Greater Des Moines is “Wicked Cool!” and Five Other Takeaways from the 2025 Regional Summit

The Partnership hosted the second annual Regional Summit with nearly 400 attendees on Sept. 17. The Regional Summit serves as a reset button — a chance to step back, listen and think bigger about what’s possible for the Greater Des Moines region. Here are five takeaways I carried with me:

1. Collaboration is our region’s superpower. At A.E. Dairy, I’ve seen firsthand that no product leaves our doors without the effort of our entire team. The same is true for our region. What struck me at the Regional Summit was how collaboration continues to set Greater Des Moines apart. Leaders across industries and counties showed that when we lean on each other’s strengths, we accomplish more than we ever could alone. That is something that uniquely defines Greater Des Moines.

2. James Chung reminded us not to stand still. Hearing keynote speaker James Chung, President of Reach Advisors, share his updated perspective on Greater Des Moines highlighted that the region’s growth, economy, culture, workforce composition and talent attraction are all positives (which means we have outpaced the competition). However, we have to push beyond what we think is possible, and continue to lean into our strengths, even when it would be easier to stay comfortable.

3. Talent, housing and infrastructure are the essentials. Just as the dairy industry relies on dependable supply chains and skilled people to keep operations running smoothly, our region’s growth relies on strong fundamentals. Breakout sessions on workforce, housing and infrastructure drove home the point that these aren’t just “issues”, they’re the foundation for how people live, work and thrive across our region.

4. Outside perspective sharpens our story. So what are people saying about us when we are not in the room? The site selection consultants panel gave us a national lens on Greater Des Moines’ competitiveness, including our reputation as a talent magnet. I appreciated their reminder that how we’re perceived from those outside our region matters to economic development success. If we want to keep attracting businesses and talent, we must keep sharpening how we position our region’s strengths.

5. Celebrating business impact fuels pride. The Economic Impact Awards are always a highlight. Applauding companies that are innovating, investing and creating jobs filled me with pride, not just as a Partnership leader, but as a fellow business leader.

James Chung shared that most regions which grow beyond the norm typically have a 10-20 year run. Very few extend that growth trajectory 3-5 decades. So, let’s be decidedly different, shall we?

I walked away from The Summit grateful for the people who pour themselves into their community, committed to doing my part and energized about what we can build together. Our foundation is strong and positive, but as always, we must continually invest in our community, financially and personally. We must commit to business and career advancement, growth and opportunities.

And we must continue caring for each other, which was recognized as an “unexpected social dynamic.” (I call that being an Iowan!) These things make up our own special sauce and they are what makes Greater Des Moines the best place of all: home.