DSM Businesses and Residents Encouraged to Celebrate Welcoming Week
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 16, 2019) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership is joining the National Welcoming Week initiative taking place from Friday, Sept. 13 – Sunday, Sept. 22. Hosted by Welcoming America, National Welcoming Week is an annual series of events in which communities bring together immigrants and those born within their countries in a spirit of unity to build strong connections across their communities and affirm the benefits of welcoming everyone.
The Partnership is inviting partners, employers, community organizations and the community at-large to join in celebrating the many impactful contributions of foreign-born residents in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership has created a Welcoming Week Toolkit to help interested participants plan for the week. The toolkit lists events that are happening in the community and lists examples of what interested organizations and communities could do to get involved.
Participating communities, organizations and individuals can also get involved by using the social media hashtags #DSMUSA, #GlobalDSM and #WelcomingWeek2019.
“Our region’s success is dependent on making sure all Iowans feel welcome, and Iowa has a long tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants,” said Sanjita Pradhan, Program Director of Talent Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “We have the opportunity to continue the tradition of building a welcoming environment in our community where all are accepted and included.”
Welcoming Week will culminate with the World Food & Music Festival in Downtown DSM from Friday, Sept. 20 – Sunday, Sept. 22. The 15th Annual World Food & Music Festival will be held at Western Gateway Park. More than 50 food vendors representing more than 25 countries and culinary regions will be featured at DSM’s premier food and music festival.
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 6,400 Regional Business Members and more than 340 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.