Chamber Executive: Spring 2018 by ChamberExecutives

SPRING 2018

#DSM USA

H EL L Y ES!

THE BIRTH OF A REGIONAL IDENTITY | 06 VISITORS' GUIDE TO DSM | 14

STARTUP ACCELERATORS | 11

GATHERING TO BUILD COMMUNITY | 17 Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

CONTENTS

Des Moines, Iowa

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

04 | ACCE News

06 | The Birth of a Regional Identity Tiffany Tauscheck

30 | Faces and Places

02 | #DSMUSA: HELL YES!

11 | Startup Accelerators Brian Hemesath and Megan Vollstedt

32 | A Note from Sheree Anne

14 | Visitors' Guide to DSM Jordan Powers

COLUMNS Jay Byers

Sheree Anne Kelly

OFFICIAL CORPORATE SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS avalanche

17 | Gathering to Build Community Katherine House 24 | A Story of Regional Cooperation 27 | Regional Momentum 29 | Embrace #DSMUSA

#DSMUSA: HELL YES! For those who are visiting Greater Des Moines (DSM) for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Annual Convention from July 17 to 20, you will quickly realize why ACCE picked our region to host this year’s event. DSM is different. Consider some of the ways DSM is different: •

•

• •

With 23 local Chambers of Commerce affiliated with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, we have more than 6,100 Members and more than 330 Investors. This makes us one of the largest regional chambers of commerce in the country. The region is growing fast. According to the latest population numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, we grew by nearly 2 percent in 2017 and have grown by nearly 19 percent over the last 10 years. This makes us one of the fastest-growing major metros in the Midwest in terms of percentage of population growth. As of the latest numbers released in 2016, our real gross domestic product has grown nearly 18 percent in the last 10 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Our employment growth was up 12.8 percent in the last 10 years, according to the latest numbers released in 2017 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our regional momentum continues to be nationally recognized. In the past year, we have been recognized as the No. 1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report, the No. 4 Best Place for Millennials to Live in the U.S. by Growella, the No. 1 Minor League Sports Market by SportsBusiness Journal and the No. 5 Best Place for Business and Careers by Forbes. DSM is a global player. While here, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. Each year, the World Food Prize awards the equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize for agriculture. The Global Insurance Symposium in 2018 drew more than 600 attendees from 20 countries. The Global Insurance Accelerator is a mentordriven business accelerator focused on helping startups drive innovation in the insurance industry. It has hosted 26 companies from around the globe and in 2017 was the only U.S. finalist for the World Chambers Federation’s World Chambers Competition. The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator hosted its first class in 2017 with a similar model for the agbioscience industry. Additionally, some of DSM’s largest employers include global companies such as Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™, Firestone Agricultural Tire Co., John Deere, Principal and Wells Fargo & Co., among others. Projects get done because of radical regional cooperation. An example is Bravo Greater Des Moines, a collaboration of 17 partner communities within the region to provide reliable funding and leadership to the arts, culture and heritage community. DSM is different because of its “secret sauce:” ability to work together as a region, the public/private partnerships that help drive major projects, strategic visioning and leadership. Capital Crossroads, the regional vision plan that began in 2012, celebrated hundreds of successes. J. Mac Holladay, founder and CEO of the plan’s consultant, Market Street Services, called the plan’s implementation the “most ambitious, aggressive, comprehensive and effective Market Street has ever seen.”

The list could go on. If you are attending #ACCE18, you will experience the momentum firsthand by seeing the influx of development and best-in-class amenities in Downtown DSM. You will have the opportunity to meet and interact with many of the people who make DSM different. If you are planning on attending #ACCE18, or if you just want to learn more about what makes DSM different, check out DSMpartnership.com. And make sure to tell the world that you are coming to #DSMUSA on social media. – Jay Byers | CEO Greater Des Moines Partnership 2

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

acce

ACCE’s award-winning journal for and about chambers of commerce

Chairman Jay Chesshir, CCE Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce (Ark.) Chairman Elect Nancy Keefer, CCE Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce (Fla.) Immediate Past Chair Joe Roman Greater Cleveland Partnership (Ohio) Treasurer Chip Cherry, CCE Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville-Madison County (Ala.) Vice Chairs Kit Cramer, CCE Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce (N.C.) Kelle Marsalis, IOM Dallas Regional Chamber (Texas) President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives V.P., Communications and Networks Will Burns wburns@acce.org Editor-in-Chief/Director, Communications Ben Wills bwills@acce.org Graphic Design Hannah Theiring hannahtheiring@yahoo.com Advertising Sales Chris Mead cmead@acce.org

Chamber Executive, ISSN 0884-8114, is published quarterly by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Periodicals postage pending at Alexandria, VA 22314 and additional offices. Office of publication: 1330 Braddock Place, Suite 300, Alexandria VA, 22324. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chamber Executive, 1330 Braddock Place, Suite 300, Alexandria VA, 22314. Visit us online at http://www.acce.org/ce or call 800-394-2223 for information about editorial, advertising or subscriptions.

