About The Committee

The Greater Des Moines Committee was formed in 1907 by a group of 30 local business leaders. Today, the Committee consists of 120 members and provides an opportunity for business leaders to come together for an information exchange about important topics in the community, the state and the nation. The Committee founded the Iowa Business Hall of Fame in 1975 to honor the achievements of Iowans who have made outstanding contributions to the development and enhancement of Iowa’s business climate.

The Greater Des Moines Committee’s purpose is to encourage, promote, develop and protect commercial, manufacturing and other business interests of Greater Des Moines (DSM) and the state of Iowa. The Committee is comprised of CEOs, or in the case of professional firms, the senior managing partner of DSM companies that have a vested interest in the growth and development of our community and state.

The criteria for selection into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame are as follows:

Business Leadership

The nominated individual should lead or have led a business that has provided valued jobs and economic development to his/her community and the state; creating both wealth and workforce opportunity.

Community Development Impact

The nominated individual should have made an impact by improving the economies of the community and the state through his/her leadership in such organizations as chambers of commerce, economic development organizations or centers of education.

Community Volunteerism/Leadership

The nominated individual should have personally given of his/her time and financial resources for the betterment of the community through support of charities and organizations.

Strategic Leadership

The nominated individual should have contributed to community economic growth through visionary leadership, community problem-solving and building strategic alliances.

Business Recognition

The nominated individual should be recognized by his/her peers as a business leader.