Grinnell Team Joins Greater Des Moines Partnership for Annual DMDC Trip

Several representatives from Grinnell College and community organizations joined the Greater Des Moines Partnership for their annual “DMDC” trip May 8-10. This annual event unites regional leaders for networking and learning opportunities, facilitating connections with Iowa’s congressional delegation, the administration, and their staffs, while presenting economic development priorities as a cohesive group. 

Nearly 200 attendees participated in the 2024 trip, representing the region’s businesses, governmental agencies, educational institutions, and non-profits. This year’s Grinnell team included Grinnell College President, Anne F. Harris, Chad Nath, CEO, Ahrens Park Foundation, Rachael Kinnick President, Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, Gracie Brandsgard ’14 Director of Government, Law, and Policy Career Community, Office of Career, Life and Services, Grinnell College, and Sarah Smith Director of Outreach Programming and Events, Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research, Grinnell College. 

President Harris had the opportunity to address the entire group and attending legislative staff during the Congressional Leadership Luncheon, where she shared insights about Grinnell College’s role as a global college, in a rural setting, with a national voice. She highlighted that Grinnell students represent nearly all 50 states and 67 countries and that the College - recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #11 Best Liberal Arts College in the nation - offers a “no loan” financial aid policy for all students making it possible to graduate without student loan debt. She also championed the partnerships between the college and the Grinnell community and what we have been able to achieve together. President Harris invited representatives from across the region to consider Grinnell as a place to ‘Meet in the Middle’ and experience all the college and community have to offer. 

Rachael Kinnick expressed her enthusiasm about the trip, stating, “This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to join with other leaders in Grinnell and the Des Moines area to showcase the strengths and potential of our region. It's a privilege to highlight Grinnell's contributions and to foster connections that can drive our community forward." 

Gracie Brandsgard '14 emphasized the value of the connections made during the trip. "Being able to engage with a diverse group of professionals and policymakers is incredibly beneficial," she noted. "These interactions open doors for our students and help us build a network that supports their growth and success." 

Chad Nath emphasized the importance of these trips for the improvement of the community. "Participating in the DMDC trip allows us to enhance the dissemination of our message regarding the region’s potential," Nath expressed. "It presents a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with fellow changemakers to unify our initiatives that bring benefits to our communities." 

Sarah Smith voiced the trip’s role in fostering collaboration and connection.  “Engaging with regional leaders and the federal delegations and their staff in Washington, DC helps us to bring new perspectives and ideas back to our community.” Smith noted. “It is an opportunity to strengthen our networks and enhance the initiatives that benefit Grinnell and the wider region.”  

The trip concluded with participants leaving with future collaboration opportunities with leaders, the Iowa Delegation, and their staff.  As the region continues to thrive, Grinnell College stands poised to play a thoughtful and pivotal role in the area’s ongoing success.