The Greater Des Moines Story: Partnership News

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October 22, 2026

Civility, Collaboration and Community Growth Take Center Stage at DSM Civic Leadership Program

Dec. 2 event to strengthen civic leadership across Greater Des Moines

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 22, 2026) – Current and aspiring civic leaders will have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the issues shaping Greater Des Moines at the DSM Civic Leadership Program on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

The Program is designed to equip newly elected officials, individuals considering public office or public service and emerging civic leaders with the knowledge, connections and practical skills to serve their communities effectively. Through interactive learning and insights from regional leaders, participants will explore how to navigate differing perspectives with civility, understand the role of economic development in strengthening communities and build relationships that support regional collaboration.

"Strong communities depend on leaders who are willing to listen, work through differences and understand how their decisions affect the people and businesses they serve,” said Jenae Sikkink, Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies at The Partnership. “The DSM Civic Leadership Program is an opportunity to build those skills and learn from experienced leaders to help strengthen the connections that keep our communities moving forward together.”

Participants will explore three key areas: 

  • Leading with Civility: Building trust, navigating differing perspectives and engaging in collaboration that moves communities forward.
  • Understanding Economic Development: Exploring how local decisions influence business growth, workforce development and regional economic opportunity.
  • Gaining Regional Perspective: Learning from regional leaders about building relationships, navigating challenges and working together to advance shared goals.

The program will feature Scott Raeker, Executive Director of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, and Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at The Partnership. Raeker brings experience in character-driven leadership and civility, including 14 years of service as an Iowa state legislator and his work with leaders across all 50 states. LoVan will provide insight into the ways public sector decisions influence business growth, community development and regional collaboration.

"Civic leaders often need to make difficult decisions while balancing competing priorities and navigating those challenges with civility and respect is essential to effective public service,” said Raeker. “The DSM Civic Leadership Program offers an opportunity to develop a better understanding of those responsibilities and how to approach them thoughtfully.”

Registration is now open. To learn more and register for the Dec. 2 DSM Civic Leadership Program, visit DSMpartnership.com.

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About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

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