Inaugural Regional Summit Addresses Community Challenges, 2025 Goals

As the community organization representing 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, focusing on job creation and economic growth across Greater Des Moines (DSM), the Greater Des Moines Partnership relies on strong connections between its communities. Building momentum and maintaining collaboration between its Affiliates to advance the region is an ongoing strategy to build growth in DSM. This is why, in 2024, The Partnership held its first-ever Regional Summit.

About the Regional Summit

Over 300 attendees gathered at the Iowa State Fairgrounds William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building on Oct. 3, 2024 to hear from local leaders, take part in breakout sessions and network with other public, private and nonprofit leadership. David Stark, Partnership Board Chair, Tiffany Tauscheck, President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Governor Kim Reynolds made welcome remarks before Keynote Speaker Kat Saunders, Partner and Head of Strategy and Leadership for Economic Leadership, LLC, addressed the attendees, highlighting economic trends for the future and how to sustain growth with innovative strategies.

During the 2024 Regional Summit, four regional mayors participated in a Meet the Mayors panel discussion. Those mayors included Mayor Bob Andeweg, City of Urbandale, Mayor Don DWaard, City of Pella, Mayor Russ Trimble, City of West Des Moines and Mayor Tom Leners, City of Winterset. Following the panel discussion, attendees chose between a variety of breakout sessions, including sessions on talent innovation, child care, work-based learning and more.

These engaging discussions only added fuel to the fire that has spread across our region throughout the year to continue to push our region forward going into 2025. Feedback on this inaugural event was positive with attendees also looking forward to the great things ahead in DSM. Here’s just a sampling of comments on the event that we’ve heard since:

“Congrats to The Partnership on its first regional summit, and thank you for driving collaborative partnership in rural, urban, and suburban communities to create successful development across Central Iowa.” – Gov. Kim Reynolds

“Mayor Russ Trimble was a participant on the Mayor’s Panel and we learned what keeps our regional leaders up at night.” – Katherine Harrington, President and CEO of the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce

“The sessions were very interesting. I attended one dealing with RETENTION. It reinforced the idea that there are different definitions of retention requiring different solutions.” – Mitch Johnk, President of Panorama Benefits Company

“Yesterday our team joined HUNDREDS of economic development professionals from the greater Des Moines region at the inaugural 2024 Regional Summit hosted by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The sessions were packed with fresh ideas, innovative strategies, and real solutions for driving growth. It was incredible to connect with so many passionate leaders who are committed to making a difference. Big thanks to the organizers and speakers for making it such a valuable experience! Ready to take these new insights back to my team and help shape the future of our community!” – Bryce Johnson, Business Development Coordinator at the City of West Des Moines

Economic Impact Awards

Following the Regional Summit programming, The Partnership held another one of its annual events, the Economic Impact Awards. Learn more about the winners of the 2024 Awards on our website.

Find more information on Partnership awards, the Regional Summit or sign up to learn more about DSM’s growth by subscribing to Partnership newsletters.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 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.