The Dubuque Area Chamber is proud to be a recipient of a 2025 DRA Core Grant to further grow the Dubuque community through our efforts with YP #WithDRA
300 Main Street, Suite 200, Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 557-9200 | office@dubuquechamber.com
Mon – Thurs 8 am – 5 pm, Fri 8 am – 12 pm
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YP Luncheon, May 20th, B'Ann Dittmar, Clarke University

Young Professionals of Dubuque (YPD) luncheons feature professional, personal, or community development presentations. Affiliated with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, YPD exists to connect young professionals with each other, the business community, and the city in which we live, work, play, and do business.

YP Luncheons take place on the third Wednesday of the month from 11:30 am - 1 pm unless otherwise noted. Lunch is provided with your registration.

We are thrilled to be the recipients of a DRA Core Grant to fund a portion of our YP Luncheons.

Upcoming YP Luncheons

  • May 20, 2026 | B'Ann Dittmar, Clarke University | Focused as a Bee: Leadership Lessons from the Hive for Building High-Performing Teams | What can bees teach us about building strong teams and thriving organizations? In this engaging session, Dry Creek Beekeeping co-founder B’Ann Dittmar explores how the structure and focus of a bee colony provide a powerful blueprint for leadership, communication, and resilience. Inspired by the book Focused as a Bee, attendees will gain practical tools to eliminate distractions, clarify roles, strengthen teamwork, and build professional impact in any season of their career.

B’Ann Dittmar is a business leader, educator, and entrepreneur whose career spans banking, higher education, and agritourism.

After earning her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Rockford College, B’Ann began what became a 19-year career in banking, including 17 years with U.S. Bank and its predecessors. She started as a Teller and rose through the ranks to become one of the company’s youngest bank presidents at age 30, serving nine years as Market President overseeing the Galena and Dubuque markets.

While in banking, she earned her MBA from the University of Dubuque and discovered a passion for teaching while teaching as an adjunct instructor for the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and Columbia College.

In 2011, B’Ann transitioned into her second “dream job” at Clarke University, where she serves as Director of the MBA Program and faculty member in the Business Department, teaching leadership and management to graduate and undergraduate students. She also advises the Future Young Professionals student organization, mentoring students as they pursue meaningful careers.

Most recently, B’Ann co-founded Dry Creek Beekeeping with her son, Chase, transforming his passion for beekeeping into a successful agritourism experience near Galena, Illinois, offering immersive bee tours and honey tastings.

She lives in Galena with her husband and is the proud mother of two college students.

  • June 17, 2026 | YP Awards Luncheon | Nominate your pick for YP of the Year, use the form below!
  • July 15, 2026 | Amanda Goodman | 
  • August 18, 2026 | Mayor Brad Cavanagh, City of Dubuque | 

Young Professionals of Dubuque (YPD) luncheons feature a presentation on professional, personal, or community development.

Nominations are open for YP of the Year
Fill out the form below to submit your nomination for YP of the Year. Nominees must be current Chamber and YP members in good standing.
Please note, current members of the YP committee are not eligible for nomination.
Leave blank if you do not know their email.
The Dubuque Area Chamber's Young Professional of the Year is a YP member who goes above and beyond by attending, promoting, and advocating for YP. The YP of the Year is a team player that works to make the YP membership thrive. This person shares their time and talent to help Young Professionals succeed and is a true leader. Why do you think the person you are nominating represents this description? Share a story or give an example.