As we do each year, we asked our readers to cast votes for what Des Moines has to offer in a variety of business-related categories. These businesses make up an ecosystem in our region that supports a strong and vibrant community. 

Here’s how it worked: You voted. We checked the data, removed any suspicious or erroneous votes and then tallied the results for all 66 categories. All Greater Des Moines businesses, people and organizations are eligible to win categories. In other words, there was no cost to be listed as an option due to the survey being open-ended. You can’t pay to win a category.

This year, we followed up with the winners and asked them to tell us their thoughts about the business ecosystem in Greater Des Moines. We wanted to know their advice for recruiting top talent and the opportunities they see for business in the metro. We wanted to know what they think the future holds for their varying industries. 

The following is a selection of perspectives from the winners who responded to the questions we asked them. We hope you enjoy reading them. See a list of all the winners here.

And to our audience, thank you for your continued participation in Best of Des Moines voting.

— Emily Barske Wood, special projects editor

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What do you consider the best part of the Greater Des Moines business ecosystem?

Des Moines has an abundance of networking opportunities, which encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among businesses. It’s fun to bounce ideas off like-minded individuals and incorporate those ideas into our everyday work lives.
Trent Ainsworth, owner, Beeline and Blue, pictured above

The greatest strength of Des Moines’ business environment is its diversity. It encompasses large and small businesses, a vast variety of industry and a highly skilled workforce. It’s a vibrant and growing region, and that creates ample opportunity for businesses of all sizes to grow along with it.
Renee Christoffer, president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union

Des Moines has a collaborative ecosystem, high-quality labor and tremendous support from the business, government and nonprofit communities. The city is known as a community that lives up to expectations and has a lot to offer those who live and work here. In fact, part of convincing Amazon to build their first Midwest fulfillment center in the Des Moines metro was in large part due to creating the trust that the project would be supported and their timeline could be met. This would not have been possible without the efforts, collaboration and engagement of the broader economic development community. That collaboration continues, and it is why we can always say with confidence that this community can deliver when given the opportunity to do so. 
Brad Schoenfelder, president, Midwest region, Ryan Cos. 

Collaboration. The Central Iowa business community has a distinctive strength in coming together to collectively tackle challenges. We’ve seen several great examples of this over the years, whether it’s creating public-private partnerships or finding creative solutions to address key issues.
Don Coffin, CEO and president, Bankers Trust

The best part of the Greater Des Moines business ecosystem is the collaboration that takes place among business and community leaders to improve life in Central Iowa. This is something that doesn’t seem to happen as effectively in other communities. From transportation to jobs to community needs to placemaking projects – there is great conversation and coordination on issues across the board, which helps things get done and get done efficiently and effectively.
Scott Jean, president and CEO, EMC Insurance Cos.

The generous support the business community provides the nonprofit organizations. Des Moines is extremely philanthropic.
Stephen King, executive director, Des Moines Arts Festival

Our vibrant metro community is increasingly attractive to entrepreneurs, young professionals and business founders. This doesn’t happen by accident. Our community is committed to cultivating a diverse and equitable environment — critical factors contributing to business and personal success. Business leaders invest significantly to help build and maintain a desirable and inviting community for their workforce, and that benefits all of us. 
Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group

Collaboration between business leaders is a fantastic feature of the Greater Des Moines business ecosystem. Great work has been done through the Greater Des Moines Inclusive Business Strategies Initiative to define pathways for existing resources to build inclusive, sustainable entrepreneur-centric economies to provide stakeholders with ideas, connections, tools and support needed to be successful. Businesses have ample opportunities to connect, grow, collaborate and thrive in Des Moines. 
Rosalind Fox, factory manager, John Deere Des Moines Works 

I believe the best part is there exists a general feeling of selflessness and a volunteer mindset among the business community. The Des Moines marketplace is full of business leaders and employees that are philanthropic, charitable, and generous of their time and financial resources that make Des Moines a world-class city to live and work.
Bill Wright, managing director, CBRE Inc.

