Developing Downtown DSM Through Communication

The Downtown Board Member spotlight allows Downtown Board Members to introduce themselves to their residents and customers while also showcasing their support and dedication to the region and our small business owners. Each member would have a chance to create a blog centered around attractions, dining and events that they enjoy and give them a moment to be recognized for the work that they put into the development of Downtown Des Moines (DSM).

Name, Title + Organization: Todd Kamp, Assistant Vice President, EMC Insurance Companies

Todd Kamp Q+A

What specific role do you have that supports Downtown Des Moines (DSM)?

EMC Insurance contributes to organizations like this and finds projects in the community to be a part of.

How long have you been a part of the Downtown DSM Board?

I started on the Downtown DSM Board at the beginning of 2021, but EMC Insurance has been a part of the Board for many years.

What are your favorite Downtown DSM attractions (Botanical Garden, Science Center, Sculpture Park, etc.) and why?

My favorite attractions are the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Science Center of Iowa and the Lauridsen Skatepark.

What are some of your favorite Downtown DSM restaurants?

El Bait Shop, Spaghetti Works, Hy-Vee, Bubba, Palmers Deli & Market

What are some of your favorite small businesses in Downtown DSM?

Bill's Whitewall Tire Center, Smokey D's BBQ

What have been some of your favorite #DSMlocal recent purchases?

Most of my purchases are food and beverage. I consider Downtown DSM a great place to go out to eat or socialize.

What are some of your favorite Downtown DSM events (Des Moines Arts Festival®, World Food and Music Festival, DSM Book Festival, etc.)?

The Des Moines Arts Festival® and the World Food & Music Festival

What is your favorite Downtown DSM moment?

I really enjoy the Iowa State Fair parade and the Saint Patrick’s Day parade.

What are some new Downtown DSM developments that make you excited?

Although I am not a big soccer fan, I am excited to hear about the upcoming Pro Iowa soccer stadium being built on the old Dico Superfund manufacturing site.

How do you think that others can support the development of the Downtown DSM area?

DSM residents can communicate about ways to interact or provide feedback so that the region’s development can match the demand.

Recently ranked a top five metro for number of economic development projects among metros with a population of 200,000 to 1 million, growth continues in and around Downtown Des Moines (DSM) in part thanks to unique public-private partnerships that allow community leaders to work together to invest in, grow and improve the city center. Learn more about other recent development projects in Downtown DSM.