Purchasing, Human Resources, and Information Technology. Brian and his wife Dawn live near Ankeny. They have 3 children Andrew, Morgan, and Hannah.
Iowa Events Center - Carrie Jackson
Carrie Jackson has been Assistant General Manager and Director of Convention Services since 2007. Iowa Events Center consists of Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center, Hy-Vee Hall, and Wells Fargo Arena; these unique facilities allow the Iowa Events Center to meet the needs of all types of events. Carrie manages daily sales and operations of the convention facilities.
Jester Park - Richard A. Leopold
Richard is the Director of the Polk County Conservation Board. He has held a variety of natural resource and administrative positions including Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources 2007 - 2010 within Governor Culver's cabinet. Together with his wife of 27 years, Kathleen, Richard shares interests in a variety of activities including hiking, kayaking, and camping.
Clive Greenbelt - Todd Seaman
In 2013 Todd Seaman was hired as City of Clive's first Leisure Services Director. He is responsible for the operations of Clive Parks and Recreation as well as the Clive Public Library and also coordinates the public art program. Todd will share what makes the Clive Greenbelt special to the metro and include some of the Clive Greenbelt Master Plan that was adopted in 2016 by the Clive city council.
Grays Lake - Jen Fletcher
Jennifer Fletcher has been the Marketing Supervisor for Des Moines Parks and Recreation since 2011. In this role, she has implemented comprehensive marketing and promotions strategies to increase awareness and participation for the breadth of offerings the department provides. Fletcher manages communications efforts across social media, online and print vehicles and serves as department spokesperson.
Grays Lake - Ben Page
Ben Page was named Director of Des Moines Park and Recreation in November of 2012 and served as Assistant Director for the 6 years prior. He has served in many capacities, including as President of the Association from 2009-2011. Ben is a recipient of both the Slattery/Trueblood Professional Award (2015) and the Business Record's 40 under 40 award for career achievements, community involvement, and civic activities.