ACCE NEWS #ACCE18: DREAM BIG AND BE DIFFERENT Opportunity awaits at #ACCE18: the 2018 ACCE Annual Convention, hosted this year in Des Moines, Iowa from July 17 to July 20. Visit www.ACCE.org/convention to discover what makes Des Moines unique, to view learning experiences, to plan your social calendar, to meet sponsors and to register your team for this can’t-miss event. From powerful plenaries and tailored workshops to social outings and casual networking, #ACCE18 provides an unmatched professional development experience for people in every position. Join the conversation and get a taste for who you’ll meet in #DSMUSA by following #ACCE18 on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. MEET THE NEWEST FELLOWSHIP GRADS At a meeting hosted by the Detroit Regional Chamber earlier this spring, leaders from 21 chambers of commerce graduated ACCE’s Fellowship for Education and Talent Development. Throughout the year-long program, Fellows studied best practices in education attainment and inclusion through a peer-to-peer network that includes former program participants. Fellows developed regional action plans that identify and address specific education attainment and workforce development issues that impact their communities. The Fellowship is an immersive executive development program that provides chamber of commerce professionals with learning and tools to improve the birth-to-career education pipeline in the communities they serve.

NEW REPORTS AND BENCHMARKING STATS NOW AVAILABLE Chambers of commerce that participated in the 2017 Operations Survey can now access customized reports and comparisons by visiting www.ACCE.org/DCB. Use the data, which is available at no charge as a benefit of your membership, to: • • •

See how your chamber ranks compared to the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of your selected peer group Download customized PowerPoint slides that plot your chamber's data and percentile compared to each quartile of your peer group Review side-by-side comparisons of your data with your self-selected benchmarking group

Haven’t participated yet? Enter your data now for immediate access. For assistance, connect with ACCE’s information and research team by emailing HERO@acce.org. THREE CHEERS FOR OUR NEWEST LIFE MEMBERS Danny Hearn, Gary Toebben and Marianne Virgili – all Certified Chamber Executives – will be celebrated as Life Members on July 18 at the 2018 ACCE Annual Convention. Respected as the highest honor in the profession, the Life Member award recognizes management excellence, community leadership and selfless commitment to the betterment of chambers of commerce. Life Members have retired from exceptional careers in chamber leadership, and the title recognizes both career-long success and member-forlife status with ACCE.

Learn more about the Fellowship and meet the newest Fellows at www.ACCE.org/Fellowship.

Danny Hearn

Pictured above: ACCE Fellowship graduates

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

Gary Toebben

Marianne Virgili

10 CHAMBER PROS AWARDED WITH SCHOLARSHIP FOR LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY Professionals representing 10 chambers of commerce have been awarded scholarships for the second cohort of ACCE’s three-year professional development program, the Scholarship for Leadership Diversity. “Increasing diversity and inclusion throughout the chamber industry remains a top priority for ACCE,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president and CEO. “We are excited to bring together this impressive group of chamber leaders. In addition to providing robust professional development and a strong peer cohort experience, we hope to leverage their participation as a sounding board on issues critical to the future of the chamber industry.” Leaders selected for the 2018 cohort are: • • • • • • • • • •

Juliet Abdel, president/CEO, Westminster Chamber of Commerce Mizraim Cordero, vice president of government affairs, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce John Davis, executive vice president, Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Dexter Freeman, vice president of operations & administration, Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce Eran Harrill, president/CEO, Black Chamber of Commerce of Metro Oklahoma Gisele Marcus, executive vice president of strategic initiatives and operations, St. Louis Regional Chamber Diana Rivas-Smith, vice president of member engagement, Dallas Regional Chamber Tim Rogers, vice president of membership, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Cleo Rodriguez, president/CEO, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Jolyn Sattizahn, vice president of community affairs, Columbia Chamber of Commerce

