2022 Economic Impact Award Winners Make Lasting Impact on DSM

This year, six companies and one entrepreneur champion received a 2022 Economic Impact Award from the Greater Des Moines Partnership for their roles in advancing the regional economy. Through their work in the region, this year’s winners made significant contributions to Greater Des Moines (DSM) by adding 600 new jobs, building more than 1.3 million square feet of facility space and contributing $1.19 billion in capital investment. The Economic Impact Awards are a chance to recognize and celebrate their efforts, which continue to create a place to live, work and play while also increasing the economic vitality.

Below, read about three of the companies chosen for the award and check out the other two blog posts to learn about the rest of the awardees.

Allegiant

Since 2003, when Allegiant launched its first route from Des Moines International Airport, the airline has proudly supported economic growth in the Hawkeye state. In 2021, Allegiant invested $50 million to open a base of operations at DSM Airport, bringing dozens of new high-wage jobs to the community. Allegiant has flown thousands of passengers, hired almost 70 employees and grown to offer 17 routes. Additionally, the base has grown to three aircraft after launching with two Airbus A320s. Connecting families with top leisure destinations in the U.S. is key to the success of Allegiant’s business. Des Moines is a prime location for travelers to be able to enjoy destinations to both east and west coast cities. Likewise, offering a new avenue for those traveling from these destinations to enjoy the vibrant festivals and events, sports and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Midwest can only serve to bolster the already- burgeoning business environment present today.

Amazon North American Fulfillment - DSM5

Amazon has continued to fulfill the company’s passion for environmental sustainability; whether that means promoting the use of reusable cups within its building, using recycled packaging, offering Amazon Day Delivery or investing in electrifying its delivery fleets.

When Amazon’s DSM5 location launched in December of 2020, the building’s Safety team made it a mission to reduce waste in the community’s landfills. The team has successfully redirected 615,025 pounds of products worth more than $1.2 million into the deserving hands of:

• Bondurant Emergency Services
• Iowa Food Bank
• Hope Animal Rescue
• Mitchellville Police Department
• Youth Emergency Services & Shelter
• Balance Autism
• Bondurant-Farrar Public Schools
• Des Moines Public Schools

The success of this program not only diverted waste but also created multiple new job opportunities within its building.

Amazon has also continued looking for the next big idea to make the largest impact on reaching its sustainability goals, with an end goal of reaching net-zero in their carbon levels by 2040.

Andersen Windows and Doors

Andersen Corporation, America’s premier window and door manufacturer, employs more than 12,000 people with manufacturing sites across North America and Europe including five facilities throughout Iowa and three locations in DSM.

Andersen is a privately held company with a 119-year history of manufacturing excellence. Andersen continues to invest in its Iowa locations by expanding manufacturing capacity, increasing employment, and giving back to the communities in which it operates. Andersen is currently expanding its DSM operations with the addition of a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility located at 4161 Dixon Avenue. The new manufacturing location will support recent growth of screen door products. The facility will add more than 100 new manufacturing jobs to the region. When the facility is completed, Andersen will operate over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing in the region with employment reaching over 500 employees.

To learn more about the Economic Impact Awards, as well as other Partnership award applications, click here.

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.