The best part of the Greater Des Moines business ecosystem is the pieces necessary for strong future growth are already in place – now the region just needs to continue to execute. LS2group has strong expertise working with almost every industry that sets the area apart, including Greater Des Moines’ world-class insurance and financial service providers; a state government committed to clear, commonsense regulations; and lucrative markets for renewable energy, agriculture and much more. We truly believe the business ecosystem here is well positioned for what’s next.
Sarah Lukan, partner, LS2group

The high level of collaboration, which is enhanced by organizations such as the Greater Des Moines Partnership, area chambers of commerce and others who help businesses stay connected. Des Moines is home to numerous major insurance headquarters and a bustling tech hotspot for businesses. Organizations in the Greater Des Moines area continuously provide helpful resources, such as the Iowa Innovation Dashboard.
David Spalding, Raisbeck Endowed Dean, Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University

One universal question I am asked by other communities across the country is how Des Moines not only makes projects like ICON [Water Trails] or Easter Lake happen, but how do we make them happen so quickly. Many people talk about public-private partnerships, but few communities and leaders understand what it really takes. The Des Moines business community and our elected leaders don’t just understand public-private partnerships — they are baked into the identity of our region. Our business leaders understand that their work does not just begin and end at the entrances to their buildings, but that they must be a part of our community. It’s how we work, how we play, how we raise our families. I am grateful that I work in and within a community where the business community has that vision.
Hannah Inman, CEO, Great Outdoors Foundation

One of the many advantages to calling Des Moines home is the high-quality and affordable lifestyles for our employees. As has been recognized nationally, there are opportunities for everyone – from young professionals to retirees – to enjoy the amenities, entertainment, housing and more that Des Moines offers. Des Moines is also a national leader in the insurance industry, with numerous companies headquartered here that employ tens of thousands of Central Iowans. The concentration of insurance industry talent in our area is a key competitive advantage for companies in this sector. The result is a vibrant business community where Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has developed strong partnerships with nonprofits, educational institutions and other businesses to continue giving back and growing our hometown and its people. This collaboration is an important part of our mission to make health care better.
Cory Harris, president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

There’s a strong commitment to our region. There is a broad base of knowledgeable, diverse businesses committed to creating a thriving community through their various philanthropic efforts, charitable contributions, commitment to public-private investments, devotion to keeping the workforce local, and overall, enhancing the quality of life for everyone. The investments in those areas have a direct return to our ecosystems. Data shows we’re outpacing our competitor cities from a growth perspective, and Greater Des Moines is on the map in many industries. 
Kyle Gamble, executive vice president, Hubbell Realty Co. 

As a government agency, Metro Waste Authority relies heavily on partnerships to serve metro residents in a multitude of ways. It is through these relationships and collaboration with hauling companies, cities, manufacturers and other organizations that the agency is able to provide answers for safe and smart disposal and recycling, continually evolving to meet the growing and changing needs of the metro. 
Michael McCoy, executive director, Metro Waste Authority

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What do you consider the biggest opportunity for economic development in Greater Des Moines?

The consideration of a circular economy. Decisions by every individual and organization have a ripple effect on others. If more were to work in a way that keeps materials, products and services in use as long as possible, we can improve economics while also protecting the environment. To demonstrate this, Metro Waste Authority has established programs like construction and demolition recycling, which divert items from the landfill so they can be turned into something new. 
Michael McCoy, executive director, Metro Waste Authority

The Des Moines International Airport terminal project, soccer stadium and the ICON Water Trails project will be game changers for our Des Moines community, benefiting locals and tourists alike. These developments will undoubtedly bolster economic growth, boost the hospitality and tourism sectors, and further solidify Des Moines’ reputation as an up-and-coming, welcoming city. The Weitz Co., along with Turner Construction, is excited to break ground on the new airport terminal project this fall.
Mike Tousley, executive vice president and general manager, Weitz Co. 

Our greatest opportunity is to close the gap in affordable housing. More specifically, if we help people overcome barriers to homeownership, it can lead more people to put down roots, build wealth and achieve long-term financial security here in Iowa. Veridian will stay committed to helping low-income and underserved communities overcome barriers to homeownership.
Renee Christoffer, president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union

The biggest economic development opportunity is the business environment that allows small- to medium-size businesses to grow. The area remains promising because of the support from local leaders, peer groups, and a strong state and local regulatory system in place. 
David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

Support of economic development projects such as ICON Water Trails, USL Pro Iowa and Global Plaza, and other meaningful, community impact projects will continue to drive economic impact, tourism and workforce development in our region. Funds from these projects filter back into the community and can directly impact basic human needs such as housing, job creation, etc. We’re also seeing immense economic development surrounding youth sports complexes throughout the nation. Developers, consumers and investors are focusing on the known economic impact surrounding these complexes that all drive commercial retail, lodging and development to be nearby.  
Kyle Gamble, executive vice president, Hubbell Realty Co. 

