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Greater Des Moines Partnership Selected for National Workforce Training Program

January 12, 2022

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Jan. 12, 2022) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership is one of seven organizations selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) to participate in a new national program to help strengthen chamber of commerce partnerships with community colleges and community organizations to increase the number of adult learners of color who earn an industry-relevant credential or degree.

“We have an opportunity to be more intentional in outreach to members of one of our identified untapped talent communities who are looking to gain the education they need to be qualified for local job openings,” said Dr. Marvin DeJear Jr., Senior Vice President of Talent Development at The Partnership. “This will help employers find talented people to fill positions and help Greater Des Moines citizens move up in their careers.”

Partnerships between chambers of commerce and community colleges have the potential to significantly increase the number of adult learners of color completing high-quality, relevant short-term credentials and degrees. Given the current spotlight on upskilling and the resources that are being reallocated to fund short-term credentials, now is the time to capitalize on the potential for these partnerships.

To support the development of these partnerships, and to increase the number of workers with in-demand credentials and degrees, Lumina Foundation has provided a grant to jumpstart progress. The ACCE Foundation (ACCEF) and American Association of Community Colleges identified a virtual cohort of teams from seven cities or regions. Each team will be comprised of a chamber, a community college partner and an organization that directly represents minority communities.

The Partnership will team up with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, The Director’s Council, Oakridge Neighborhood, Children & Families of Iowa, United Way of Central Iowa’s Central Iowa Works program to identify the barriers to credential attainment and create quick-win solutions to address those challenges. They will join teams from six other regions on monthly virtual convenings to gain access to national subject matter experts, receive customized technical assistance and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities to create a strategy for longer-term collaboration to build their momentum after the grant period ends.

“We are grateful for Lumina Foundation’s continued support for the catalytic leadership chambers of commerce provide in the communities they serve,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Strong cross-sector partnerships are crucial to addressing workforce challenges, building resilient local economies and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

The other communities participating in the program include:

  • Aurora, Illinois
  • Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Cleveland, Ohio
  • Fargo, North Dakota
  • North Central Massachusetts
  • Tallahassee, Florida

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.

About the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) is the professional society supporting the women and men who lead local, regional, statewide and international chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations. Our membership includes more than 1,600 business/civic organizations worldwide. We provide our members with information resources, thought leadership, education programs, original research, benchmarking, retirement security and access to a network of peers.