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Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces 2022 Strategic Priorities, Board Members

January 27, 2022

GREATER DES MOINES, IA – The Greater Des Moines Partnership unveiled its 2022 Strategic Priorities and shared its 2021 accomplishments at its Annual Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center at the Iowa Events Center.

The Partnership’s 2021 results demonstrate growth and increased momentum in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Partnership announced its economic development work with state and local partners resulted in 18 existing company expansions and new company locations, and $962.6 million in capital investment in DSM. In 2021, in overall regional economic development activity, there were more than 62 projects announced, under construction or completed in the DSM region, representing $3.41 billion in total capital investment, 11 million square feet of project space and more than 3,600 new or retained jobs.

The Partnership also unveiled its 2021 Annual Report to highlight 2021 successes, as well as a video to highlight the successes of the past five years.

“In 2021, we recognized that a thriving community takes continued cultivation, even when navigating times of challenge,” said Fred Buie, 2021 Board Chair of The Partnership. “Led by Partnership Investors and Members, we have again come together as one region with one voice, and not only weathered the storm but set ourselves up for continued success as a community.” 

During the program, Partnership 2022 Board Chair Rowena Crosbie, President of Tero International, unveiled eight Strategic Priorities for The Partnership in 2022:

  • Partner on advancement of the Des Moines International Airport terminal project. 

  • Implement additional diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs and services that deliver professional-level training and development to Investors and Members. 

  • Demonstrate progress toward the Future Ready DSM 75x25 goal by increasing the number of working-age adults who have completed a post-secondary education credential aligned to industry demand. 

  • Enhance the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through major placemaking projects. 

  • Help Downtown DSM thrive by driving more people and more workforce to our region’s Downtown. 

  • Increase support for and the number of minority-owned businesses in DSM. 

  • Launch a new national talent attraction campaign to position DSM as THE place for workforce. 

  • Collaborate with regional partners on the development of Capital Crossroads 3.0. 

Learn more on The Partnership’s website

The Partnership also unveiled its Moving Forward Together 2027 Investor Campaign for the next five years. The Campaign’s vision for economic growth and vitality is rooted in the following strategies:  

  • Positioning DSM for the Future  

  • Talent  

  • Economic Development  

  • Inclusion  

  • Placemaking  

  • Storytelling  

Learn more on The Partnership’s Investor webpage.

“Partnership Investors raise their hands to take on the biggest opportunities facing our community; such as talent attraction and retention, ensuring DSM is a welcoming community for all, ensuring an environment that is conducive to small business growth, planning the future of the region’s Downtown, and so much more,” said Crosbie. “Whether you are a large, medium-sized or small organization, you have a role to play. We need your investment and involvement.”

The Partnership also announced its Board of Directors and Executive Board. In addition to Crosbie and Buie’s roles, Mike McCoy with NCMIC Group and David Stark with UnityPoint Health – Des Moines will serve as Vice Chairs, and Mike Helak with U.S. Bank will serve as Secretary/Treasurer. See the full list of the 2022 Greater Des Moines Partnership Board of Directors and Executive Board.

This year’s Annual Dinner keynote presentation was headlined by Mia Hamm. Hamm is a retired professional soccer player, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Hamm is a co-owner of Los Angeles FC, a minority owner of Angel City FC, a global ambassador for FC Barcelona and is on the board of directors of Serie A club A.S. Roma.

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.