Placemaking. People want to be part of something bigger, different. They want a place to gather, a place to recreate, a place to discover, a place to make memories with the people they love. Outdoor recreation in Iowa gives that to you in so many different forms. Catching an up-and-coming band at a concert at Water Works Park that you biked to. Kayaking with the whole family regardless of ability at Easter Lake. Seeing your tweens finally think something is cool when you take them paddle boarding at the West Des Moines boat house. We can quantify and qualify the investment we’ve made in outdoor recreation over the last 10 years in the new businesses along the trails, the increases in hotel visits, the increases in kayak and fishing supply purchases, the number of new residents that buy bikes within their first year of living in Des Moines. What we can’t measure is the improvement in mental health because of access, the increase in physical health because of opportunity, or the increase of quality of life because of all the opportunities we’ve invested in. However, what we do see is outdoor recreation amenities are still the top requested service of most municipalities. 
Hannah Inman, CEO, Great Outdoors Foundation

A return to more consistent in-office work in Greater Des Moines. A thriving downtown depends on thriving suburbs and vice versa, and strong daytime work populations are required to support our area restaurants and small businesses. Return-to-work will spur new businesses to start and help grow our local restaurant scene.  
Adam Kaduce, president, R&R Real Estate Advisors

The biggest opportunity for economic development in Greater Des Moines is in housing. The region is expanding dramatically, and families and young professionals are looking for places to live, grow, and integrate into a community. Many team members at LS2group are young professionals living in and around downtown Des Moines. The demand for new development is clear, especially as we continue to hire new staff who move to the area and need housing after college.
Sarah Lukan, partner, LS2group

The biggest opportunity for Greater Des Moines right now is to further invest in our community to make it a thriving place for future generations. We have a lot of great talent in the region, but some of our young professionals are being recruited away by companies outside of the metro.  We want to keep our talent here and have a robust business climate so that people want to be part of a business serving and supporting Central Iowa. 
Scott Jean, president and CEO, EMC Insurance Cos.

With the recent addition of sports venues like Lauridsen Skatepark, MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex and GrimesPlex, along with the USL Pro Iowa stadium in the pipeline, Greater Des Moines has positioned itself as a Midwest sports mecca, and we are positioning ourselves well regarding capitalizing on the youth and amateur sports boom. 
Greg Edwards, president and CEO, Catch Des Moines 

The biggest opportunity for economic development is focusing on a vibrant downtown. A lot of work has been done and is in progress and is so important to our community. The ability to attract businesses and people downtown along with return-to-work opportunities has a ripple effect that has major impact for the entire region.
David Stark, president and CEO, UnityPoint Health

An abundant and talented workforce is essential for economic development. Welcoming state initiatives and immigration reform should be high on the list of priorities for businesses seeking to grow in the Greater Des Moines region.
Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International

One new initiative Bankers Trust launched earlier this year is a $100,000 investment in homebuyer education programs geared toward Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low- to moderate-income homebuyers over the next five years. Bankers Trust is partnering with affordable housing nonprofits in each of our markets, including HOME Inc. in Central Iowa, Horizons, A Family Service Alliance in Cedar Rapids and Trellis in Phoenix, Ariz., to create and run the programs twice a year.
Don Coffin, CEO and president, Bankers Trust

The biggest opportunity for economic development is about staying laser focused on the following inter-related initiatives: maintaining an affordable cost of living; continuing to position the Greater Des Moines area and the state of Iowa as a leader in renewable energies for growing career opportunities; and continuing our investment in parks and natural resources to attract more people to experience our state’s greatest assets. 
Craig Erickson, business unit director Des Moines, Shive-Hattery

