2014 Affiliate Guide

8/11/2019 2014 Affiliate Guide

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/2014-affiliate-guide 1/16



1 | STRONGER TOGETHER



2

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 Affiliate Chambers.

Boasting a network of more than 5,000 members, the Partnership provides a strong, collective voice on business mattersand public policy issues. Working as a leader, the Partnership is focused on initiatives that benefit 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 Partnership’s 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


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/2014-affiliate-guide 4/163 | 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

benefits and strengthens the regionalism that is

inherent in Central Iowa.

The programming from our Chambers elevates thevoice 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.



REGIONAL ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENTIndustry leaders rank the Partnership’s 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

RETENTIONThe Partnership offers resources for finding and

retaining a vibrant workforce. It also provides

numerous educational and development opportunitiesfor 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 DEVELOPMENTThe 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 DEVELOPMENTThe Partnership focuses on providing small

businesses and entrepreneurs opportunities for

networking and educational enrichment. Creating a

thriving business environment – for organizationslarge 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 POLICYBy building and establishing relationships with

elected officials, the Partnership has the advantage

of communicating the needs of Central Iowa

throughout the year. The Partnership’s public policy

agendas advocate for the business community at the

local, state, and federal levels.

COMMUNICATIONS AND

MARKETINGThe Partnership provides the community, its Members,

and Investors up-to-date news and information on the

latest happenings in Central Iowa via a weekly emailnewsletter, a monthly print publication, multiple

websites and social media platforms. Its marketing

and public relations programs help focus national

media attention on the region’s 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 PARTNERSHIP’S STRATEGIC INITIATIVES IMPACT THE REGION AS A WHOLE:


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/2014-affiliate-guide 6/165 | STRONGER TOGETHER



6




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 specificity.

DIRECTORY SEARCH

You need a dessert for your office 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



8

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 traffic today

involves a mobile device. You will find 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




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 firm,

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 highlyinvolved 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%



10

“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,Affiliate Presidents’ Council

Chair 2015

“The Capital Crossroads Vision Plan is a greatexample 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. It’s a great way to support your community

and meet some fantastic people making a difference

in the community.”

Kevin Tiernan,Bankers Trust,

Affiliate 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 didn’t 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 can’t imagine my life

– both my work life and my personal life – without

these great people!”

Sara Larson,

American Trust & Savings Bank,

Affiliate Presidents’ Council

Chair 2013

“Greater Des Moines continues to fight above its

weight on the national stage due in large part to

strong regional collaboration. The Partnership is

focused on helping our Affiliate 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 BENEFITSRANGE FROM

BUSINESS TOOLS AND

RESOURCES TO A

SENSE OF COMMUNITY

THAT SUPPORTS LOCAL

BUSINESS.




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.



12

SOURCELINKAn online business resource that helps small

business owners and entrepreneurs find information

via an online “one-stop shop” accessible around the

clock and across the region.

ECONOMIC GARDENINGAn 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 PROGRAMMINGThe Partnership hosts numerous events that

focus on navigating the international business

and trade markets.

INTERNATIONAL TRIPSThroughout 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 Certificates of Origin.

REGIONAL EXPORT PLANThe plan creates international marketing and

development strategies to connect local

businesses to new markets and customers

outside American borders.

REGIONAL RESEARCH, STATS ANDDATA HUBAn online resource for economic, demographic, and

workforce data on the Des Moines region that canbe sorted by community.

WEBINARSRegular 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 EVENTSCombining 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 FORUMSBig 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.

ENTREPRENEURIALINITIATIVES

BUSINESS INNOVATION ZONEThe BIZ provides objective advice and guidance to

entrepreneurs and growth companies.

PLAINS ANGELSThe Plains Angels are dedicated to providing

outstanding financial returns to accredited angel

investors while assisting early-stage growth

companies by being an excellent source of fundingand 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 ACCELERATORA world-class accelerator for start up companies

targeting the insurance industry.

TOOLS FOR GROWING YOUR BUSINESS




ELEVATE YOUR VISIBILITY

ONLINE DATABASEA tailored search engine that will connect the

community to your business through niche categories.

ENHANCED DIRECTORY LISTINGSDescriptive 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 OPPORTUNITIESConnect 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 OPPORTUNITIESGive back to the community that you love through

multiple volunteer opportunities that connect you to

new people and organizations.

CHAMBER NIGHTSA night of fun at one of the metro’s 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

NEWSLETTERSA plethora of online and print newsletters keep you

up-to-date on the latest news and events from thePartnership, Affiliate Chambers, and Central Iowa.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADVOCACY

The Partnership works at the federal, state, and locallevels to advance policies that contribute to a positive

business climate for the region.

CAPITAL CROSSROADSThe Capital Crossroads vision plan builds on the

region’s strengths and provides a road map to ensure

Central Iowa grows and prospers for current and

future generations. The five year plan is based on the

principal that opportunity, sustainability and talent

will drive Greater Des Moines’ future success.

WASHINGTON, D.C. TRIPThe annual advocacy trip to the nation’s 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 ANDEDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTThroughout 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 profile, post jobs, and receive notice of potential

candidates that fill their criteria. Likewise, job

seekers may create profiles and receive information

about jobs. The Career Center also scrapes jobs

from Central Iowa employers so the list of jobs is

comprehensive.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALSCONNECTIONConnects young professionals in

Central Iowa to networking and professionaldevelopment 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 toattract 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

2014 Affiliate Guide

Documents

Transcript of 2014 Affiliate Guide