world, and it’s where chamber professionals from North America and beyond will gather for three days of learning, networking and total immersion in Montréal’s atmosphere of celebration. Online registration is open at www.acce.org/convention. U.S. citizens and non-Canadians: make sure your passport hasn’t expired! For more information, visit the web sites of Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the U.S. Department of State (Passport Information). 260 Chambers Urge Congress to Act on Infrastructure Investment More than 260 local, regional and state chambers of commerce signed a March letter urging Congress to resolve the impending insolvency of the federal Highway Trust Fund, and to pass a long term federal transportation authorization bill. The first paragraph of the letter says: “Transportation infrastructure investments in our cities and towns are key to America’s long-term economic competitiveness. That’s why leaders of local and regional chambers of commerce and economic development organizations from across the country urge you to resolve the impending insolvency of the federal Highway Trust Fund and pass a long term federal transportation authorization bill this year that restores confidence and stability for investments within our regions.” The full letter and list of signatories are at http://goo.gl/8Az2S7 Apply for an ACCE Convention Scholarship ACCE is offers convention registration scholarships in the names of Mike Hauser and Shelia Lee, two leaders of the chamber movement and ACCE, whose contributions to the chamber profession will always be remembered. A total of two scholarships, which

Learn more about the Scholarship for Leadership Diversity by visiting www.ACCE.org.

Chamber Executive Spring 2015

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DSM USA

The Birth of a Regional Identity HOW RESEARCH AND STRATEGY PAVED THE WAY FOR THE DSM USA REGIONAL IDENTIFIER By Tiffany Tauscheck Those of us who live in Greater Des Moines (DSM) know why this is a good place to live. We know about the more than 800 miles of trails, the rapid growth and development of the region, the affordability of living and the ability to roll up our sleeves and get involved to make a difference in the community. Word has gotten out. DSM has been nationally recognized by countless publications, including Forbes and U.S. News & World Report, as a great place to live and work. Despite all this momentum and recognition, one of the top things we hear from business leaders in the region is the need to attract more talented people. About two years ago, The Greater Des Moines Partnership took a step to determine how we could better communicate our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s momentum to both prospective talent and to companies that are looking to relocate or expand here. We identified a pair of opportunities.

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Des Moines, Iowa

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

Answer: Can we communicate the region, truly, with one voice? As many regions do, we have multiple municipalities within what we term as “Greater Des Moines.” Each have their own local identity that they take pride in, but the question was how do we best identify our region to audiences outside the state? We needed to know how to best communicate our key messages and region’s unique selling proposition. What truly resonates with our national target audiences?

To help us toward these goals, we began an extensive research project. We partnered with a local firm to capture data on how to communicate our region’s story to the world. Surveying nearly 500 individuals including both prospective talent and economic development professionals, we found out what they really thought of the region, and what messages resonated with them. Though demographically different, their attitudes were the same about our region. We found that the region is recognized as a hub for agricultural activity, that it has a reputation for being a welcoming community and that it is known to be affordable with a low cost of living and low cost of doing business. We found that we had the opportunity to educate key audiences on the benefits of our location, further establish the region as a global community and showcase the region as innovative and cutting edge. As part of this research, we also tested various taglines and location identifiers. One that stood out: DSM. Those who liked the idea of “DSM” used words and phrases like “hip,” “cool” and “happening.” It also aligns with the region’s airport code. It provided an identifier for the region that was recognizable both to locals and outside audiences. But there was still something missing to make our region stand out. We tested adding “USA” on the end of “DSM.” The results were just what we hoped for. “It’s an important city, not just a flyover city… it’s a bold statement, here we are,” said one survey participant. “It’s too edgy for Des Moines!” said a non-local participant. Perfect!

What they perceived to be too edgy we saw as an opportunity to push the envelope.

DSM USA was the winner. The research showed that the DSM USA identifier communicated the key messages that we wanted to share with national and international audiences: This is a welcoming, diverse and vibrant community with affordable and accessible amenities for residents and businesses. We unveiled this identifier to the world in April 2017. This launch set off a series of dominoes that are still ongoing today. On launch day, we also unveiled a new Partnership website, complete with new branding, updated site organization and updated research-driven content. Over the next six months following the launch, we also went through a similar research process for the region’s Downtown district. For years, Downtown development and vibrancy has been a focus of the region, with the belief that a healthy region needs a healthy Downtown. Research showed that tying Downtown messaging to DSM USA messaging was viewed favorably among those surveyed. This led to the launch of the Downtown DSM USA identifier, which research showed to portray Downtown as active, cultural and diverse. On the day of the Downtown DSM USA identifier launch in November 2017, we also launched a new Downtown-focused website. This launch completed an 18-month process of merging 13 websites that are owned or operated by The Partnership into one “megasite.” This ensures a consistent message about our region across all Partnership-related initiatives. In February 2018, The Partnership launched a digital marketing campaign to amplify the region’s story, drive new audiences to the website and cultivate prospects into conversions. The campaign uses research-driven messaging to communicate with company leaders and site selectors to share the benefits of growing business in DSM, and to prospective talent that they can “Live Life Without Compromise” in DSM.