A promising avenue for economic growth lies in transforming our city into a haven for pets and pet lovers alike, with a strong focus on expanding pet-friendly amenities and increasing the availability of pet-inclusive housing. This boosts tourism, lifts local businesses and enhances resident quality of life while driving demand in real estate by attracting a broader range of individuals and families. Pet-friendly initiatives create a vibrant, welcoming community, attracting both local and distant pet owners while strengthening our reputation as a forward-thinking, welcoming city for both two-legged and four-legged residents.
KC Routos, director of development and communications, Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Being in commercial real estate, my focus is on commercial development, and I believe the biggest opportunity centers around east/west MLK Parkway – both the proposed soccer stadium and surrounding commercial development, as well as the Market District south of the East Village. What has occurred in that corridor in the past 10 years has been incredible, and it will vastly improve over the next 10 years and further solidify downtown Des Moines as a place to live.
Bill Wright, managing director, CBRE Inc.

Central Iowa needs a balanced economy that includes adding high-tech industries, stabilizing the banking/insurance industry we have and expansion of local medical services. There will always be local service industries that naturally follow and serve the primary economic industries. 
Daryld Karloff, executive vice president, Baker Group

Redefining what the workplace looks like post-pandemic has been a big challenge, not just for us but for most employers. Getting people back together when possible, even if it’s part time, has a huge ripple effect on the economic landscape around Des Moines. We’ve seen this for both our team’s collaboration and our in-person interactions with clients over the last six months since we made it a priority; there’s something very energizing about being back together, and we have better communication and collaboration because of it. We had a work-from-anywhere policy even before the pandemic, and the main challenge this year has been maintaining that flexibility but also prioritizing in-person interactions. It’s been a while since in-person was the workplace norm, and we’ve found that it’s just like any muscle that’s been sitting for a while, it just takes time to get back to full strength. 
Lindsey LaMair, vice president of strategy, Webspec

We need to continue to invest in our future success. Invest in transportation infrastructure, attractions and attracting a younger population to help our communities grow.
Jason Willis, CEO, Willis Automotive

Workforce housing is our greatest economic opportnity. We started an entry-level homebuilding company, Progressive Builders, to help address this need. More inclusive zoning regulations are needed across the metro to truly meet this opportunity so businesses have access to a greater workforce. 
Jenna Kimberley, vice president, Kimberley Development

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What strategies do you believe are most effective when it comes to recruiting top talent to the region?

Des Moines continues to be a wonderful surprise to people who travel here for work or pleasure. Continuing to tell the Greater Des Moines story worldwide, so that the benefits and highlights of our region aren’t such a secret, will aid in attracting top talent.
Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International

Recruiting top talent to a region requires a combination of strategies that highlight the region’s unique advantages, provide attractive incentives, and create a supportive environment for both personal and professional growth. As a company, we create an environment for retention by promoting diversity and inclusion, elevating continuous education, collaboration, mentorships, trust, giving back and the ability to curate your career path. The right company culture can drive significant business results, attract and retain highly engaged employees, and foster conditions to deliver outstanding client experiences. 
Craig Erickson, business unit director Des Moines, Shive-Hattery

Get them to Des Moines and show them the city. People who have never visited are amazed by our downtown growth, all the housing and vibrant nightlife.  
Doug Roozeboom, office managing partner, RSM US LLP 

It all starts with your company’s brand and reputation. At Palmer Group, we advise candidates to research their potential employer’s reputation before applying for an open role. Companies need to invest in creating a positive workplace culture, and leaders should encourage employees to be engaged in the community and online sharing about their employer. Having a reputation for being a great place to work will draw in talent locally and beyond. 
David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

Having an excellent quality of life. People are looking for more than just a place to work. They are looking for a place to call home.
Stephen King, executive director, Des Moines Arts Festival

An inclusive social and political environment is key. Many industries, including construction, struggle with an aging workforce that doesn’t have enough young people coming into the industry to replace those who are retiring. If we lose the inclusive social and political environment we’ve traditionally enjoyed, we risk alienating those same young people we’re all trying to recruit and retain in our state.
Jenna Kimberley, vice president, Kimberley Development

We believe Iowa grew most of the talent it needs to be successful. Unfortunately, some of this talent moved away at some point in their career. We need to focus on getting that talent to return to Iowa and bring their new friends back with them. 
Daryld Karloff, executive vice president, Baker Group

The community and quality of life within the metro brings people to the area and keeps them here. We’re proud to be located in Des Moines and strive to highlight the benefits of where we live and work. It’s a tight-knit community that comes together for fun, giving back and raising others up. Knowing this, we encourage our team members to join organizations and continue to build lasting relationships. We also find that a strong purpose-driven company culture is extremely valuable in recruiting top talent. Our new and tenured employees always answer the question, “What do you love most about working for Ryan?” the same way: The people. 
Brad Schoenfelder, president, Midwest region, Ryan Cos.

