Future Ready DSM Podcast: DSM Ahead of Its Peers in Almost Every Economic Measure

In the second episode of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Future Ready DSM podcast, guests share insights about the employment landscape for individuals entering the workforce, as well as those looking to advance or change their career paths with The Partnership’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development Marvin DeJear.  

Special guest James Chung, president of Reach Advisors and co-founder of StratoDem Analytics, shared his insights on preparing for the future in Greater Des Moines (DSM). His introduction to the Des Moines region came about through data. Chung grew up in Wichita, Kansas and when the Wichita Community Foundation requested help analyzing the state of Wichita, including what was holding it back, the data showed DSM outperformed Wichita in almost every economic measure. This piqued Chung’s interest, and he began talking to regional DSM leaders to find out there was not a data fluke. There was something special happening in Des Moines. 

DSM Data Measures

The data showed DSM had stronger population growth, job growth, economic productivity from the workforce, civic investment in the city and more. Repeatedly, DSM came out ahead of its peers at fostering the city’s effectiveness and wellbeing for both economic and non-economic measures.    

Des Moines has created a healthier environment for businesses to grow and expand compared to other mid-sized cities. Chung said overall this has helped DSM remain a thriving city. Pre- and post-pandemic, measures like high incomes for non-college educated workforce and women employed in managerial positions are at a high percentage. It’s a place with higher odds of success in a world where that is not often the case. DSM outperforms in measures such as household income, average net worth and overall quality of life. 

He also touched on business challenges pre-and post-pandemic, including those within DSM’s financial and insurance sectors. Chung said he would like to see more diversification and transformation through technology.  Chung and DeJear also discussed lessons learned from the recession of 2008, how DSM stands out compared to its peers and recommendations for the DSM community moving forward. 

Listen to the entire podcast above. 

The Future Ready DSM podcast brings Greater Des Moines (DSM) employment leaders and experts in to discuss the latest trends in talent attraction and retention in the region. Hosted by Greater Des Moines Partnership Senior Vice President of Talent Development, Marvin DeJear.