Partnership Initiatives Win Awards from Regional Economic Development Association
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Dec. 5, 2017) – A pair of initiatives associated with the Greater Des Moines Partnership won awards from the Mid-America Economic Development Association (Mid-America EDC). The Global Insurance Accelerator won the Entrepreneurial Award in the large division. The Partnership’s Regional Momentum video shown at the 2017 Annual Dinner won an award in the Annual Report category in the large division. The awards were presented at the Mid-America Competitiveness Conference & Site Selector Forum on Dec. 3 through 5 in Chicago.
The Entrepreneurial Award honors unique approaches to enhancing the entrepreneurial culture in a region. The Global Insurance Accelerator is a mentor-driven business accelerator designed to foster innovation in the insurance industry by supporting startups targeting the global insurance industry. It has hosted three classes of six startup companies each in its 100-day program. The accelerator has received wide support from companies in the insurance industry, with investment from American Equity Life Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Iowa, EMC Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers Mutual Hail, Grinnell Mutual, IMT Insurance Company, Markel Corporation, Mutual of Omaha and Principal. The accelerator was originated by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
“This award further highlights the success that the Global Insurance Accelerator has had in finding a unique way to capitalize on a key industry in the region,” said Brian Hemesath, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator. “The accelerator’s success is the result of industry leaders’ collaboration to support innovative startups serving the industry.”
The Annual Report award category recognizes regularly published documents that address economic development issues or inform stakeholders of an organization’s activities. The Partnership’s Regional Momentum video served as the organization’s 2016 Annual Report. The video showcased the accomplishments, stewardship and vision of The Partnership and highlighted the momentum that Greater Des Moines (DSM) is experiencing. It also laid out the organization’s vision for the next five years. View the video at DSMpartnership.com/about.
“We are excited to receive this honor that builds on DSM’s status as a best-in-class region,” said Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The regional momentum video provides a powerful reminder that while we have accomplished a lot as a region, we must continue to push forward if we are going to maximize momentum.”
Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the leading resource for making contact with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs and accessing thought leadership. For many years, The Mid-America Economic Development Council has sponsored the annual Economic Development Awards competition to recognize and stimulate the creative use of quality marketing by economic development organizations throughout the 12-state Mid-America region in promoting their respective communities. The Mid-America Economic Development Council’s awards partner is Conway Inc., and all first-place award winners will be highlighted in an ad in the January issue of Site Selection magazine.
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 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.
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