DSM Forward Releases More Industry Playbooks

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 12, 2020) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has released more DSM Forward industry-specific playbooks devoted to helping businesses and industries prepare for next steps related to economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. DSM Forward playbooks include recommendations — leveraging international, national, state and local sources and following federal, state and local public health official recommendations — to help guide businesses and organizations as they determine pathways toward the future in an everchanging landscape.

Four new industry-specific playbooks have been published: Manufacturing, Nonprofits, Events, Arts and Culture, and Hotels. This is in addition to the five industry-specific playbooks published last week: Child Care, Gyms, Personal Services, Restaurants and Retail. DSM Forward also includes professional business function playbooks with takeaways that are specific to professional functions that could be present in any business, regardless of industry. The playbooks are meant to provide guidelines and recommendations. They are not prescriptive, nor do they include specific timelines, as each organization is unique.

All DSM Forward playbooks were built in part through guidance and feedback from industry leaders and leaders in the medical field.

“These playbooks provide leadership and direction as we re-emerge from this situation as a community,” said Kristi Knous, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines and a Tri-Chair of the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan. “This will give organizations access to resources that will help them be successful as they look toward the future, and is further proof that our community is better together.”

“DSM Forward gives nonprofits the guidance to move forward with confidence when the time is right for them,” said Elisabeth Buck, President of United Way of Central Iowa. “This collaborative process is designed to help organizations map out steps forward, based on expert guidelines and recommendations. This will help save our nonprofit leaders some time and energy during a particularly challenging time. ”

“Arts and culture will remain critically important to our community’s economic and social health during the recovery,” said Sally Dix, Executive Director of Bravo Greater Des Moines. “Cultural organizations can use these guidelines as they consider the best and safest ways to continue adding vibrancy to Greater Des Moines both virtually and in person when it is safe to begin reopening.”

“Our hotels contribute greatly to our local economy in Greater Des Moines, and we want them to feel equipped with guidance for serving the public now and when more people begin traveling in the future,” said Greg Edwards President and CEO of Catch Des Moines. "When we come together as a region, with the public and private sector working together, our community will be best prepared to welcome our visitors back soon."

“The manufacturing-focused playbook will help our company react to the environmental changes and emerging workforce trends happening as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jim Gelina, Vice President and General Manager of the Storm Door Group at Andersen Corporation. “This gives us a framework to react as an industry to this everchanging situation.”

More About DSM Forward

The playbooks have been guided by input from the DSM Forward Task Force made up of Greater Des Moines Partnership Board Members, Capital Crossroads leadership and other industry leaders. The Partnership worked with Bâton Global to guide this process, which included extensive feedback from business, industry and community leaders and the community at-large. The playbooks were produced in alignment with developing plans by Polk County Board of Supervisors, Polk County Emergency Management, Polk County Health, the State of Iowa and other key partners. A number of other industry playbooks will be added as The Partnership and Task Force work with industry leaders to ensure the most relevant, accurate information is presented.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership's DSM Forward playbooks are not intended to constitute legal advice or provide specific direction. Please see the DSM Forward playbook legal disclaimer for more information.

View the DSM Forward website at DSMpartnership.com/DSMforward. Watch for continued updates as new industries are added and as the situation continues to evolve.

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 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 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.