Partnership To Host Supplier Development Lunch And Learn

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 4, 2025) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host Contracting Opportunities for Small Business, a Supplier Development Lunch and Learn on Thursday, May 1, in partnership with the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) at Iowa State University and the Indianola Chamber of Commerce. This event will be held at Simpson College at Hubbell Hall in the Kent Campus Center.

This lunch and learn will offer attendees the experience of learning, networking and developing relationships with local government agencies and other business corporations in the contracting space. The afternoon will include short briefings from each participating agency and companies highlighting how to do business with them followed by an opportunity to network. A light lunch will be provided. 

Featured Agencies:   

• The City of Indianola 

• Simpson College  

• Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS) 

• Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) 

• Small Business Administration (SBA) 

• Turner Construction 

• UnityPoint Health 

• Weitz Company 

• More to come 

“We look forward to partnering with CIRAS and the Indianola Chamber of Commerce to bring this lunch and learn event to the region,” said Juan Pablo Sanchez, Director of Inclusive Business Strategies at The Partnership. “This event creates a valuable space for professionals to connect, gain insights into the contracting process and explore new opportunities to grow their businesses by engaging directly with agencies and potential partners.” 

For more information visit The Partnership website.  

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership 
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM 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.