2024 Economic Impact Award Winners Announced at Inaugural Regional Summit

Each year, the Greater Des Moines Partnership awards regional companies for their roles in influencing the local economy in terms of job creation, facility expansion and capital investment. Through their work in the region, these award winners have made a significant contribution to Greater Des Moines (DSM) and are recognized for their efforts in continuing to create a place to live, work and play that increases the economic vitality here.

This year’s Economic Impact Awards included the Practitioner of The Year, the Jennings Kallen Advisors Entrepreneurial Award and Strategic Headquarters Investment Award. See below for more information on these 2024 winners. Other Economic Impact Award winners will be highlighted in future blogs.

Practitioner of The Year

Carla Eysink, IOM

 

In 1996, Carla Eysink, IOM was hired as the first Director of Marion County Development (MCD). During her time at MCD, Eysink has served in leadership roles for the Professional Developers of Iowa, Central Iowa Tourism Region, Iowa Group Travel Association, Iowa Rural Development Council, Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance, Mid-Iowa Development Fund, and Travel Federation of Iowa. She has been honored by the Iowa Governor three times for her volunteer service and appointed by the Iowa Governor to the Southcentral Iowa STEM Advisory Council and co-chair of the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative.

Her unique combination of data analytics skills and creative thinking have provided innovation for Marion County’s approach to economic development. Under her leadership, the MCD was selected as one of the first MyEntreNet pilot counties as well as a recipient of the National Go-Getter Award through Synchronist for their rural business retention and expansion employer call program. Through these business retention and expansion efforts, projects in housing, childcare, exit planning and training have been developed. Eysink was awarded the 2004 Iowa Tourism Leadership Award for her innovative work in tourism as well as the 2023 iTIP Joe Tayler Vision Award and over 15 different Iowa Tourism Awards. Eysink also received her US Chamber of Commerce of IOM (Institute for Organizational Management) certification.

Jennings Kallen Advisors Entrepreneurial Award

Hummingbirds

Pictured: Emily Steele, CEO and Co-Founder

The Hummingbirds offers a unique, people-powered marketing platform led by two Iowa women. It connects businesses seeking sustainable, authentic growth with hyper-local content creators.

By tapping into these local creators’ trusted networks of friends and followers, Hummingbirds generates visibility and sales for brands in specific geographies, helping businesses increase revenue and their social media followings to upwards of 1400% and by 80% respectively. The team has now expanded to 18 cities across the Midwest and employs 12 full-time people in Iowa.

These results are all pivotal indicators for small business and Iowa’s economic success. Hummingbirds has also raised more than $4.4 million in financing to date from multiple venture capital firms, including ISA Ventures, Next Level Ventures, InnoVenture Iowa and several Iowa angel investors.

Strategic Headquarters Investment Award

West Bank

Pictured: Brad Winterbottom, President

West Bank has a rich history that spans over 130 years, making it the oldest business of any type to be founded and remains headquartered in West Des Moines. After more than 50 years at its location on 22nd Street and facing space constraints, West Bank made the strategic decision to build a new corporate headquarters in a highly visible location at 3330 Westown Parkway.

The corporate headquarters is a culmination of years of meticulous planning and underscores West Bank’s deep roots and long-term commitment to the City of West Des Moines. By choosing an area in need of revitalization, West Bank is contributing to the growth and prosperity of the community, while also providing strong leadership and an investment model for other businesses to follow.

West Bank’s new facility opened on April 15, 2024, and serves as a point of pride where teams will work, collaborate, and continue to provide excellent service to its customers for years to come. The building serves as a space for business development and gives West Bank more opportunities to build strong relationships with community members and make a positive impact in West Des Moines.

Find more information on Partnership awards 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 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.