Partnership CEO Jay Byers Re-Elected to World Chambers Federation General Council

Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers has been re-elected to serve on the General Council for the World Chambers Federation (WCF), which unites a global network of 12,000 chambers of commerce and helps individual chambers become more productive and strengthens links among them. This is the second term that Byers has served on the General Council, and he will serve a three-year term beginning in 2017.

Byers is the only local or regional chamber executive from the United States to serve on the council. A non-political, non-governmental body, WCF is the backbone of the chamber community, uniting the global network of chambers and their business communities. WCF offers a wide range of products and services to help chambers deliver the best possible service to their respective members.

“I am excited to again represent Greater Des Moines (DSM) on an international stage through the World Chambers Federation,” Byers said. “This appointment is a reflection of the success our community has had in bolstering its global presence, which is a strategic priority of The Partnership.”

In 2016, The Partnership launched the Global DSM: Trade and Investment Strategy which lays out how local business, civic and government leaders can leverage exports and foreign direct investment to grow global engagement, and the Global DSM: International Talent Strategy, which consists of recommendations for how DSM can further attract and retain foreign-born talent to the regional community. This complements existing initiatives to grow DSM’s international presence, including the Global Insurance Symposium and the Global Insurance Accelerator.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization serving Central Iowa for more than 125 years. Together with 22 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce and more than 5,800 business members, The Partnership drives economic growth and careers through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration. We foster an environment where residents are empowered to live their passions and shape our community, making Greater Des Moines the best place in the world to build a business and life. For more information, visit DSMpartnership.com.