More Industry Playbooks Published as Part of DSM Forward

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 14, 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 in a smart, safe and collaborative way. 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.

Five new industry-specific playbooks have been published: Agriculture, Education, Government, Health Care and Utilities. This is in addition to the previously published industry-specific playbooks: Child Care, Events, Arts and Culture, Hotels, Gyms, Manufacturing, Nonprofits, 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.

The expert-led DSM Forward initiative includes playbooks built with guidance, recommendations and feedback from industry leaders and leaders in the medical field.

“The Government playbook and all of these playbooks provide important guidance for industries and organizations in our community as we look toward recovery efforts when the time is right,” said Polk County Supervisor Angela Connolly, a Tri-Chair of the Capital Crossroads regional vision plan. “This will help us keep our community members healthy and keep our region strong as organizations determine their next steps.”

“The Utilities playbook provides information regarding how your utility partners are supporting the community throughout the response to COVID-19,” said Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy Company. “The development of this playbook was a collaborative effort, guided by data and experts.”

“We feel confident that the information in the Health Care playbook will help us continue to follow best practices as we serve patients during this time,” said Bob Ritz, CEO of MercyOne. “This information was compiled using data and with input from stakeholders throughout the community.”

“During this unprecedented time, this playbook helps us move forward as a region. It is essential we collaborate and continue making data-informed decisions to keep the community safe,” said David Stark, President and Chief Executive Officer at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “We hope other organizations in the community leverage these playbooks as they determine their next steps.”

“The Education-focused playbook will give the region’s educators guidance as they work to provide a safe and effective learning environment for students,” said Brad Buck, Superintendent of the Waukee Community School District. “We are grateful to have this playbook to follow and know that it will help all educators moving forward.”

“The Agriculture playbook provides important guidance for agricultural operations to help ensure a safe working environment,” said Bob Riley, Chairman of Riley Resource Group (RRC). “Agriculture is critical to our state’s economy, and this playbook will help businesses in the industry follow data-driven best practices.”

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.