Greater Des Moines Partnership Secures National Recognition for Economic Development Excellence
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has achieved significant national recognition for its ongoing work in economic development and regional collaboration. The organization recently announced a series of honors that highlight its operational standards and strategic initiatives, marking a milestone in its history of serving the central Iowa business community.
National Accreditation and Chamber of the Year Finalist Status
A primary achievement for the organization is its newly earned accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This designation places the Greater Des Moines Partnership among a select group of only four chambers of commerce in the state of Iowa to hold this national recognition. The accreditation serves as a benchmark for quality, confirming that the organization meets rigorous national standards across several key areas, including:
- Governance and board leadership
- Financial management
- Strategic communications
- Operational efficiency
In addition to its accreditation, the Partnership has been named a finalist for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber of the Year award. This is the first time in the organization’s history that it has reached the finalist stage for this honor. The ACCE is set to announce the winners during its Annual Convention, which will take place in New Orleans this July.
Commitment to Digital and Strategic Excellence
Beyond organizational management, the Partnership is also being recognized for its efforts in public-facing communication. The organization received a national Award of Excellence from the ACCE’s Communications Excellence Awards. This honor recognizes the success of the Partnership’s website redesign, which was officially launched in October 2025.
The redesign was part of a broader effort to modernize how the organization engages with local businesses, potential investors, and the public, ensuring that its digital footprint matches the high standards of its economic development initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Chamber Accreditation: The Partnership is one of only four chambers in Iowa to earn this prestigious validation of its internal operations and governance.
- Chamber of the Year Finalist: The organization is competing for the top national honor from the ACCE for the first time.
- Communications Award: A national Award of Excellence was granted for the organization’s 2025 website redesign.
- Next Steps: The final results for the Chamber of the Year award will be revealed at the ACCE Annual Convention in New Orleans this July.
As the Greater Des Moines Partnership prepares for the upcoming ACCE convention, these honors underscore its role in shaping the economic landscape of central Iowa. By aligning its operations with national best practices and investing in modern communication tools, the organization continues to strengthen its capacity to support regional growth and business development.