Greater Des Moines Cares: Stay Safe Pledge Launches with Shared Commitment to Safety and Supporting Local Businesses

GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa (November 9, 2020) – A new initiative called the Stay Safe Pledge has been launched by Catch Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Polk County, and the Iowa Restaurant Association. The pledge is intended for Greater Des Moines businesses and patrons to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety during the pandemic.

The pledge includes tangible steps that both companies and patrons will take, such as wellness screenings, face coverings, and social distancing. Participating businesses will gain access to digital and print collateral to display their commitment, including window flyers and social media and web graphics. Businesses and Greater Des Moines residents are encouraged to help get the word out through social media and e-communications using the graphics and hashtags #StaySafePledge and #DSMlocal.

“For the physical and mental well-being of our locals and visitors, we all have to commit to safety,” says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. “By working together, we can protect the economic well-being of our cherished small businesses and ensure the community’s recovery.”

“It’s critically important that we continue to work together to provide a safe environment for residents to support the small businesses, restaurants, and best-in-class amenities that make our region such a vibrant place to live,” said Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “This is about keeping our community healthy and strong.”

“Our people are our greatest asset in Polk County, and we need to work together to protect the health and livelihood of residents,” said Angela Connelly, Polk County Board Supervisor, and Catch Des Moines Board Chair. “By committing to each other, we can ensure a safe environment to support local.”

Although hospitality partners such as restaurants, retailers, and attractions are top of mind, all businesses are encouraged to take the pledge, from hotels and gyms to professional offices, city and community service buildings, and meeting venues. The pledge comes as winter nears when patios and the outdoors won’t always be an option, and local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality industry, will need increased support.

“Our locally owned businesses, particularly hospitality establishments, need community support to make it through the winter and beyond,” said Jessica Dunker, President and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association. “This pledge provides a formal way for business owners and their patrons to commit to working together. Businesses will take the steps necessary to ensure patrons’ peace of mind while customers agree to hold themselves accountable. It’s a collaborative model that keeps people safe and businesses open.”

For more information and to download a copy of the Stay Safe Pledge, visit catchdesmoines.com/staysafepledge.

About Catch Des Moines

Catch Des Moines is the official destination marketing organization promoting and representing Greater Des Moines to leisure travelers and meeting/sports planners. Our focus is to increase visitors to the metro and elevate the visitor experience to drive economic success and enhance the quality of life in the 15 local Greater Des Moines communities we represent. For more information, visit catchdesmoines.com.

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 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 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. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.