Episode 186
The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development with Stacie LoVan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership
August 18th, 2025
24 mins 7 secs
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About this Episode
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, about the transformative power of collaboration in economic development. Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration.
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10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers
- Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another.
- Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated.
- Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention.
- Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives.
- Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability.
- Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts.
- Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives.
- Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally.
- Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
- Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere.