PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Former NFL player, longtime ESPN analyst and motivational speaker Merril Hoge will be the keynote speaker at the Greater Des Moines Partnership's 2027 Annual Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027, at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Downtown Des Moines.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership has joined an elite network of economic development organizations that have earned the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) rating through the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The Partnership is one of only 103 economic development organizations throughout the United States and Canada that have been recognized for meeting national standards of excellence in the profession.

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 World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union won four awards, including the Gold Award for Best Cultural / Heritage Event, in the 2026 International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition.

The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health will begin its October hours this Saturday, Oct. 3, with the opening bell ringing moving one hour later to 8 a.m. for the remaining five Saturdays of the outdoor season.