December 6, 2000
PARTNERSHIP’S ANNUAL DINNER TO BE HELD JANUARY 11, 2001
Political Impressionist Jim Morris will be featured speaker

Not to be outdone by last year’s incredibly successful program when former president George Bush addressed the Greater Des Moines Partnership, this year’s 112^th Annual Dinner will include not just one former President, but three!!   This rare opportunity is made possible via the talents of our featured speaker, Jim Morris, widely known as the “king of political impressionists.”  

A favorite guest of programs ranging from NBC’s The Tonight Show to CNN’s Crossfire, Morris is called a “one-man showcase of the American political scene.”  Known for his dead-on impressions of national politicians, Morris will provide our annual dinner attendees with some welcome comic relief from the protracted political season.   An astute political observer, Jim Morris has performed live before many audiences, including an impromptu performance at the Oval Office before President Clinton. 

Morris has appeared regularly on round-table broadcasts including Capitol Gang, Larry King Live, Meet the Press with Tim Russert, and Politically Incorrect.  In addition, Morris has been seen on HBO, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and Comic Relief.   He is also author of the recently released White House Confidential… the Little Book of Weird Presidential History.

The Annual Dinner program will include remarks from Partnership president Mike Blouin regarding the “state of the organization.”  Dinner attendees will view the Partnership’s video, created for the community promotional campaign, “Change Your View.”  Each guest will receive a complimentary CD of the original song created by local artists, The Nadas, especially for the campaign. 

The evening will also include a formal business agenda, including the passing of the gavel from 2000 Chair of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Teresa Wahlert, formerly Vice President, Qwest – Iowa, and now Vice President, Qwest – Arizona, to John Forsyth, President and CEO of Wellmark Corporation.  The Partnership’s new officers will also be sworn in. 

Several awards will be presented during the course of the evening.  The “Community Commitment” award, recognizes a local community leader whose vision helped the growth of Greater Des Moines.   The “Diversity” award recognizes a business that has strived to create opportunity and embrace a corporate culture that includes diversity from the foundation up.

The Annual Dinner celebrates the Partnership’s 112 years as Greater Des Moines’ premier business member organization, and its inaugural year as the economic development organization serving Central Iowa.   Reservations can be made by calling (515) 286-4980.  Ticket prices range from $125 per plate or $1,250 for a table of ten at center stage, or $100 per plate or $1,000 for a standard table of ten. Seat assignments will be made and tickets will be mailed in order of receipt.  Deadline for reservations is January 2, 2001!

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