Leaders from across Central Iowa are planning their annual advocacy trek to Washington, D.C. for DM/DC 2010 as the trip is called this year.  The trip is June 9^th through June 11^th.  It will be the 31^st year that the Greater Des Moines Partnership in conjunction with metro chambers has sponsored a lobbying trip to support a variety of agendas important to the Greater Des Moines area.  These include: Healthcare, Energy, Financial Markets, Education, Immigration, Tax, Trade Transportation, Economic Development and Strong Communities.

Last year, 173 business, civic and community leaders joined the Partnership in this trip to lobby Congress and the administration for support for projects and policies important to the vitality and economic growth of Central Iowa.  This lobbying group is the largest group from Iowa to visit the Capitol.

There are many benefits to participating in this trip. Networking with other local business and civic leaders, meeting members of our congressional delegation, and listening to informative breakout sessions are just a few of them.  This is all done in our Nation's capitol where you have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and significance of Washington D.C.  This year there will also be an evening at Georgetown Harbour hosted by the regional affiliates.

As a member of the Greater Des Moines Partnership contingent, we are making a statement of unity and one voice for Metro area projects and issues to our Senators and Representatives. As West Des Moines Chamber members, we attend in support of our city and community and the specific WDM projects we are looking for our DC reps to possibly fund. Congressional members from Iowa will be there to address meal-time sessions and lead discussion panels. Workshops and meetings address focus topics and allow opportunities for debate and advocacy.