Greater Des Moines is a Greater Place for Talent

Greater Des Moines (DSM) was recently ranked as the #1 Place for Young Professionals by Forbes. Forbes touted the affordability of the region, the access to world-class attractions and the ability for young professionals to find jobs at top companies.

This should really be no surprise to us. We already know that DSM is the fastest-growing major Midwest metro and is outpacing others in growth of diverse populations. DSM is a great place to grow a life and career. There are opportunities to get connected in the community. Young professionals can regularly experience festivals like the World Food & Music Festival, concerts from top names, college and professional sports, arts and culture amenities and much more, and a low cost of living makes these activities affordable.

About the Do Something Greater Campaign

This ranking is timely, because The Partnership’s national talent marketing campaign is in full swing. The campaign’s theme is “Do Something Greater.”

Here is what this theme means to me.

When we say “Greater Des Moines,” the “Greater” implies a region that is larger than one community. I believe “Greater” also captures the idea that we are all in this together, as business, community and elected leaders across all different types and sizes of organizations and communities. We are “Greater” because we have unique, high performing community organizations that push the envelope on growth and innovation in our community like The Partnership, United Way of Central Iowa, ChildServe, Bravo Greater Des Moines and so many more.

This spirit of togetherness and collaboration has led us to “Greater” heights in terms of economic metrics and our ability to attract and retain diverse talent from across the country and world. Our community punches above its weight class.

Together, we are “Greater.”

And those who move here from across the country and world have a chance to Do Something Greater with their lives.

Recently, The Partnership launched a website related to the campaign at greaterdsmusa.com. The new website includes 24 community profiles of our Affiliate Chambers. The site also includes a story section that features profiles of residents of different backgrounds, guides to help prospective residents “try DSM” and more.

The campaign is part of many efforts to attract and retain talent. Recently, The Partnership’s Intern Connection program welcomed more than 315 interns representing more than 70 employers and more than 50 colleges from across the country. The Young Professionals Connection offers ongoing events and programming for residents in the beginning stages of their career. The DSM Fellowship Program is a program available through several major employers to help diverse recent graduates connect to the community and grow in their company. And several placemaking projects are in the works to continue to make this a place that sticks out for prospective residents, such as the Iowa Confluence (ICON) Water Trails, the Des Moines International Airport terminal project, the recently completed Lauridsen Skatepark and more.

These things all help make us “Greater.” And it is on all of us to tell Greater Des Moines’ story.

One way you can help is to share the greaterDSMUSA.com website with prospective talent. Do you have ideas for stories we can help tell on the site? Let us know by connecting with Alicia Chilton at achilton@DSMpartnership.com.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership Board is made up of Greater Des Moines (DSM) leaders and industry experts. The Board is united in driving economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region.