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2026 Calls to Action

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is committed to fulfilling its 2026 Strategic Priorities with the help of its Investors, Affiliates, Regional Chamber Members and Stakeholders. Here are the top ways you can get involved.

Strategic Priority: Economic Development

Increase regional economic development project leads, expand pipeline of prospects, assist business locations and expansions.

If you are growing or expanding your business, reach out to Stacie LoVan. The Partnership team can help!
Schedule a meeting with our Economic Development team to share updates on your industry and experience doing business in Greater Des Moines. Contact Melissa Darling for more information.

Strategic Priority: Talent Development

Elevate the next generation of talent to advance workforce readiness across the Greater Des Moines region.

Get involved with the talent development initiatives The Partnership is scaling up in 2026 including:

The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective. Contact Krista Van Hooser-Perin for ways to get involved.
The newly expanded, year-round DSM Intern Connection program. Reach out to Krista Van Hooser-Perin to learn more.
The new and emerging leader and middle manager programs. Email Krista Van Hooser-Perin for details.
The new civic leadership program. Reach out to Jenae Sikkink for more.
The new Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Regional Council. Jenae Sikkink has details.
A skills-based hiring initiative. Reach out to Stacey Robles for more.
K-12 career exploration support for trades, manufacturing and the insurance and finance industries. Contact Stacey Robles to learn more.

Strategic Priority: Quality of Life

Enhance quality of life and foster strong sense of place by leveraging community research, advancing Affiliate Chamber support and elevating the vibrancy of Greater Des Moines with marquee events. 

Need help strengthening your community development plans? Leverage The Partnership's research team. Reach out to Brett Lucas or Harrison Yu-Zepeda.

If you aren't already part of your local chamber, sign up and ask Alex Lynch or Emily McLain how you can get involved!

Be part of the can't-miss third annual Regional Summit coming October 8, 2026 by contacting Alex Lynch.

Attend marquee events like the Downtown Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and more. For more ways to participate, reach out to Amelia Klatt.  

Strategic Priority: AI and Innovation

Strengthen Greater Des Moines' innovation ecosystem through AI multi-generational workforce resources and cross-sector partnerships that drive business growth in the region. 

Help us make Greater Des Moines the center for AI and Innovation Excellence. Shape and inform the development of the new AI Skills and Fluency Tool by filling out this form and by contacting Jenae Sikkink.

Support entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. If you’re interested in being a mentor or advisor to small businesses and startups, sign up to serve and reach out to Diana Wright to learn more.

Strategic Priority: Position Greater Des Moines for the Future

Convene leaders, connect on regional priorities and deepen Investor engagement.

Help drive regional priorities and get involved in one of The Partnership Roundtables.

Deepen your connection to the region and engage in Partnership Investor opportunities, events and programs.

Explore the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan and follow the initiative’s progress. For more information, reach out to Kaity Patchett.

Strategic Priority: Storytelling

Share and amplify stories about the Greater Des Moines region, organizations and residents to further demonstrate the benefits of living, working and growing a business here.

Help us Write the Greater Des Moines Story! Share your stories with us and help us attract more business and talent to the Greater Des Moines region.

Submit your story ideas to Kyle Oppenhuizen.

Let's work together on story ideas for national media coverage! Contact Metinka Slater to get started.

For Investors, Affiliate Chambers and Regional Chamber Members

Are you interested in learning more about The Partnership's work?

Discover the importance of the Affiliate Chambers of Commerce network and the Membership benefits that your organization can obtain by joining your local Chamber and becoming a Member of The Partnership through the Dual Membership Model. Alex Lynch and Emily McLain can help you. 

Follow The Partnership on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and X to stay up-to-date with the latest Partnership news. 

Learn more about how to get involved on a Partnership Board, Council, Committee or Roundtable, or other volunteer leadership opportunity, by checking out our Investor Engagement Opportunities.

Check out our Investor Benefitsto learn how to take advantage of your time as an Investor. 

If you have questions and want to learn more about becoming an Investor, reach out to Kathryn Smith . 