The Greater Des Moines Partnership and the Partnership for a New American Economy Announce The Des Moines Immigration Initiative
Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership announced the creation of the Des Moines Immigration Initiative, an effort to make central Iowa a premier destination for foreign-born talent and continued economic advancement. The plan will be implemented in conjunction with the Partnership for a New American Economy.
The initiative will include a task force of government, business, and community leaders that will put forth policy recommendations for Greater Des Moines (DSM) that draw on the experience of other cities with such initiatives and partnerships across the country. Once the recommendations are issued, the Initiative will disseminate its findings to raise awareness about immigration’s positive effects on the local and state economy and engage in advocacy to affect necessary policy changes at the local, state and federal level.
“I am proud to announce this initiative and expect it will be an essential component of innovation and opportunity in the Des Moines area,” said Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The research and expertise from the Partnership for a New American Economy will guide the process for recruitment and retention of immigrant talent in the Des Moines Metro, and together we will build a stronger economy, workforce and community.”
“Research has shown how critical immigrants are to local economic growth and competitiveness, and that is no different in Des Moines,” stated John Feinblatt, Chairman of the Partnership for a New American Economy. “We are pleased to work with the Greater Des Moines Partnership on this initiative to help attract the talent and entrepreneurial spirit foreign-born workers can continue to bring to central Iowa.”
All media inquiries should be directed to Jesse Dougherty at (608) 807-8619 or jdougherty@strategicelements.com.
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 more than 330 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 Partnership for a New American Economy
The Partnership for a New American Economy brings together more than 500 Republican, Democratic, and Independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reforms that will help create jobs for Americans today. The Partnership’s members include mayors of more than 35 million people nationwide and business leaders of companies that generate more than $1.5 trillion and employ more than 4 million people across all sectors of the economy, from Agriculture to Aerospace, Hospitality to High Tech, and Media to Manufacturing. Partnership members understand that immigration is essential to maintaining the productive, diverse, and flexible workforce that America needs to ensure prosperity over the coming generations. Learn more at RenewOurEconomy.org.