Ambassador Branstad, Vermeer's Bouwkamp to Lead Discussion on U.S.-China Relations

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Dec. 9, 2021) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership will host Ambassador Terry Branstad and Daryl Bouwkamp, Senior Director of International Business Development and Government Affairs for Vermeer Corporation, for a panel discussion centered around domestic and international issues affecting U.S./China relations, and the impacts and opportunities for Iowa businesses. The Iowa-China Panel: Building Business Partnerships event will take place on Friday, Dec. 17 from 10 – 11 a.m. A limited number of people will be able attend in-person at The Partnership’s office at 700 Locust St., Ste. 100 in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), and others can attend virtually via Zoom.

Ambassador Branstad is the former United States Ambassador to China having served from 2017 – 2020. He was the Governor of Iowa from 1983 – 1999 and 2011 – 2017, making him the longest-serving Governor in American history. Branstad was also President of Des Moines University from 2003 to 2009. Recently, Ambassador Branstad launched the Branstad Churchill Group (BCG) to provide advice, guidance and solutions to organizations, corporate leaders and investors seeking to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with conducting business in China.

Daryl Bouwkamp has 30 years of International business experience with Vermeer Corporation and is Senior Director International Business Development & Government Affairs. He also helped developed Vermeer China, Ltd. and served as Chairman from 2006 – 2012. Bouwkamp is the current Chair of the Iowa District Export Council, serves on The Partnership’s International Council, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Advocacy Council, the Iowa Advisory Council of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), as a Trustee of Dordt University, and on local school and church boards/councils.

Register for the event on The Partnership’s website.

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 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 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.