Goals & Achievements

Harness Your Passion
by Steve Lacy, 2008 Partnership Chair

The Partnership enjoyed a very successful 2007, and we are looking forward to continuing our momentum in 2008. Our goals for this year were developed through strategic planning meetings involving Partnership board members, staff, and affiliate presidents.

First, we will expand our already-significant focus on regional economic development. Attracting businesses and workers to Central Iowa is at the core of all Partnership activities. We need to continue to provide assistance and research to corporations looking to expand in our area, as well as proactively seek businesses through recruitment trips. At the same time, we need to take a step back and strategically analyze our future growth potential. This involves reviewing lessons learned from the first 10 years of this program, and then putting in place aggressive targets for the next 10 years.

Second, we need to develop a talented pool of workers large enough to accommodate existing and potential new businesses. Attracting and retaining qualified employees will be a major priority. We will enhance work force attraction initiatives with a goal of increasing the pool of workers at a pace faster than the national rate. To accomplish this, we will focus on attracting younger and more diverse workers. This is essential to meet the needs of our growing economy.

Third, a thriving metropolitan region requires a thriving business core. Downtown should serve as an economic engine that helps drive growth across the region. Office vacancies downtown are a growing concern, and we will devote appropriate efforts toward this important issue.

And finally, regional cooperation and affiliate relations need continual improvement. We want to develop the new dual membership model to its maximum potential. We need to show our support for the regional chambers and affiliate boards that have done such an outstanding job of promoting economic development across our region.

Des Moines is a gem with strong and involved corporations, diverse retail businesses, great restaurants, a vibrant art scene, and extensive recreation and trails. Our community has evolved dramatically over the last 10 years. Let’s make the next 10 years just as exciting.

Achievements for 2007

Our 2007 Annual Report is now online, with a complete overview of the results of our economic, community and downtown development efforts in 2007.

• Formed the Central Iowa Workforce System as a result of 2006's "Pathways to Prosperity" regional workforce study.
• Assisted in bringing $191 million in new capital investment to Greater Des Moines.
• Assisted in bringing 10 new companies to Greater Des Moines
• Assisted in 21 business expansions in the region.
• Launched the Business Innovation Zone (BIZ) of Central Iowa.
• Lead a group of more than 200 community and business leaders on a trip to Washington, D.C. for our annual lobbying effort.
• Through Downtown Events Group, continued producing large-scale community events such as the Des Moines Arts Festival, Wells Fargo World Food Festival, and GuideOne ImaginEve. Launched the Iowa Outdoor Wellness Adventure (IOWA) through Downtown Events Group.