Leading in Times of Challenge with Greg Edwards
Greg Edwards is president and CEO of Catch Des Moines, an accredited Destinations International organization responsible for marketing the region as a visitor destination in an effort to drive economic success in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Greg has worked at Catch Des Moines since 2000. He previously worked at the Overland Park and Peoria convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs). He serves on the Greater Des Moines Partnership board, has chaired the Susan G. Komen board and served on various state boards and executive boards, as well as served as chair of Destination International in 2012-2013.
Greg Edwards Leadership Tips
Greg discusses moving to DSM in 2000 and leaving Peoria, Illinois. When he arrived, it was a dreary winter and there weren’t a lot of things happening in the region at the time. Shortly after his arrival, the county met to discuss building a new events center. Other things fell into place as well, including a new library and science center. Since that time, the growth in DSM has taken off. Greg touches on leading his team through those developments and changes over the years, including shifting the way people initially thought about them.
Greg has focused on communication, including sending emails and holding Zoom meetings in order to keep staff members and community partners up-to-date and upbeat during COVID-19.
The Leading in Times of Challenge podcast was previously produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. To learn more about community events and leadership, check out The Partnership blog.
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 more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, 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.