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Dear Valued Member:

Thank you for your membership and participation in the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Your involvement
reinforces and elevates the economic vitality and continued growth of Central Iowa. Greater Des Moines
continues to earn top national rankings that are exemplary of our thriving business community. As a local
business leader and member of your Chamber of Commerce, you play a vital role in this success story.

Our mission of regional economic development, workforce development and education, downtown development, and
regional small business development is achievable thanks to the regional collaboration of our 21 Afliate Chambers.
Boasting a network of more than 5,000 members, the Partnership provides a strong, collective voice on business matters
and public policy issues. Working as a leader, the Partnership is focused on initiatives that benet our businesses
directly and strengthen the regional economy as a whole.

In addition to the valuable programs and resources that your local Chamber provides to build relationships,
expand client prospects, and connect you to a broader base of suppliers, the Partnerships vast regional network offers
even more opportunity to grow your business. For example, our Look Local First program promotes local expertise,
products, and services to increase investment in businesses within Central Iowa.

The Partnership is committed to building on our success as a region to take Central Iowa to the next level.
We value your participation locally and regionally, as this connection helps to grow and strengthen the diverse
entrepreneurial spirit in Greater Des Moines. We thank you for your continued support of the regional business
community and the Partnership.
Sincerely,

CEO PRESIDENT
3 | STRONGER TOGETHER
AND CULTIVATING GROWTH
This collaboration offers Regional Member
Businesses enhanced connections with potential
clients, exclusive resources, and tools to help their
business grow. It is a two for one value that
benets and strengthens the regionalism that is
inherent in Central Iowa.
The programming from our Chambers elevates the
voice of small business and creates local connections
for members to access other local businesses and the
community at large.
Regional Members of the Partnership have access
to a wide range of tools to help their business and
workforce grow. By working together, we have more
resources to leverage and create a strong network of
business support.
Local businesses and Members also have the option
to invest in the Partnership. Investment in the
Partnership helps to further the mission of creating
one voice, one mission, and one focus. Partnership
Investors help to champion the dynamic and bustling
Central Iowa business community, and their support
is invaluable.
THE PARTNERSHIP AND ITS REGIONAL AFFILIATE CHAMBERS HAVE A DUAL
MEMBERSHIP MODEL THAT COMBINES THE VALUE OF CHAMBER BENEFITS WITH
THE VALUE OF PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS IN ONE DUES STRUCTURE. LOCAL CHAMBER
MEMBERS AUTOMATICALLY BECOME PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS.
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REGIONAL ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Industry leaders rank the Partnerships economic
development team in the 20 top producing
organizations in the nation. The team works
closely with city, county, state and local economic
development leaders to assist with business
expansions and new locations across the region.
Local businesses may also take advantage of the
specialized industry research, comprehensive
demographic and business climate information the
team gathers to promote Central Iowa.
WORKFORCE ATTRACTION AND
RETENTION
The Partnership offers resources for nding and
retaining a vibrant workforce. It also provides
numerous educational and development opportunities
for K-12 students, post-secondary students, and
young professionals. The Partnership has a robust
Career Center for both employers and job seekers to
utilize, as well as other recruitment resources such
as Executive Tours, College Career Fair visits, trailing
spouse job guidance, relocation packets, and more.
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
The Downtown Community Alliance is dedicated to
increasing urban vibrancy in Downtown Des Moines.
The Alliance provides strategic urban planning,
economic and business development, marketing, and
public relations. It also produces signature events;
and through Operation Downtown, a clean, safe, and
beautiful environment.

REGIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Partnership focuses on providing small
businesses and entrepreneurs opportunities for
networking and educational enrichment. Creating a
thriving business environment for organizations
large and small - is crucial to the overall success of
the region. The Partnership works to help members
build relationships and solve issues within their
business.
PUBLIC POLICY
By building and establishing relationships with
elected ofcials, the Partnership has the advantage
of communicating the needs of Central Iowa
throughout the year. The Partnerships public policy
agendas advocate for the business community at the
local, state, and federal levels.
COMMUNICATIONS AND
MARKETING
The Partnership provides the community, its Members,
and Investors up-to-date news and information on the
latest happenings in Central Iowa via a weekly email
newsletter, a monthly print publication, multiple
websites and social media platforms. Its marketing
and public relations programs help focus national
media attention on the regions success stories,
helping to build its reputation as the #1 region to
build a business, a career, and a future.
UNDER THIS REGIONAL MEMBER MODEL, THE PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES ITS
FOCUS ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT
THAT WELCOMES AND ENCOURAGES BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY GROWTH.
THE PARTNERSHIPS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES IMPACT THE REGION AS A WHOLE:
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MORE ACCESSIBILITY.
MORE VISIBILITY.
MORE BUSINESS.
HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS BECOME
GLOBALLY ACCESSED AND RESOURCED?
THE GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP
DIRECTORY GIVES MEMBERS ACCESS
TO A DISCLOSURE OF CONTACTS,
BUSINESSES, AND MEMBERS OF THE
COMMUNITY. THE DIRECTORY IS EASILY
ACCESSIBLE FOR LOCATING COMPANY
AND CONTACT LISTINGS.
Visitors are able to search alphabetically, by company
name, contact name, and keywords. There are categories
and subcategories for in-depth searches and map
locations for specicity.
DIRECTORY SEARCH
You need a dessert for your ofce party
from a local vendor within driving distance.
KEYWORD
Your co-worker told you about the latest
cupcake place in town and you wanted to
contact them about catering your next
big event.
CONTACT
You were networking at a local chamber event
and met so-and-so but forgot to ask for a
business card.
BUSINESS
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On average the Greater Des Moines Partnership
Directory is viewed
times every month, roughly
times a year.
The number of unique visitors the Greater Des Moines
Partnership website sees roughly every month, expanding
the reach of your business and clients.
The number of contacts in the Greater
Des Moines Partnership directory.
8,000
CALENDAR
Access any Chamber or Partnership event on
the Partnership calendar.
Easily add an event to your own calendar with
the VCalendar (Virtual Web Calendar) link.
Events reach a broad range of audiences
allowing you to connect with new people.
Upcoming events will be featured on the home
page of the Partnership website.
Roughly 25 percent of all web trafc today
involves a mobile device. You will nd both the
regional calendar and directory features are
mobile friendly.
Both the Calendar and Directory can be easily
shared on social media.
ACCESSIBILITY
STATISTICS
5,385
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A national survey* of 2,000 adults reveals that being active in a local Chamber of Commerce is an effective business strategy because two-thirds of consumers
believe that such companies use good business practices, are reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in the community.
*The study was conducted by The Schapiro Group, an Atlanta-based strategic consulting rm,
commissioned by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), in cooperation with the Western Association of Chamber Executives.
In a separate study commissioned by ACCE,
Cortera, a community-based commercial
credit bureau, sampled 10 Chambers of
Commerce and approximately 10,000
companies spread across 10 states
throughout the country. The study concluded
that Chamber members consistently pay their
bills in a more timely manner, resulting in
better credit scores (629 vs. 557) than U.S.
businesses as a whole.
WHAT A LOCAL CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP SHOWS CONSUMERS
Showing people about your company
Showing that you care about your customers
Showing that you are involved in the community
Showing that you have a good reputation
Showing that you use good business practices
0% 25% 50% 75% 100%
56%
63%
64%
67%
67%
If a company shows that it is highly
involved in its local Chamber,
consumers are 10 percent more likely
to think that its products stack up
better against its competition.
Consumers say that being active in a local
Chamber is 23 percent more effective for
communicating that a company uses good
business practices...
...and a Chamber company enjoys a
73 percent increase in consumer
awareness over a non-Chamber company.
23%
10%
When consumers know that a small
business is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce, they are 49 percent more likely
to think favorably of it...
...and 80 percent more likely to purchase
goods or services from the company in
the future.
49%
80%
73%
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I cannot put a price on the value that being involved
in the Chamber and Partnership has brought to my
business. There is nothing that compares to the
connections and networking opportunities that you
get for such a minimal investment.

Shane Torres,
ReMax Real Estate Concepts,
Afliate Presidents Council
Chair 2015
The Capital Crossroads Vision Plan is a great
example of what we can accomplish when we work
together. Our regional model has been recognized
nationally as a best in class strategy, and has created
such momentum locally we are already talking about
what comes next. Together we are achieving what
none could have dreamed of doing alone.

Eugene Meyer,
Greater Des Moines Partnership,
President
Coming from a family that owned a small business
in Central Iowa and understanding that strength
comes in numbers, made joining my local chamber a
no-brainer. Its a great way to support your community
and meet some fantastic people making a difference
in the community.

Kevin Tiernan,
Bankers Trust,
Afliate Presidents
Council Chair 2014
I was invited to join the Chamber by the President,
who is a good friend of mine. I was very nervous
about meeting so many people I didnt know, but also
very excited. I am so happy that I was asked. I have
met so many good friends and business colleagues
over the last six and a half years. I joined because
I was asked. I stay because I cant imagine my life
both my work life and my personal life without
these great people!

Sara Larson,
American Trust & Savings Bank,
Afliate Presidents Council
Chair 2013
Greater Des Moines continues to ght above its
weight on the national stage due in large part to
strong regional collaboration. The Partnership is
focused on helping our Afliate Chambers promote
economic growth and prosperity across Central
Iowa. Together, we are able to do more to help our
businesses grow and make our communities
more vibrant.
Jay Byers,
Greater Des Moines Partnership,
CEO
CHAMBER
MEMBERSHIP
ENCOMPASSES
NUMEROUS BENEFITS.
THOSE BENEFITS
RANGE FROM
BUSINESS TOOLS AND
RESOURCES TO A
SENSE OF COMMUNITY
THAT SUPPORTS LOCAL
BUSINESS.
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THE PARTNERSHIP IS FOCUSED ON PROVIDING ITS REGIONAL MEMBERS
AND INVESTORS A ROBUST ASSORTMENT OF TOOLS, EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ENRICHMENT, AND
THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY TO CONNECT TO NEW CUSTOMERS AND
GROW THEIR BUSINESSES.