We find that team members who align with our company’s core values create a more collaborative, productive and happier work environment, which translates into more successful project outcomes for our customers and partners. 
Tami Anderson, vice president of strategic marketing, Pigott

It’s important to offer competitive compensation packages that align with industry standards. We also believe in the importance of work/life balance. As a small business, we pride ourselves in creating a family friendly environment with flexible work schedules when needed.
Trent Ainsworth, owner, Beeline and Blue

Greater Des Moines has a powerful and compelling message – a number of friendly and reasonably priced areas to live in, a serious approach to public safety, and an expanding scene for quality dining, entertainment and fun activities. While larger cities and regions may offer greater financial opportunities for some employees, Greater Des Moines should emphasize its outside-the-office strengths to attract top talent.
Sarah Lukan, partner, LS2group

A focus on inclusivity and the development of robust community support is vital for attracting top talent. This not only creates a diverse and appealing environment but also bolsters a supportive business atmosphere through collaboration. Utilizing resources to enhance residents’ quality of life will further strengthen these pillars, solidifying our reputation as a forward-thinking, dynamic region that warmly welcomes both current and future residents.
KC Routos, director of development and communications, Animal Rescue League of Iowa

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In your industry, what is one new trend that other business leaders should be aware of?

The design of a space has an impact. While employees value flexibility, they also recognize the benefits of being together. We’ve found that the top priorities and challenges of today’s workplace culminate into three common themes: well-being, connection and change. These are the main ingredients to create places with purpose.
Tami Anderson, vice president of strategic marketing, Pigott

Access to housing is getting further out of reach for the average worker. There are numerous things at play in this, but the elements we can control involve: inclusive zoning laws, pulling back on city overregulation of aesthetic design standards on homes and each one of us taking a look at our own attitudes to rethink any NIMBYism (not in my backyard) mentality we may have that keeps workforce housing out of many areas of our communities.
Jenna Kimberley, vice president, Kimberley Development

Interest in getting into skilled trades careers is waning. Vehicle development is advancing far beyond the old-fashioned service station, so the needs of our industry will be advancing along with it.
Jason Willis, CEO, Willis Automotive

Ongoing developments in technology continue to create opportunities for how we do business. Wellmark continually explores ways we can capture the power of technology to help our members and customers better navigate the health care system and more easily select and use the benefits they need to improve their health and well-being. We are always looking at new technologies, including virtual care and artificial intelligence, to make accessing health care easier and more affordable. A particular focus area is behavioral and mental health care. As the need for care rises, we are working to create more access and optionality for our members. 
Cory Harris, president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Digital transformation continues to drive groundbreaking advancements. From the financial services perspective, this trend helps us serve our clients faster, better and more accurately. Moving forward, leaders will need high adaptability and clear strategy, focusing on talent upskilling, data analytics, new technology adoption (including artificial intelligence and machine learning), risk management, regulations and purpose. Exceptional leaders will point toward smarter execution and purpose-driven innovation, finding ways technology and data can be deployed to add value and build a true customer-centric experience. 
Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group

We are a specialty contractor living in the facilities marketplace. We help people construct, manage and optimize their facility operations. Decarbonization should be a significant topic of discussion in board rooms. How do we maximize comfort, efficiency and productivity in our buildings and our businesses? There are local experts who can assess your operation and help you chart your path to sustainable decarbonization.  
Daryld Karloff, executive vice president, Baker Group

Full remote work is becoming less popular both with employers and candidates. While there still is a portion of the population that wants full-time remote work, having flexibility is a major requirement for most people, as much as the position/industry allows. At Palmer Group, we’ve also noticed that as the economy continues to change, companies are starting to increase their usage of temporary labor to supplement their full-time staff. 
David Leto, president and CEO, Palmer Group

