Luncheon: Des Moines, The Crossroads City

Honorable Terry Branstad, Governor, State of Iowa  introduced by Jay Byers, CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership

1 p.m. Our Story
Over the last 17 years, Greater Des Moines has shaken off its image of a sleepy Midwest city to become a top city for Young Professionals, for startups and to build your career. Along the path, they have reinvested more than 3 billion in their downtown and surrounding area. The first half of this presentation will discuss the transformation, the people, the projects and the secret sauce that has helped to transform the region.
Michael GartnerFormer President of NBC News — Moderator
Andy Anderson, Former Chair of Vision Iowa
Mary Sellers, President, United Way of Central Iowa
Jay Byers, CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership
Steve Zumbach, Partner, Belin McCormick, P.C.

1:45 p.m. Des Moines Rapid Fire
But a City is continually evolving. The challenges we face today were not the challenges of 1999. And the challenges of 2024 are difficult to imagine.  Hear from local leaders that are working to keep the face of Des Moines ever changing, inclusive, and vibrant.
Alex Pearlstein, VP, Market Street
Justin MandlebaumPrincipal, Mandlebaum Properties
Larry James, Jr.Attorney, Faegre Baker Daniel
Elisabeth Buck, Chief Community Impact Officer, United Way of Central Iowa
John Mark Feilmeyer, Art Force Iowa
Rick Tollakson, Des Moines River Trails

Venue:
Embassy Club (666 Grand Ave) (34th Floor)