The results have been impressive. The Partnership website’s domain authority has increased 22 percent as of the first part of 2018 since the new website launched in April 2017. This means the website is easier to find with a Google search. As a result of the digital marketing campaign, we can definitively tell that people are reaching out for more information about moving to DSM because of the campaign, and that companies are reaching out for more information on the region’s business climate. Additionally, in 2018 we are trending on track to double requests for our relocation guide — a printed guide that shares information about our region with prospective residents, and is mailed upon request. Beyond positive results experienced so far, the research gives us direction for years to come on how we can tailor our message and most effectively communicate with key audiences. And most importantly, it helps us boldly share the DSM USA story with the world. Tiffany Tauscheck is chief strategy officer at the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

What they perceived to be too edgy we saw as an opportunity to push the envelope.

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

S TA R T U P A CC EL ER ATO R S DSM USA: A GLOBAL HUB FOR INSURETECH INNOVATION

By Brian Hemesath and Megan Vollstedt

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

With Facebook, Google, Microsoft and now Apple investing billions in new data center projects in Greater Des Moines (DSM), the region is fast building upon its reputation as a tech hub. DSM is also home to another collection of innovative companies in vertical markets that have long been the region’s strength: insurance and agriculture. Two accelerators, both originated by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, have been formed to match those key industries. The first launched in 2015. The Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) is the world's first business accelerator focused solely on innovation and technology for the insurance industry. The GIA is a mentor-driven, 100-day program for early-stage companies building solutions to support the insurance industry. The accelerator welcomes one cohort annually and is made up of companies from around the world. Each graduate company receives $40,000 of seed money in exchange for 6 percent equity. DSM has built a reputation as a place where mentors from the corporate insurance industry work with entrepreneurs to produce innovative new technologies. The GIA has capitalized on that by offering a mentorship program that sets it apart from other accelerators. Cohort members network with mentors, receive office space in DSM and time on stage at its annual Global Insurance Symposium attended by hundreds of industry executives. DSM is an insurance hub with more than 80 companies, seven of which originally funded the accelerator. Today, GIA counts 14 investor companies including insurance carriers headquartered outside of Iowa. The likes of Allstate (Illinois), Voya Financial (New York), W.R. Berkley (Con-

FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, MICROSOFT AND NOW APPLE ARE INVESTING BILLIONS IN NEW DATA CENTER PROJECTS IN GREATER DES MOINES

THE GIA AND IOWA AGRITECH ACCELERATOR ARE SHINING EXAMPLES OF ONE OF THE INGREDIENTS THAT M AKES DSM SO SUCCESSFUL: THE ABILITY FOR PEOPLE TO WORK TOGETHER TO FIND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS. necticut), SFM Mutual (Minnesota), Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company (Nebraska) and Markel (Virginia) have joined American Equity Investment, Delta Dental of Iowa, EMC Insurance Companies, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, The IMT Group and Principal. Truly global, the 2018 cohort is the largest yet and features eight companies from the U.K., Mexico, Canada and around the U.S. GIA has been a ground-breaking project for the region and has been internationally recognized. In 2017, it was the only U.S. entry to reach the final of the 2017 World Chambers Competition, organized by the ICC World Chambers Federation, under the category of Best Unconventional Project. The successful model for the GIA was replicated to form the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator. Like its older sibling, it is a mentorled accelerator, but this time focusing on the agtech space. Led by innovators and leaders in several areas of agriculture, The Accelerator hosted its first class of startups in 2017 attracting companies from around the world with the goal to challenge the status quo. Like GIA, it provides $40,000 in seed funding, a 100-day program that includes networking with industry mentors and office space in Downtown DSM. Cohort members celebrate graduation during the World Food Prize with hundreds of global industry and academic thought leaders in attendance.

Kent Corporation, John Deere, Peoples Company and Sukup Manufacturing, in addition to more than 100 mentors. The GIA and Iowa AgriTech Accelerator are shining examples of one of the ingredients that makes DSM so successful: The ability for people to work together to find innovative solutions. The formation of both accelerators was made possible due to the strong leadership from the companies who invested in them. Both took visionary ideas and got the right business leaders on board to help spur economic growth. Both represent outside-the-box thinking to come up with a creative yet practical solution — the type of thinking that chambers of commerce strive for in their communities. In doing so, DSM has expanded its presence on a global scale. Brian Hemesath is managing director of the Global Insurance Accelerator and Megan Vollstedt is executive director of the Iowa AgriTech Accelerator.