Privacy laws are getting passed left and right, and they can impact different states and countries differently. If you do business outside of the Des Moines metro and collect information online — even if you think it’s nothing major — ensuring your privacy policies and terms and conditions are so important in making sure you’re in compliance. 
Lindsey LaMair, vice president of strategy, Webspec

UnityPoint Health is embarking on an exciting and innovative collaborative care delivery model as part of our nursing strategy. Our new Collaborative Care Model enables all multidisciplinary inpatient care team members to practice at the top of their scope – leveraging their unique skills, training and strengths. This innovative model is being implemented to improve staff satisfaction, collaboration, communication and clinical outcomes. Although we’re still very early in the implementation process, we’re already seeing an increase in patient rounding, leading to a better experience for those in our care, a decrease in call light usage and team members feeling more informed. 
David Stark, president and CEO, UnityPoint Health

Specifically in Iowa, the passage of new legislation in July of 2022 has opened the door for public entities to use the Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) delivery model. Overall, the CMaR delivery model emphasizes a best-value selection process, transparency, collaboration and risk sharing among project participants. Concurrently, technological advancements in the construction sector continue to enhance safety and efficiency. At Weitz, we’re integrating wearable technology on certain project sites to monitor motion and ergonomics, mitigating potential injuries. This summer, we utilized an autonomous printing robot on our jobsite, capable of performing wall layout directly on the concrete slab.
Mike Tousley, executive vice president and general manager, Weitz Co. 

Like many industries, the financial services industry has experienced a digital migration. We’re still on an upward trajectory in the demand for digital delivery. Something that’s less like other industries is that people also still want the option to walk into a credit union branch and speak face-to-face with a person when they choose to. Veridian will continue investing in both digital and physical infrastructure to be available in every way we’re needed.
Renee Christoffer, president and CEO, Veridian Credit Union

We’ve had a steady decline of new CPA candidates coming out of college. This is a national problem that the industry is trying to address, but there are not easy solutions.
Doug Roozeboom, office managing partner, RSM US LLP

After a few cautious years post-COVID, travel is back with a vengeance. COVID fears are waning, with around 90% of consumers saying they’ll take a domestic vacation in the next 12 months. Gen Z also represents a new emerging demographic, with different preferences than their millennial counterparts. They’re far more likely to travel alone and are the most likely to be influenced by social media, so the key is to find not only the messages but also the platforms that resonate with them.  
Greg Edwards, president and CEO, Catch Des Moines 

In higher education, partnerships are key. We work closely with area businesses in many ways. For example, we just launched a Custom Education program where our faculty deliver tailored educational programs to provide professional development for leaders in business. Also, our departmental advisory councils are made up of professionals from all of the industries that hire graduates from our academic majors. Those professionals provide valuable insights so we can be sure to provide the right talent when our students graduate. 
David Spalding, Raisbeck Endowed Dean, Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University

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Share a fun fact about your business.

Relationships are one of EMC’s values, and that shows in our long-standing partnerships. We have many long agency relationships – one agent contract dates back 90 years to 1932, and 67 agent contracts are older than 70 years.
Scott Jean, president and CEO, EMC Insurance Cos.

While there are many projects Weitz is recognized for building, one of our favorites is “Fox Plaza,” located in Los Angeles. The building has been featured in several major films, but it’s best known as fictional Nakatomi Plaza in the original “Die Hard” movie.
Mike Tousley, executive vice president and general manager, Weitz Co. 

