Economic Impact Awards Recognize Companies Driving Growth Across Greater Des Moines
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 2, 2026) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership will recognize several companies with Economic Impact Awards during the 2026 Regional Summit on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the EMC Expo Center in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
Now in its 44th year, the Economic Impact Awards celebrate companies that make significant contributions to the Greater Des Moines economy through capital investment, innovation, job creation, workforce development and community impact. The awards are presented as part of the annual Regional Summit, which convenes business and civic leaders from across the region to discuss priorities and opportunities for long-term growth.
The 2026 Economic Impact Award winners and the recent significant achievements they have had in Greater Des Moines include:
American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company®
American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company® relocated its headquarters to Downtown Des Moines in 2026, occupying more than 200,000 square feet across seven floors. The new headquarters brings nearly 750 employees Downtown each day and was designed with additional capacity to support the company’s continued workforce growth.
Elevator (Jennings Kallen Advisors Entrepreneurial Award)
Elevator Co-Warehousing + Community invested more than $4 million to transform a nearly 40,000-square-foot building in Downtown Des Moines into flexible warehouse, office and coworking space designed for growing businesses. Opened in 2025, the location has capacity to support up to 85 entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing flexible space, shared resources and infrastructure to help them grow.
Holmes Murphy
Headquartered in Waukee, Holmes Murphy expanded its Greater Des Moines presence with approximately 75,000 square feet of additional space in the newly renovated Arcadia building in West Des Moines. The $12.5 million capital investment accommodates approximately 270 employees, supports the creation of more than 100 new jobs and provides additional capacity as the company continues to grow and meet increasing client demand.
Lawmark Capital Inc.
Lawmark Capital is transforming the iconic Financial Center in Downtown Des Moines into Mezzo on Walnut, a 209-residence lifestyle community with new retail and restaurant opportunities. Lawmark Capital’s Financial Center rehabilitation project represents a combined economic impact of $120 million in outside investment, including the creation of 209 luxury apartments. This significant adaptive reuse project brings new residents, businesses and activity to Downtown Des Moines while supporting a local general contractor and dozens of independent contractors, skilled tradespeople, suppliers and other professionals.
Merchants Bonding Company
Merchants Bonding Company is expanding its West Des Moines headquarters by 34,000 square feet to support continued growth. Since moving into its current headquarters in 2015, Merchants has grown its home office staff to 140 associates and counting. The new addition gives the company capacity to grow up to 50% more over the next decade, supporting anticipated revenue growth and business expansion. The multimillion-dollar expansion is expected to be completed in December 2026.
Tension Envelope & Print
Tension Envelope & Print has operated in Des Moines since 1924 and continues to invest in its local operations through new high-speed folding equipment designed to increase efficiency and production capacity. The company also received an Iowa jobs training program grant to strengthen workforce skills and position its century-long Des Moines legacy for continued growth.
United Mutual Insurance Association
Founded in Grinnell in 1875, United Mutual Insurance Association has experienced significant growth, with revenue increasing 20-fold and its workforce growing from eight to 45 employees over the past six years. To support continued growth, United Mutual plans to expand its Grinnell headquarters in 2027, creating additional capacity for employees and reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to the community.
For more information about the Regional Summit and to register, 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.