The following article was originally published on January 22, 2018 via the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

Photo Courtesy of Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrated its 2017 accomplishments and looked forward to 2018 during its 129th Annual Dinner on Monday, Jan. 22 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center. The Partnership’s Annual Dinner celebrates the organization’s community and economic development accomplishments over the past year, and it details strategic priorities for the coming year.

The Partnership celebrated successes including economic development activity that resulted in 23 existing business expansions, 11 new company locations and a capital investment of more than $1.1 billion.

During the program, Partnership Board Chair Dan Houston, Chairman, President and CEO of Principal, and Partnership Board Vice Chair Kathryn Kunert, Vice President, Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy Company, unveiled seven strategic priorities for The Partnership in 2018:

  • Elevate a national targeted digital marketing campaign to broaden awareness of and interest in Greater Des Moines (DSM) from prospective talent and economic development consultants.
  • Partner with the Iowa Economic Development Authority and local partners to determine if a certified megasite can be created in DSM USA.
  • Implement a DSM Fellowship program with a focus on attracting diverse candidates.
  • Enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem through implementation of a new entrepreneur and startup network program, and create a new small business jobs report.
  • Implement a new Central Iowa Code Academy.
  • Develop and implement a Downtown retail development strategic plan.
  • Enhance the vibrancy of Downtown Des Moines through activation of the Downtown riverfront and river.

“2017 was a year of maximizing momentum thanks to the leadership of The Partnership’s Investors and Regional Members as well as dedicated professionals who drive growth in Greater Des Moines,” Houston said. “Our region has a history of dreaming big, identifying what is possible and working together to move the needle with game-changing projects. Through our collective efforts, we will continue to make that happen in 2018.”

This year’s keynote presentation was headlined by Barbara Corcoran, a successful entrepreneur and “Shark” on the hit ABC show “Shark Tank.”

To view a video highlighting the region’s momentum in 2017, click here.


About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future.

Read the article at dsmpartnership.com