People get rightfully excited when they hear that Des Moines is hosting marquee sporting events like the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Savannah Bananas and Dew Tour, but did you know that the AAU Junior Olympic Games, with their 14,000 athletes spread out over 11 days of competition, represents the biggest event that the region hosts? 
Greg Edwards, president and CEO, Catch Des Moines 

Environmental education is one of Metro Waste Authority’s key priorities, demonstrated through our multifaceted education program. Last year, we took part in 122 education and outreach experiences, and more than 15,000 learners of all ages participated in one of these programs to learn about sustainability, what happens to waste and the impacts of recycling so everyone can participate in the solution. 
Michael McCoy, executive director, Metro Waste Authority

We typically work with designers and staging companies to showcase each home for sale in its best light. Seeing a home staged with furniture and accessories helps prospective buyers visualize themselves living in the home far better than an empty space. We’ve recently brought in-house the capacity to do this virtually, which brings this added benefit to our custom home clients to help during their design decision-making process.
Jenna Kimberley, vice president, Kimberley Development

I am of the age where I have seen a full circle of how technology has changed the real estate business. I entered the business in 1992 as a property research analyst for a small boutique firm called Crowley Mandelbaum. I wrote databases in Microsoft Access and built databases utilizing assessor cards I printed or had sent to me via facsimile from the assessor offices. Today, all of the information I gathered, times a multiple of at least 100, is at your fingertips, and the speed at which commercial real estate agents are expected to deliver results has exponentially increased.
Bill Wright, managing director, CBRE Inc.

Research shows that many of the barriers to living a healthy life are not genetic or medical but often driven by social and economic circumstances. As part of our mission to make health care better, Wellmark is leveraging data to identify ways we can improve the health and well-being of Iowans through partnerships with community-based organizations. By way of example, the Wellmark Foundation has joined the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association in supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to combat the youth mental health crisis. By partnering directly with these clubs across Iowa, we will help provide our youths the tools they need to prepare for a bright future and create a lasting impact across the state.
Cory Harris, president and CEO, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Much like our Central Iowa community, our annual United Way campaign is small but mighty. We consistently lead our industry in giving each year, and we’re proud of the work we’re able to contribute to.
Jason Willis, CEO, Willis Automotive

In 2021, we started an annual internship program where we bring in four students from universities around the state to create their own project team and give them ownership of a nonprofit client for the whole summer. We provide the client with everything from new branding to website design to digital marketing help at no cost. The team gets a chance to work on a really meaningful project that they can add to their portfolio, as well as learn from a mentor in their field throughout the summer. 
Lindsey LaMair, vice president of strategy, Webspec

Iowa State University is tied for the seventh largest number of alumni serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies with eight. We are behind only the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Harvard, Purdue, Boston College and the University of Wisconsin System.
David Spalding, Raisbeck Endowed Dean, Ivy College of Business at Iowa State University

Tero celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023. Here is some fascinating trivia from 1993, the year Tero was founded. Women were not allowed to wear pants on the U.S. Senate floor until 1993 after Sens. Barbara Mikulski and Carol Moseley-Braun staged a protest by wearing pantsuits. Popular Christmas gifts that year: Power Rangers action figures and Beanie Babies. Popular movies were “Cool Runnings,” “Dave,” “Demolition Man,” “Falling Down,” “Free Willy,” “Grumpy Old Men,” “The Pelican Brief,” “Philadelphia,” “Schindler’s List,” “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “The Three Musketeers,” “Tombstone” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”
Rowena Crosbie, president, Tero International

I started at R&R Realty Group as an intern between my junior and senior years at Drake University. I was studying finance and interested in a business that was also connected to the community. That is what led me to commercial real estate – it literally shapes a community with the buildings that are built. I spent the summer doing industry and prospect research, designing and assembling marketing materials, managing the CRM and shadowing brokers. I still know how most of the marketing software works, can run the binding equipment and maneuver the CRM, and on occasion end up giving lessons on those systems from my intern days.
Adam Kaduce, president, R&R Real Estate Advisors

Last summer we introduced Nurse Camp, and it was so popular that this year we offered Nurse Camp 2.0 for those who attended last year. This two-day camp targets seventh and eighth grade students and introduces them to the nursing profession. The campers practice taking vitals, learn about medications, receive training in first aid and CPR, interact with heart and lung models, and more. This is all done in our state-of-the-art Simulation Center, complete with the same medical equipment on which our own team trains. The camp ends with a pinning ceremony. 
David Stark, president and CEO, UnityPoint Health

My personal leadership experience is being highlighted as the protagonist in a Harvard Business School case study. The case describes how as the first Black female factory manager at John Deere, I worked to build stronger bonds with my staff and established credibility while building and nurturing a diverse leadership team.
Rosalind Fox, factory manager, John Deere Des Moines Works 

