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Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces 2017 Strategic Priorities at Annual Dinner

January 24, 2017

GREATER DES MOINES, IA – The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrated its 2016 accomplishments and looked forward to 2017 during its 128th Annual Dinner on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. The Partnership’s Annual Dinner celebrates the organization’s community and economic development accomplishments over the past year, and it details strategic priorities for the coming year.

“2016 was a great year for The Partnership with $569 million in new capital investments, 24 local business expansion projects and 12 new companies relocating to Greater Des Moines,” said Jim Brannen, CEO of FBL Financial Group and 2016 Partnership Board Chair. “The Partnership was able to advance Greater Des Moines’ status as a global community with the launch of an agtech startup accelerator and its Global DSM plans.”

During the program, Brannen transferred his Chair responsibilities to Don Pearson, Regional President at Wells Fargo. Pearson unveiled five strategic priorities for The Partnership in 2017:

  • Develop and launch an untapped talent strategy to remove barriers to employment, increase job opportunities and allow all to reach their full career potential.
  • Build and accelerate minority, women and veteran-owned small and high-growth businesses.
  • Complete research for a year-round indoor public market in Downtown, including feasibility, business model possibilities, economic impact analysis and architectural fit. 
  • Initiate an implementation strategy based on the Connect Downtown walkability study.
  • Launch the Capital Crossroads 2.0 Regional Vision Plan and implementation strategies, in conjunction with community partners.

“I am excited to work with The Partnership’s many stakeholders in our community this year,” Pearson said. “Central Iowa is an amazing place thanks to the leadership of those who came before us who laid a foundation for success. We need to continue to build upon the existing momentum to achieve our strategic priorities in the coming year and beyond.”

This year’s keynote presentation was headlined by Bloomberg View Columnist Albert R. Hunt and “PBS NewsHour” Anchor Judy Woodruff, who were joined by J. Ann Selzer, President of Selzer & Company, and Michael Gartner, Owner of the Iowa Cubs and Former President of NBC News.

To view a video highlighting the region’s momentum in recent years, click here.

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 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 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.