About Us

Our Mission
To advance the growth and development of the Historic Valley Junction area into a vital and dynamic commercial, residential and tourist area through business improvement, design, organization and promotion.


Our Vision
Historic Valley Junction will serve as an historic link to West Des Moines' past and as a fun, shopping district in the present and future. The integrity of individual properties will be protected and appreciated. Consistent and professional promotion of the district's variety of unique shops will enhance its small town feel.

Businesses will be more successful and profit from increased customer traffic and the shoppers desire to buy locally. Valley Junction will be known as a desirable place for everybody to live, work, shop and be entertained.


Historic Valley Junction Foundation (HVJF) is a 501c3 non-profit organization, with an emphasis on historic preservation, economic development and business growth. HVJF offers cooperative advertising, training, technical assistance, design services and trash collection for Valley Junction merchants. Valley Junction is a wireless business district, offered free of charge to businesses and visitors in the district.

Our 14-member board of directors includes merchants, property owners, city representation and core committee chairs.

 

Our current board is:

Betty Hill-Swander, President
Theatrical Shop/Junction Holdings of Iowa

Tom Huber, Vice President
Heirlooms by Design/Outstamping Designs

Nicole Engler-Selser, Secretary
Engler Embroidery/Walnut Place Retreat

Brian Sweeney, Treasurer
Angie's Kids Zone/Sweeney BBQ & Catering 

Naomi Hamlett, City Representative
City of West Des Moines

Christine McNunn, Merchant  Representative
Fair World Gallery

David Melling, Landowner Representative
First Bank

Bruce Lambert, At Large Representative
Lambert & Ewers Smoked Meats 

Dana Zimmerman, Past President
Fifth Street Finds

Cindy Lane, Business Improvement Committee Chair
Mainstream Boutique

Jen Damge, Design Committee Chair
Body Center Therapeutic Massage

Organization Committee Chair

Dennis Victor, Promotions Committee Chair
Fishlips3 Beads & Blues

Jim Miller, CMSM, Executive Director
Historic Valley Junction Foundation

Jamie Lamb, Events Manager
Historic Valley Junction Foundation

Ray Kammermeier, Farmers Market Supervisor
Historic Valley Junction Foundation

Mavis Warne, Volunteer Ambassador 
Historic Valley Junction Foundation




About Main Street

Since 1987, we have been one of Iowa's 47 Main Street communities, nationally-certified, and currently one of the largest and most successful Main Street communities in the state. This program is under the state guidance of the Downtown Resource Center / Iowa Department of Economic Development; and under the national guidance of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The four main components of the Main Street philosophy are:

Business Improvement
Design
Organization
Promotion

State, regional and national training is offered for committee volunteers, board members and program staff.