I have an Australian shepherd named Vickie that I bring in to work with me regularly. The employees enjoy having an “office dog,” and she’s pretty good at greeting the customers as well.
Trent Ainsworth, owner, Beeline and Blue

Artists are accepted into the festival through a blind jury process. That means the jury only sees images of their work, a booth image, associated pricing and the artist statement. No other information is provided. They are invited solely based on the quality of their work. The jurors are also different each year. All of this combined results in a fresh show where approximately 50% or more of the artists were not part of the previous festival.
Stephen King, executive director, Des Moines Arts Festival

Our director of first impressions, Jerri Dahlman, and our former managing partner, Rod Foster, both have been with the firm for over 40 years.
Doug Roozeboom, office managing partner, RSM US LLP 

Did you know that in the beginning, the Great Outdoors Foundation financed projects by selling firewood? We’ve come a long way.
Hannah Inman, CEO, Great Outdoors Foundation

Ryan is a value-driven company. One of Ryan’s core values is stewardship. We encourage our team members to donate their hours back to the community and provide ample opportunities to do so as a collective team. Last year, our Midwest team logged over 2,500 volunteer hours for a variety of organizations and in partnership with the other outstanding companies we work with. Another core value is fun. One of our favorite ways to highlight our Irish culture and have fun is by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, where we are known to have an incredible party and put together a great float for the Des Moines parade.
Brad Schoenfelder, president, Midwest region, Ryan Cos. 

I have an open calendar for 30-minute meetings before 6:30 a.m. for employees and interns. The first 15 minutes is for them to talk about anything they want. I take the last 15 minutes to ask them questions such as “What are you doing to impact the community today?” 
Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO, Principal Financial Group

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Is there anything else that you think the business community would be interested to learn about you or your organization?

Our mission is to foster a world-class employee experience, exceed customer expectations, execute an unmatched profitable and agile manufacturing strategy, while embracing and delivering business-wide innovation. We are very proud and excited to be named as the Best Manufacturing Company by the voters of this great community. We are fortunate to be located in a regional area with access to talent, well-respected educational institutions, various arts, culture and cultural events that make Des Moines an attractive place to live. We also appreciate all of the industries, small and large businesses, that continue to demonstrate high community engagement and commitment to philanthropy that enables our region to continue to thrive.  
Rosalind Fox, factory manager, John Deere Des Moines Works 

The ARL receives no state, federal or United Way funding, and takes seriously the investments of its donors and supporters for the care of the animals. We rely on the generosity of donors and local businesses, which allows us to provide services to pets in need and members of our community. We are also a destination that brings people together through events and celebrations, corporate outings, volunteer opportunities and so much more.
KC Routos, director of development and communications, Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Bankers Trust has been around for 106 years, and we continue to find new ways to partner with our community. One example is our Iowa Artists Collection, which aims to promote and support the arts in Central Iowa. Since creating the collection in 2016, we have purchased 36 pieces of art, and 12 are currently in rotation in our branches. We believe that by supporting the arts, we spark creativity and innovation, create social impact, help strengthen the economy and drive tourism. Customers and community members are welcome to stop by one of our branches and see the collection themselves.
Don Coffin, CEO and president, Bankers Trust

I am an avid runner (slow, but avid) and I love seeing friends and clients drive by honking and waving at me. That’s a great example of how Des Moines maintains some of the best qualities of a small town, and we exhibit “Iowa Nice.” It reminds me that Des Moines is the kind of place where you can have world-class entertainment, culture and dining, and still know your neighbors. Or in my case, get honked at while out running. 
Adam Kaduce, president, R&R Real Estate Advisors

Our guiding principle to “Design What Matters to Make the World a Better Place” is ingrained in our DNA. One project we are particularly proud of this year is Easter Lake Park. The Athene North Shore Recreation Area was conceived and developed with the singular goal – to create the most universally designed, accessible park in the country. Our universal design includes zero-entry ramps to allow people with limited mobility access to the water, a complete inventory of adaptive recreation equipment, extra-wide sidewalks to usher wheelchair users and their families across the shorefront, and a de-escalation room for people with sensory input disorder. A grand opening is planned for spring 2024. 
Craig Erickson, business unit director Des Moines, Shive-Hattery