April 26 , 2000
"CHOOSE DES MOINES COMMUNITIES" EXCEEDS CAMPAIGN GOAL!

GREATER DES MOINES –  “Choose Des Moines Communities,” the five-year economic development plan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, announced the success of its eight-month investment campaign today at its Investor Celebration.  The campaign has received pledges totaling $10.7 million — $1.7 million above the $9 million goal.

The campaign began with a kick-off breakfast last November.  At that time, over $5 million, half of the objective, had already been met through advance investments. 

At today’s victory reception, Steve Zumbach, Investment Campaign Co-Chair, congratulated the community on its success.  “Thanks to you, we now have the resources to compete and win in the economic development game.”

2000 Partnership Chair Teresa Wahlert thanked the investors.  She said, “This check represents not just a dollar amount, but over 100 investors who are committed to the “Choose” plan with not only money, but their participation.  Our private sector investors are joined by 16 city and three county governments — this is the broadest public sector participation of any effort in our market’s history.  Thanks to the commitment of the Campaign Leadership Committee and the Development Council, the story of the “Choose” plan has been told to over 177 businesses in our three-county market.

There are three keys to making any partnership successful – a plan that addresses a need, a constituency to support it, and the money to fund it.  We now have all three.  Thank you very much!”

William C. Knapp was recognized for his contribution as co-chair of the Development Council.  He told the group, “what we’ve done in the past 10-15 years will be nothing like what we’ll do in the next five.”

“Choose Des Moines Communities” will use the $10.7 million to carry out its five-year economic development plan that focuses on the following goals:

v   Create the most aggressive workforce attraction initiative in the nation;

v  Assist a minimum of 150 existing businesses with expansion/retention plans;

v  Attract and locate 75 new businesses;

v  Increase the capital base by at least $1 billion; and

v  Be Central Iowa’s most comprehensive resource for information on why bringing or keeping a business here makes bottom-line sense.

“Choose Des Moines Communities’” mission combines professional talent and volunteer leadership and is designed to take the economy of the Greater Des Moines area from average to exceptional.  For more information, please contact Susan Ramsey at The Greater Des Moines Partnership, 286-4954.