The Accelerator’s 2018 program has support from some agriculture powerhouses, including Corteva Agriscience, the agriculture Division of DowDuPont, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company of Iowa, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

High Trestle Trail Bridge, Des Moines, Iowa

A VISITORS GUIDE TO DSM By Jordan Powers There’s a reason Greater Des Moines is the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest. People like it here, and not only in a “great-placeto-raise-a-family” way, but in a “great-place-to-spend-a-weekend” way, too. Looking for things to do while you’re here for #ACCE18? We’ve compiled a few must-see attractions for you to consider.

IOWA STATE CAPITOL The 23-karat golden dome towering above the city is a favorite of sightseers, and the 275-foot building is the only state capitol with five domes. Call 515-281-5591 for tour information.

GREATER DES MOINES BOTANICAL GARDEN This indoor and outdoor garden is an oasis in the heart of Downtown Des Moines. Learn about fascinating plants, check out programming to enhance your experience or simply immerse yourself in the garden. The Botanical Garden location also offers a nice panoramic view of the city skyline.

WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM Just blocks from the ACCE Annual Convention, Wells Fargo has opened its 12th history museum nationwide. The museum features an authentic Concord stagecoach and a Wells Fargo wagon like that made famous in native-Iowan Meredith Wilson’s play “The Music Man.”

HISTORIC EAST VILLAGE Historic East Village is a progressive, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood featuring eclectic local flair. Shop for edgy garb at Raygun, sip hand-selected, loose leaf teas at Gong Fu Tea or learn about Iowa’s history at the State Historical Museum of Iowa, located at the foot of the State Capitol.

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

MEREDITH CORPORATION TEST GARDENS Tour the beautifully designed gardens where the publishing giant evaluates plants and gardening techniques for its flagship publication, Better Homes and Gardens. Visit www.ACCE.org/convention for information about tours of the gardens and test kitchens.

TRAILS If you are looking to get out and get active, Greater Des Moines is home to more than 800 miles of bicycling and walking trails. Within close proximity to the ACCE Annual Convention, we recommend seeing the Principal Riverwalk on the banks of the Des Moines River. On the southern edge of downtown, the Meredith Trail can take you to Gray’s Lake, a 100-acre lake that offers stunning views of the Downtown skyline. Learn more at catchdesmoines.com/trails. Make sure to rent a bicycle using Des Moines’ BCycle program, which has 21 stations around the metro.

MUSIC Live music is a staple in Des Moines with various venues around the metro, including the Des Moines Civic Center, Wells Fargo Arena, Hoyt Sherman Place and the Des Moines Social Club, all within walking distance or a short ride from the conference location. Love jazz and cabaret? Visit Noce for a night of tunes in their jazz age cocktail lounge.

RESTAURANTS Prepare for eclectic eats, local lagers and delectable desserts. With hundreds of local restaurants, Greater Des Moines is the destination for unique, locally-sourced food and drink. Whether you are looking for a seasonal menu, a full-course meal, a food truck or an all-inclusive brunch, it’s easy to get your foodie fix here. Consider a sit-down meal at Centro, run by James Beard Outstanding Restauranteur finalist George Formaro, or enjoy upscale comfort food classics at Bubba Southern Comforts. Looking for something unexpected? Try the Dead Moines burger from Zombie Burger or a crab rangoon pizza from Fong’s.

DRINKS Des Moines has no shortage of spots to grab a drink after a day spent in the #ACCE18 classroom. Unwind and network at the Iowa Taproom, which offers more than 120 taps of locally brewed craft beers. Looking for even more options? Nationally-recognized El Bait Shop features over 220 beers on tap. If a unique cocktail sounds more appealing, try a newspaperthemed mixed drink from Hello, Marjorie or experience the Gatsby-esque environment at Juniper Moon while sipping an Ingersoll Manhattan. Jordan Powers is communications manager at Catch Des Moines, the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.

PEOPLE LIKE IT HERE, AND NOT ONLY IN A “GREAT-PLACETO-RAISE-AFAMILY” WAY. Left: Historic East Village Right: Iowa Cubs at Principal Park

Gray's Lake

ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE

John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park

GREATER DES MOINES REGION, WE ARE THRILLED TO WELCOME ACCE ANNUAL CONVENTION ATTENDEES TO #DSMUSA THIS JULY. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THINGS TO DO AROUND GREATER DES MOINES, VISIT CATCHDESMOINES.COM.

