Greater Des Moines Partnership

The inaugural Employer Skills-Based Hiring Series wrapped up this month, bringing together professionals from across Greater Des Moines to explore practical strategies for strengthening recruitment, retention and long-term workforce development.

Over the course of three sessions, participants engaged in hands-on discussions focused on building effective job descriptions, expanding talent pipelines, improving hiring practices and supporting employee development through a skills-based approach.

The cohort included 35 participants representing 12 employers across six regional industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, education, financial services, healthcare and human services, and supply chain and transportation.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the series and contributed thoughtful conversations around the future of talent and workforce strategies in Greater Des Moines.

We’re excited to announce Dominic Williams, Senior Expert at McKinsey & Company Institute for Economic Mobility, as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Greater Des Moines Regional Summit.

His keynote will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping economic growth, workforce trends and the future of Greater Des Moines’ regional economy.

Join us Oct. 8 for conversations shaping the future of Greater Des Moines. Learn more: https://ow.ly/YSUv50Z4w1u

If funding is part of your next step, this seminar is for you. 📣

The Raising Capital for Startups Seminar is next week and registration is closing soon for founders, entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to better understand the fundraising process and what investors are actually looking for.

From pitching and term sheets to cap tables and alternative funding options, this seminar is built to help you take the next step with more clarity and confidence.

Register now before spots fill.
https://ow.ly/Qw6x50Z4vEk.

We are excited for tomorrow's Top Five for Small Businesses session focused on year-end tax planning strategies for small business owners.

The session will feature experts from Principal Financial Group and Mike Smith, Small Business Tax Preparer at The Iowa Center.

This timely session will cover practical tax strategies, recordkeeping essentials and proactive planning tips to help businesses reduce liability and strengthen financial readiness before year end.

This event series is free and virtual.
Register for one of the final spots now: https://ow.ly/pqvY50Z4sNs.

The Top Five for Small Businesses series is sponsored by Principal® Financial Group.

Polk County Iowa is asking for community input as part of its strategic planning process focused on shaping the future of the county over the next 10 years.

The process will bring together residents, businesses, community organizations and local leaders to help identify priorities, opportunities and long-term needs across Polk County.

Community members are encouraged to take the survey and share their perspective as Polk County works to create a shared vision for the future.

Participate in the survey: https://ow.ly/cYxh50Z2S6m

The Partnership and ICON Water Trails convened regional leaders and community partners for an update on the ICON Water Trails project at the Des Moines Embassy Club Downtown to reflect on a decade of progress and discuss the future of the initiative.

The briefing featured remarks from Dan Houston, Kyle Gamble and regional leaders, along with conversations around the long-term impact ICON Water Trails continues to have on recreation, economic development, talent attraction and quality of life across Greater Des Moines.

Thank you to the ICON Water Trails team, all speakers and partners for continuing to move this transformational initiative forward and create lasting impact across the region.

We’re so excited to announce The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective is expanding! 🤩

What started in Greater Des Moines is now expanding to five satellite sites across Iowa and into Minnesota for the first time, helping connect nearly 400 students to hands-on career exploration, mentorship and career-ready skill building opportunities.

2026 satellite sites include:
• Cedar Rapids
• Newton
• Pella
• Perry
• St. Paul, Minnesota

This growth wouldn’t be possible without the incredible partners, employers, educators and community leaders helping invest in the next generation of talent.

Registration remains open through May 31 or until capacity is reached. Learn more: https://ow.ly/rsuq50Z1S0l

Congratulations to Stacey Robles, Inclusive Talent Program Manager, on graduating from Lead DSM’s Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute! 👏 Lead DSM

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute brings together leaders from across Central Iowa to strengthen leadership skills, deepen understanding of community issues and help participants become partners for change across the region.

We’re proud to celebrate Stacey’s accomplishment and continued commitment to making an impact!

Happy 💙

Today is all about celebrating the local places, people and experiences that make special.

To celebrate, some of our DSM MVPs shared their favorite spots across Greater Des Moines — from local restaurants and coffee shops to happy hour patios, volunteer opportunities and hidden gems worth checking out.

Take a look at the full list of favorites on the Storytelling Hub:

Discover Local Favorites | 515 Day Here from community members on their favorite restaurants, happy hour spots and locations in Greater Des Moines.