The Greater Des Moines Partnership Sets Ambitious Goals for 2025 with New Affiliations and Strategic Directions

Greater Des Moines Partnership Announces 2025 Strategic Priorities

On January 29, 2025, the Greater Des Moines Partnership revealed its ambitious strategic priorities for 2025, during an impactful Annual Dinner held at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. This event was not just about a look back at the past year but a visionary step towards the future of economic and community development in Greater Des Moines (DSM).

One of the landmark announcements was the addition of the Perry Chamber of Commerce as a new Affiliate Chamber, which expands the Partnership's reach significantly. With this new addition, the organization now counts 6,700 regional members, making it the third-largest chamber of commerce in the United States. Furthermore, the Clarke County Development Corporation joined the Partnership, broadening its representation to 12 counties. This integration is a critical step in fostering collaboration, economic growth, and resource sharing across the region.

Lynsi Pasutti, Executive Director of the Perry Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm over the new collaboration. She emphasized that becoming an Affiliate opens up previously untapped resources and networks for their members, setting the stage for growth in Perry and the surrounding areas. Andrew B. Clark, Executive Director of the Clarke County Development Corporation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the Partnership's commitment aligns with their mission to bolster economic development and support vibrant communities.

The 2024 performance results announced during the dinner reflected considerable progress, with 29 relocation and expansion projects initiated in collaboration with state and local entities, alongside over 100 project leads.

David Stark, who is the Chief of Government Affairs & Philanthropy at UnityPoint Health and the 2024 Greater Des Moines Partnership Board Chair, proudly pointed out that community progress is a result of collaborative leadership. Stark spoke about focusing on goals achieved over the past year and praised the hard work of everyone involved.

During the event, Miriam Erickson Brown, who will be the Board Chair in 2025, unveiled six strategic priorities for The Partnership:

1. Economic Development: To boost regional economic development project leads and facilitate business relocations and expansions.
2. Workforce Readiness: Enhance workforce readiness throughout DSM to adapt to evolving market needs.
3. Quality of Life and Regional Community Integration: Focus on improving quality of life and regional integration while supporting Affiliate Chambers of Commerce and community events.
4. Inclusive Economic Growth and Business Support: Promote inclusive growth while supporting businesses across the region.
5. Media Relations and Storytelling: To increase visibility for the DSM story through effective storytelling and media outreach.
6. Investor Engagement: To cultivate stronger relationships with investors and secure new contributions.

Erickson Brown highlighted that these priorities reflect the collective vision and insights of a diverse group of investors, affiliates, and stakeholders from the region. She expressed optimism for future collaborative efforts, aiming to drive innovation and growth to ensure DSM remains a top destination for business development, career opportunities, and community engagement.

In addition to the strategic priorities, the new Board of Directors and Executive Board were announced, with Erickson Brown as Chair, alongside Chris Costa and Dan Keough serving as Vice Chairs. Ro Crosbie and Sean Vicente were appointed as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership plays a vital role in championing economic growth and community development within the region. By continuously expanding its network and resources, it remains committed to creating jobs and fostering a vibrant business community. For those interested in more information, the full details of the 2025 strategic priorities can be accessed on their official website.

In summary, the Greater Des Moines Partnership's initiatives for 2025 present a bold and promising vision for the future, illuminating a pathway for businesses and communities alike to thrive collectively.