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Partnership Unveils Programming For Regional Summit On Oct. 3

September 12, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 12, 2024) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership has announced programming for the inaugural Regional Summit scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Iowa State Fairgrounds William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building. This day-long event will bring together business, civic and community leaders from across Greater Des Moines (DSM) to foster collaboration, discuss future strategies and drive regional economic growth. 

Regional Summit programming includes: 

Welcome Remarks 

  • David Stark, Chief of Government Affairs & Philanthropy at UnityPoint Health and 2024 Greater Des Moines Partnership Board Chair 
  • Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of The Partnership 
  • Governor Kim Reynolds

Keynote Speaker – Kat Saunders, Partner and Head of Strategy and Leadership for Economic Leadership, LLC. Learn more about Saunders here. 

Meet the Mayors – Hear from local leaders about future-forward visions and what keeps them up at night. The panel will be moderated by Tiffany Tauscheck. Participating mayors include: 

  • Mayor Connie Boesen, City of Des Moines 
  • Mayor Don DeWaard, City of Pella 
  • Mayor Russ Trimble, City of West Des Moines 
  • Mayor Tom Leners, City of Winterset 

Breakout Session One 

  • Expand Your Developer Rolodex – High-Speed Networking with Housing Developers: Housing industry leaders will generate ideas for communities to act on, which could spur more housing products in your community. 
  • Rising Tides – How to Successfully Navigate the Waves of Water Quality: Hear successful case studies of water quality in urban, suburban and rural communities.
  • Talent Innovation Works Session: This interactive strategic session will explore solutions to today’s most-pressing talent challenges.
  • Capital Crossroads Roadmap: Learn about Capital Crossroads’ unique approach to strategic visioning, cross-sector partnerships, the initiative’s impact, and how communities can replicate this effort to address complex regional issues through collaborative efforts.

Breakout Session Two

  • Making Child Care Work: The childcare business model continues to face affordability challenges. Hear from industry experts on ways to overcome hurdles related to childcare affordability.
  • Love Where You Live – Enhance Your Community through Arts, Culture and Philanthropy: Learn tangible ideas to infuse philanthropic components to placemaking.
  • Work-Based Learning – How to Attract Early Talent with Work-Based Learning Best Practices: Panelists will highlight best practices and why work-based learning should play a role in your talent attraction strategies.
  • 20 Storytelling Ideas in 40 Minutes Across 11 Counties: Walk away with 20 actionable ideas that you can implement tomorrow to tell the story of your community, business or organization loud, bold and broad.

Happy Hour and Networking 

Participants will end the day by attending The Partnership's annual Economic Impact Awards. A 40-year tradition, the Economic Impact Awards recognize local companies for their contribution toward the economic and community vitality of DSM.

To view full event programming and register visit the Regional Summit website. 

The Regional Summit is sponsored by platinum sponsor Prairie Meadows, gold sponsor Musco Lighting, silver sponsor Meta and bronze sponsors Grinnell College and NCMIC. Learn more 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 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 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.