Regional Summit to Foster Rural, Suburban and Urban Connections

During the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s DMDC trip earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak to more than 200 attendees about The Partnership’s regional community integration strategy.

The setting was fitting, with city, county, chamber and organizational leaders from across the Greater Des Moines (DSM) region in attendance. Each year, I am inspired and energized by the connections that get made on this trip — connections that transcend jurisdictional boundaries and political affiliations. DMDC is a shining example of the regional collaboration that makes DSM unique, which is exactly what we’re trying to accomplish with the regional community integration strategy.

Imagine the leaders who attend DMDC reconvening in the fall … but times two. That is what will happen at the inaugural Regional Summit on Thursday, Oct. 3 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. A DMDC reunion essentially.

About the Regional Summit in Greater Des Moines

The Regional Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders from across our 11-county region to connect, learn and collaborate on forward-thinking solutions. Leaders will discuss strategies to address opportunities and challenges faced by rural, urban and suburban communities, with the goal of working together to advance DSM as a top place for economic development and talent development.

Yes, we’ll touch on important topics such as housing and water quality, but there will also be purposeful networking, themes of leadership, regionalism and storytelling woven throughout the programming and an intentional approach to ensuring we come away from the Summit with next steps and a commitment to moving the needle in DSM.

In meeting and talking with our Investors, Members, Affiliate Chambers and stakeholders from across the 11-county region, we have heard time and again that there is a desire for more collaboration between rural, urban and suburban communities. The Regional Summit will be a great step in continuing this dialogue and fostering connections that will lead to collaboration for years to come.

Additionally, we’ll host our Economic Impact Awards following the event to honor companies from across the region that have experienced significant economic development success over the past year.

Programming and speakers will be announced at a later date, but we encourage you to save the date and register for the event.

Let’s build on the collaborative spirit of the DMDC trip here at home this fall.

The Partnership's Public Policy team engages with local, state and federal officials to create public policy that generates economic growth, business prosperity and talent development in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Learn about state and federal legislators advocating for the region and how you can become involved by attending events like Public Policy Issue Forums and DMDC. The Partnership is a nonpartisan organization.