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

gathering to build community FROM CORN TO CRAFTS TO KESHA, YOU'LL FIND IT IN DES MOINES

By Katherine House Chamber Executive

Spring 2018

At 7 a.m. sharp every Saturday from May to October, bells ring across a nine-block area of Des Moines, signaling the start of the city’s Downtown Farmers’ Market. With nearly 300 vendors weekly, it’s not your typical farm-to-consumer event. Indeed, this combination block party, artists’ fair and farmers’ market draws 25,000 people weekly and has become an enviable economic development tool for the region. “Many people have told me that when they are recruiting employees who are making a decision about moving to Des Moines, they always take them to the Farmers’ Market,” says Kelly Foss, director of the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “It gives them [would-be residents] such a sense of where they will be living.” She’s also heard from locals who moved downtown so they could experience the market as soon as it opens. Enthusiastic patrons host open houses in their nearby apartments and condos on Saturday mornings for friends, who revel in showing off their finds. Items for sale include handmade jewelry and Amish baskets, a wide variety of produce—kohlrabi, bok choy, sweet corn, and mustard greens to name a few—and a veritable smorgasbord of international foods, including Bosnian cevapi, Salvadorian pupusas and West African peanut butter chicken. Operated Greater Des Moines Partnership, the Downtown Farmers’ Market has become a signature event in this small city that has earned a big reputation for festivals and events. In 2017, Des Moines was one of just three U.S. cities and nine worldwide to be recognized as a World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). This recognition was based on several factors, says Stephen King, CFEE, executive director of the Des Moines Arts Festival® and immediate past chair of the IFEA World Board of Directors. The three-day arts and culture festival is held annually 18

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in downtown’s Western Gateway Park, an area that encompasses a renowned sculpture park, providing a “spectacular setting for an arts festival.” “First and foremost,” says King, the IFEA recognition stems from “how the community responds to festivals and events as an economic driver that can move the quality-of-life needle.” It’s also based on how the community supports festivals in terms of everything from street closures to sponsorships. In part, DSM USA has become a mecca for such events, says King, “Because when we produce festivals in central Iowa, I think we do them really well.” A long winter doesn’t hurt either. A former Texas resident, King says he is not alone in hibernating during central Iowa’s cold winters. But when the weather improves, people want to get outside, celebrate their city and become reacquainted. “Everyone gets together on Court Avenue [for the Farmers’ Market],” he says. “Yes we buy produce, but we’re there because Des Moines is a great community and it’s a great place to meet.”

PARTNERSHIPS & LOCAL PRIDE Pride of place comes up often when Des Moines festival planners talk about their city. That pride and sense of community manifest themselves in many ways, from the generous corporate sponsorships and legions of volunteers that make such events possible to the unique partnerships these events have created, further fueling a close sense of community. One of the best examples of such a partnership is “Meals From The Market,” a program that collects food for distribution to 13 area food pantry sites. The program involves collaboration between a bank, The Market and the Des

Thousands gather for the weekly farmers' market-meets-artists fair in Downtown Des Moines Moines Area Religious Council. In 2017, 52,980 pounds of food were donated, and the program has become a model others seek to emulate. Vendors contribute surplus items, and patrons buy items to donate or bring produce from their home gardens. As a result, the food pantries “are able to offer fresh foods that their customers wouldn’t typically enjoy,” says Foss, leading to Monday morning lines at participating pantries.

The region’s strong sense of community also extends to the area’s festival and event planners, says Adam Bartelt, board president of the nonprofit Des Moines Music Coalition, which organizes the area’s annual 80/35 music festival. “The community itself is really encouraging,” he says. “The organizations all talk to each other and share best practices.” Civic leaders in other parts of the country aim for the type of community cooperation Bartelt sees in Des Moines. “A successful Arts Festival, a successful

“MANY PEOPLE HAVE TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY ARE RECRUITING EMPLOYEES WHO ARE MAKING A DECISION ABOUT MOVING TO DES MOINES, THEY ALWAYS TAKE THEM TO THE FARMERS’ MARKET.” – KELLY FOSS DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET

Farmers’ Market, a successful 80/35 all benefit each other,” he says. “All of our successes reflect well on Des Moines,” and, he says, “Everyone’s working towards the same goal” of making the city a desirable place to live, work and visit. 80/35 was founded in 2008 by volunteers who wanted to foster and support central Iowa’s music economy and expose residents to national and regional musicians. Volunteers were frustrated that “a lot of acts were driving through” to perform in nearby cities, says Bartelt. In 2018, Top 40 Chamber Executive

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The arts festival in downtown Des Moines draws thousands of locals and visitors alike. Chamber Executive

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artist Kesha will perform at the festival, which takes its name from two interstate highways that meet in the area.