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SOURCELINK
An online business resource that helps small
business owners and entrepreneurs nd information
via an online one-stop shop accessible around the
clock and across the region.
ECONOMIC GARDENING
An innovative economic growth strategy that
focuses on providing information and tools to grow
existing businesses.
LOOK LOCAL FIRST
A community effort to build awareness about the
importance of buying local. The Partnership provides
you with information on the importance of supporting
the local economy and marketing materials to inform
your customers.
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMING
The Partnership hosts numerous events that
focus on navigating the international business
and trade markets.
INTERNATIONAL TRIPS
Throughout the year, Members have the opportunity
to embark on international trips that familiarize
attendees with cultural and business practices.
E-CERTIFY
A state of the art approach to international trade.
With its implementation, e-Certify enables online
processing of Certicates of Origin.
REGIONAL EXPORT PLAN
The plan creates international marketing and
development strategies to connect local
businesses to new markets and customers
outside American borders.
REGIONAL RESEARCH, STATS AND
DATA HUB
An online resource for economic, demographic, and
workforce data on the Des Moines region that can
be sorted by community.
WEBINARS
Regular professional and business development
programming that meets the needs of small
business with online participation or 24/7 access to
a library full of podcasts.

LUNCH & LEARN EVENTS
Combining the How to with the How do you do?
Lunch and Learns serve up a satisfying portion
of networking opportunity with a side or two of
business expertise.

B2B FORUMS
Big businesses and small businesses seek client
relationships where everyone wins. These forums
help spark those relationships by connecting the
dots between local needs and local resources.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
INITIATIVES
BUSINESS INNOVATION ZONE
The BIZ provides objective advice and guidance to
entrepreneurs and growth companies.
PLAINS ANGELS
The Plains Angels are dedicated to providing
outstanding nancial returns to accredited angel
investors while assisting early-stage growth
companies by being an excellent source of funding
and advice.
NESTMINT
NestMint is an equity fund that provides startups
with the initial capital to move their business from
idea to actuality. Commonly referred to as seed
funding, NestMint acts as the friends and family
that are typically needed when starting a venture.
GLOBAL INSURANCE
ACCELERATOR
A world-class accelerator for start up companies
targeting the insurance industry.
TOOLS FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
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ELEVATE YOUR VISIBILITY
ONLINE DATABASE
A tailored search engine that will connect the
community to your business through niche categories.
ENHANCED DIRECTORY LISTINGS
Descriptive text and logo can be added to the online
directory to enhance your listing appeal and allow for
your organization to be more searchable.
NETWORK & EXPAND
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Connect with other investors and members on topics
about which you are passionate. Join any number
of councils and committees working on issues
from government policy and workforce attraction to
sustainability and education.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Give back to the community that you love through
multiple volunteer opportunities that connect you to
new people and organizations.
CHAMBER NIGHTS
A night of fun at one of the metros sporting or
quality of life venues coupled with the chance to
network with other Chamber Members in relaxed and
carefree settings.
GET IN THE KNOW
NEWSLETTERS
A plethora of online and print newsletters keep you
up-to-date on the latest news and events from the
Partnership, Afliate Chambers, and Central Iowa.
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP
PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY
The Partnership works at the federal, state, and local
levels to advance policies that contribute to a positive
business climate for the region.
CAPITAL CROSSROADS
The Capital Crossroads vision plan builds on the
regions strengths and provides a road map to ensure
Central Iowa grows and prospers for current and
future generations. The ve year plan is based on the
principal that opportunity, sustainability and talent
will drive Greater Des Moines future success.
WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIP
The annual advocacy trip to the nations Capital takes
200 business, civic, and community leaders from the
region to promote vital regional and local priorities
and economic development projects.
FIND & RETAIN TOP
TALENT
PROFESSIONAL AND
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Throughout the year, the Partnership offers events
exploring timely business issues by industry
experts.
CAREER CENTER
An interactive tool that connects employers with
potential candidates. Employers are able to create
a prole, post jobs, and receive notice of potential
candidates that ll their criteria. Likewise, job
seekers may create proles and receive information
about jobs. The Career Center also scrapes jobs
from Central Iowa employers so the list of jobs is
comprehensive.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
CONNECTION
Connects young professionals in
Central Iowa to networking and professional
development opportunities.
RELOCATION PACKETS
These packets contain a wealth of community
information for member companies to use for
recruiting candidates from outside the region.
CARPEDM (SEIZE DES MOINES)
A community-driven website that is designed to
attract and retain a vibrant workforce in Central
Iowa. This resource is for those thinking of moving
to Central Iowa, recent transplants, or those who
are simply looking to get more involved. Also, this
is a great opportunity to showcase your
community and its amenities by uploading photos,
sharing information, or offering to be a resource on
subject matters.
DSM TODAY
WEEKLY