ALL TYPES OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT Without a doubt, Des Moines’ largest festivals would not be as successful without strong corporate support. “I am continually surprised at how generous the Des Moines community is,” says King. “We have amazing private sector support, foundation support and a robust private patron program.” Des Moines Arts Festival® relies on sponsorships and contributions to keep admission free. “Accessibility is important,” he says. “It’s free to anybody and everybody.” That means free access to all of the festival’s programming--live music, interactive activities, a film festival, and, of course, the juried art fair. “We’ve had, historically, great support from the corporate community,” says Bartelt. “We have the same sponsors coming back year after year.” Sponsorships, along with some support from local governments, allow 80/35 to offer free admission to some acts. For the Downtown Farmer’s Market, private sector support helps in a variety of 22

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BY THE NUMBERS

Above, spectators marvel at a performer during the arts festival in downtown Des Moines.

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ways. Notably, contributions allow the organization to underwrite the cost of extending the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority’s D-Line shuttle during market hours, says Foss. The free service allows market patrons to park anywhere along the route, hop aboard the bus and arrive at the market.

Vendors (approximate) at 2018 Downtown Farmers’ Market, May–October

1,000+

Artists applying to be selected for 2018 Des Moines Arts Festival®

25,000

Attendees weekly, on average, at Saturday Downtown Farmers’ Market, May through October

30,000

Attendees (approximate) at 80/35

200,000

Attendees (approximate) at 2017 Des Moines Arts Festival®

As with large events anywhere, volunteers are critical. The Des Moines Arts Festival® recruits a minimum of 800 volunteers annually and has managed as many as 1,100 at times, says King. The volunteer army includes members of nonprofit organizations who run the beverage booths, reaping profits for their groups. Thirty nonprofits receive a free 10-foot by 10-foot space to “share their mission and vision,” says King, in exchange for offering an activity, such as batiking. Of course, none of this work would matter if the festivals did not attract attendees—lots of them—year in and year out. Bartelt says, “Des Moines loves to support the arts. People buy tickets every year whether or not they know the bands.” That said, festival organizers “put a lot of

“A SUCCESSFUL ARTS FESTIVAL, A SUCCESSFUL FARMERS’ MARKET, A SUCCESSFUL 80/35 ALL BENEFIT EACH OTHER ... ALL OF OUR SUCCESSES REFLECT WELL ON DES MOINES ... EVERYONE’S WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOAL.” – ADAM BARTELT BOARD PRESIDENT, DES MOINES MUSIC COALITION

effort into booking great bands” and attendees have come to trust their decisions. While Bartelt estimates the average age range of 80/35 attendees is from 25 to 35 years old, young children and seniors alike come every year. “It really is a community event,” he says. Each year, the Des Moines community impresses artists who exhibit at Des Moines Arts Festival®. “Artists come from all over the country and say they’ve never been to a place where people are so nice, smart and knowledgeable,” says King. “People walk into their booths, stand there in awe and thank them for being there and thank them for their work.”

atmosphere just may be the secret to Des Moines’ event success. Explains Bartelt, “Des Moines is a mid-sized city that feels like a small town.” Katherine House is an award-winning business writer who lives in Iowa City, Iowa. She has contributed several articles to Chamber Executive, including those about disaster recovery, the Santa Train in Appalachia, tiered dues structures and a charter school in Louisiana.

That friendly atmosphere pervades the Farmers’ Market every Saturday, too. “It’s like a town square meet-up,” says Foss. “You see people you’ve not seen in a while. It’s a way to kick off the weekend and shake off the work week.” That town square

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Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens

Chamber Executive

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FACES AND PLACES The Southwest Indiana Chamber named Tara Barney as its new president and CEO. Barney was previously CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce (Iowa/Ill.). Paul Rumler, who was chief strategy officer of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (Mich.), will succeed Barney in the Quad Cities area. The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (Ga.) named Kali Kirkham Boatright as president and CEO. Boatwright was previously president and CEO of the Douglas County Chamber (Ga.). Sara Ray, CCE, vice president of the Douglas County Chamber, has been promoted to succeed Boatright. Jim Di Ciaula has been named president and CEO of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce (Ill.). Di Ciaula brings to the position more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. Barker Dirmann was named president and CEO of the Ascension Chamber of Commerce (La.). He succeeds Sherrie Despino who retired last year. Dirmann most recently served as manager of governmental affairs and special projects at the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. The Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce (Texas) named Lori Fickling as president and CEO. Fickling, who was most recently the director of economic development for Denton County, Texas, is a veteran of the chamber profession, having served as president of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce (Texas) for a decade. The Kingman Area Chamber of Commerce (Ariz.) named Mike Hindenach as its new president. Hindenach was previously president of the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce (N.C.).

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The Portland Business Alliance (Ore.) named Andrew Hoan as president and CEO. Hoan succeeds Sandra McDonough, who will retire this summer after leading the Alliance for 14 years. Hoan was previously president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce (N.Y.).

Derek Rusher has been named president and CEO of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce (Neb.). A former school teacher, Rusher most recently operated Impact Art, a local business that mentors artists and creates public art and murals in central Nebraska.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce in Texas named Jim Johnson as its new president. He succeeds Karen Sheldon who retired last year. Johnson previously served as president and CEO of the Lufkin/ Angelina County Chamber of Commerce in Texas.

The West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce (Fla.) named Shari Simmans as executive director. Simmans was previously vice president of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in Virginia.

Sandip Lalli has been named president and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce (Ontario). Lalli brings decades of leadership experience with international corporations. She was most recently president and CEO of Keystone Excavating Ltd. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce named Robert S. McKenna to succeed Mike Kuhns who retired as the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president and CEO. McKenna served 27 years in the Navy before retiring as a captain in 2011. The Lake Nona Regional Chamber of Commerce (Fla.) named Donald R. Long as president and CEO. Long, who served the Marines for more than 27 years, is a former board chair of the St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce, and served as its acting president/CEO in 2012-13. Bruce Partain, CCE, was named president of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce in Texas. He most recently led the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce, and before then, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

The Tucson Metro Chamber (Ariz.) named Amber Smith as president and CEO. Smith succeeds Michael Varney, who retired after serving the chamber for nearly seven years. Smith comes to the chamber after serving as the CEO of the Metropolitan Pima Alliance. The Big Bear Chamber of Commerce (Calif.) named Stephanie Thoth as executive director. Thoth returns to the chamber after having served as its membership executive from 2014â&#x20AC;&#x201C;17. Sarah Jennings-Trustem has been named Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce (N.D.) executive director. Trustem is a high school social studies teacher in the community and has served as a Dickinson city commissioner since 2016. Troy Wayman was named president and CEO of One Acadiana (La.). Wayman was previously vice president of economic development for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce (Ala.).

Barney

Rumler

Boatright

Di Ciaula

Dirmann

Fickling

Hindenach

Hoan

Johnson

Lalli

McKenna

Long

Partain

Rusher

Simmans

Smith

Thoth

Trustem

Wayman

Ray

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A NOTE FROM SHEREE ANNE In just a few short weeks, this year’s largest gathering of chamber of commerce professionals will convene in Des Moines, Iowa for an Annual Convention that will be one of the most well-attended in ACCE’s history. Like some of you, my trip to Des Moines this July will be my first. I’m excited to experience, firsthand, the powerful work being driven by regional partnerships. The stories shared with me about #DSMUSA capture the essence of modern chambers of commerce—organizations that are centered at the intersection of commerce and community.

I would love to hear feedback, questions and suggestions for our organization. How can we be of most service to you? Please let me know. EMAIL

skelly@acce.org PHONE

703-998-3540 LINKEDIN

LinkedIn.com/in/ShereeAnne

#ACCE18

DREAM BIG. BE DIFFERENT. JULY 17–20

And like some of you, #ACCE18 will be my first ACCE Annual Convention. I’m excited to connect, learn and grow with you. The host communities for our Annual Convention, along with presenters, speakers, volunteers, staff and attendees help us set the bar higher year after year. The stories in this issue spotlight a region on the move. Regularly ranked among top cities in North America, Des Moines is a diverse and welcoming community that enjoys the support of residents and businesses alike. For chamber pros in any role and organizations small and large, I hope the case studies featured in this edition will inspire you to dream big. As you think about the stories you’ve read, I invite you to ask the question, “How can our community be different?” If you’ll be in Des Moines this July, please find me and introduce yourself. I’d love to meet you, and I’m looking forward to hearing your success stories. And if you’re unable to join us this year, you can follow the Annual Convention conversation on social media via #ACCE18. After Convention wraps up, we’ll make resources and recordings available for year-round virtual learning. Keep an eye on your inbox and visit ACCE.org for the latest updates.

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acce.org/convention

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Chamber Executive

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